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

True to Your Heart – MulanStevie Wonder

True to Your Heart – Mulan

The theme song from the 1998 film Mulan.

Since it featured a collaboration between the hugely popular 98 Degrees at the time and the legendary Stevie Wonder, fans had high expectations—and it absolutely delivered.

Stevie’s powerful harmonica feels great and the song has a distinctly bright, poppy vibe.

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.

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.

Dear DukeStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – Sir Duke

This is a piece Stevie Wonder created in memory of the late Duke Ellington, and the lyrics mention many jazz musicians.

With its catchy, upbeat, poppy rhythm, it’s sure to be a hit at karaoke.

There’s a section in the middle where the pitch is tricky, so be careful when you sing it.

Sir DukeStevie Wonder

Sir Duke

This is a vibrant tribute piece dedicated to a legendary jazz master.

Its bright, energetic sonic scope and cross-genre freedom of expression make it a captivating track.

Included on the album “Songs in the Key of Life,” it reached No.

1 in the United States as a standalone single in March 1977.

Rooted in funk and soul while skillfully incorporating jazz elements, its dazzling brass section leaves a strong impression.

This work has long been a staple in wind ensemble repertory.

It’s a perfect choice for school band performances looking to fire up a cultural festival stage, delivering the joy and fun of music straight to the audience in a truly outstanding song.

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.