The Wonder Of Stevie Lives On

Stevie Wonder is, undoubtedly, a musical genius. This has nothing to do with his disability (although it admittedly makes his talent even more awe-inspiring) but with the manner in which his music has evolved and continue to inspire through the years.

Admittedly, "Greatest Hits" compilations are common these days - an easy way for the artist and record company to make a few easy bucks with minimal effort. This collection, however, transcends the greatest hits genre, in that it truly is a review of his songs - the hits and those which received minimal if any airplay yet are masterpieces in their own right. Yet, even more interestingly, it follows Wonder's career and infinite ability to fine-tune his considerable talent to accommodate various popular styles. You may not think yourself familiar with his career, but his songs and influences are so much a part of popular culture as to have been ingrained in our collective subconscious. Picture this: you're in an elevator, and suddenly hear a muzak version of a song you used to know. You're instantly transported to that era of your life. You can't help but begin to tap your toe to the beat, or even hum along. Chances are that you are blissfully unaware of your physical reaction, but it's there, and it's undeniable. You may not even be able to name the song or the artist, but you ~know~ nonetheless.

Only once in a great many years does a songwriter or musician touch the hearts and souls of so many. Such great musical talent is so rare as to be one of the ties that bind a generation. You hear an old tune and, for those few moments, your life is enriched, your heart is filled with joy and, yes, even wonder. That's the magic of Stevie Wonder.

If you have only one rhythm and blues compilation in your collection, this should definitely be the one you purchase. You'll find yourself remembering pleasant days long gone, and may even find yourself smiling for no particular reason. And isn't that alone worth the cost of the CD?