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

For Once In My LifeStevie Wonder

For Once In My Life

This is a signature work by the American genius Stevie Wonder, who captured the joy of being needed by someone for the first time in life with an effervescent sound.

Originally a gentle ballad, it was boldly rearranged into a vibrant Motown sound at the suggestion of a young Stevie, who wanted to “embody joy.” The lyrics celebrate the rising self-esteem and happiness that come with finding a loved one, and the melody alone lifts your spirits—both are striking features of this piece.

Released as a single in October 1968, it reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts, and the album of the same name, For Once in My Life, remains an enduring classic.

As its symbolic use in the TV drama Glee shows, this song gives you a warm push forward when you’re taking a new step.

Do I DoStevie Wonder

Do I Do

This is a track from Musiquarium.

The song’s structure is superb, and it has a great sense of drive.

One of the highlights is the guest solo by the legendary trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

It’s a piece that conveys Stevie’s grand scale.

Although time has passed since its release, it never feels dated whenever you listen to it, and I believe it will continue to be heard for years to come.

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a ThingStevie Wonder

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing

A medium-tempo number with a salsa-inspired arrangement.

It has a somewhat wistful feel and comes across like a love ballad, but the song—released in Japan under the title “Don’t Worry”—appears on the album Innervisions.

When that album came out, America was in a time of turmoil with the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, and the track carries a positive, peace-loving message that is very characteristic of Stevie.

You haven’t done nothin’Stevie Wonder

You Haven’t Done Nothin’

This is a track where the clavinet really stands out.

The horn section is exquisite too.

The finesse of the horn arrangement is another reason Stevie is a genius.

Partway through, the Jackson 5 join in on backing vocals, and the song reaches a fever-pitch climax as it heads into the ending.

If You really love meStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – If You Really Love Me (The Definitive Collection, 2002)

This is a track from the 1971 album “Where I’m Coming From.” The energy of youth bursts forth—it’s great, almost dazzling.

It’s a number that conveys tremendous momentum.

Although it’s from a period when Stevie was still searching for his own path, you can catch glimpses of the breakthrough to come.

Syreeta Wright’s chorus is overflowing with vitality and is really wonderful.

That GirlStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – That Girl

It’s a bittersweet breakup song about a man who can’t let go of his feelings even as the woman he loved drifts away.

This song was also used in a TDK commercial.

I figured it was guaranteed to sell the moment they brought in Stevie for a music-related product, and the ad’s tagline was wonderful too.

For Your LoveStevie Wonder

For your love – Stevie wonder

This song is the long-lost theme song for the World City Expo that was scheduled to be held in Odaiba in 1996.

It was released the previous year, and it seems it was also used for the “Stevie Fund,” a foundation for the reconstruction efforts after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

His increasingly mature vocals make it a soothing love ballad.