[For Beginners] Songs in the Key of Love: A Collection of Stevie Wonder’s Masterpieces

I WishStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – I wish

A funky number with a groovin’ saxophone sound.

Lady Gaga sang it powerfully at a tribute concert, and it seems she, too, was influenced by Stevie Wonder from a young age.

Will Smith’s arrangement was cool and added great flavor, and I felt that Stevie’s songs possess something absolute and unchanging that can shine in any era and in any way depending on the performer.

I think I now understand why people never stop covering his music.

Outside My WindowStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – Outside my window

This song is included on the album The Secret Life, Stevie Wonder’s first film soundtrack, released in 1979.

While most of the tracks on the album are instrumental pieces incorporating elements of classical, jazz, and world music, this song features his vocals.

From the “la la la” in the intro, it leaves a striking impression and feels quintessentially Stevie.

Pastime ParadiseStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder-Pastime Paradise

This song from Stevie Wonder’s 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life was not released as a single in his own discography, but it was covered by Coolio and L.V.

as “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1995, reaching No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

Stevie’s original features a distinctive rhythm and melody, leaving a strong impression that feels like a genre unto itself.

Ebony And IvoryStevie Wonder, Paul McCartney

Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder

This song was born in 1982 from a miraculous collaboration between two geniuses, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.

The title represents “the black and white keys of the piano,” and just as those keys create a single harmony, it signifies harmony between white and Black people—in other words, among all humanity.

It is a highly message-driven piece, and it resonated around the world.

Golden LadyStevie Wonder

Golden Lady

A song included on the album Innervisions, released in 1973.

It’s a beautiful ballad that continues to be covered even today.

Personally, I find the conga sound—intertwining with the other instruments—particularly striking.

The keyboard solo that appears partway through passes the baton to the vocals so naturally.

It all builds up with a key change toward the end and finishes with a fade-out, and that progression is just irresistible.

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Another StarStevie Wonder

Another Star

A track that sings of boundless devotion to a loved one.

It was released as a single in 1977.

It was used as the BBC’s theme song during coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and it was sampled in House Republic’s 2012 track of the same name.

Bird Of BeautyStevie Wonder

Bird Of Beauty

This song, included on the 1974 Grammy-winning album “Fulfillingness’ First Finale,” is one of the Latin numbers inspired by Brazilian music.

To borrow a phrase from Stevie Wonder’s biography “A Legend of a Genius,” it’s exactly the image of “Samba Funk.” It’s a celebrated piece that delights with a certain sense of happiness and a relaxed vibe.