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Stevie Wonder - Natural Wonder Audio CD

A fair review of the Stevie Wonder "Natural Wonder" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Stevie Wonder reviews here, or go back to the Stevie Wonder tabs.

Stevie Wonder Band: Stevie Wonder
Title: Natural Wonder
Rating:
Release Date: 1995-11-21
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Dancing to the Rhythm 2: Love's in Need of Love Today 3: Master Blaster (Jammin') 4: Stevie Ray Blues 5: Higher Ground 6: Rocket Love 7: Stay Gold 8: Ribbon in the Sky 9: Pastime Paradise 10: If It's Magic 11: Ms. & Mr. Little Ones 12: Village Ghetto Land 13: Tomorrow Robins Will Sing 14: Overjoyed 15: My Cherie Amour 16: Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours 17: Living for the City 18: Sir Duke 19: I Wish 20: You Are the Sunshine of My Life [Live] 21: Superstition 22: I Just Called to Say I Love You 23: For Your Love 24: Another Star

STEVIE WONDER IS A GENIUS!!!
Steve Wonder and a full orchestra: How can this not be good?

One of the best live recordings ever!!! From the first track to the last, Stevie proves that he is "The Musical Genius of Our Time". . No if, ands, or buts!!!!

Every time I listen to this CD I find something new. . . . That I like!!!

A definite must for any serious music lover.

-Film Director J. L. Botelho
Triad Pictures .


Curse the 90s and their blasted synths
I've rarely seen a songwriter with as extensive a songbook as his. Stevie Wonder is one of the most talented artists of all time. Throughout the 70s his touring band was considered one of the best in the business because of its talent and sheer funkiness. Unfortunately, Stevie fell into the same trap many an artist did starting in the late 80s and throughout most of the 90s - he figured that synths were advanced enough to replace his once vaunted horn section.

He was wrong.

As a result, this live recording sounds a bit hollow and dated. And I don't mean dated in a "well, it's My Cherie Amore, it's SUPPOSED to be old" sort of way. I mean dated in a "Arsenio Hall Show house band" sort of way. I knew this was recorded in the mid-90s even before I checked the liner notes.

For people who don't notice those sort of things, or who do and don't care or even prefer the synth sound, they won't take issue with this live recording. For those of us who fondly remember his old school performances when he had a four piece horn section, you'll be slightly disappointed. To be sure, it's not TERRIBLE, but the prominence of the 90s instrumentation is a bit distracting, especially on songs that rely on groove and grittiness, like Superstition and I Wish.

But don't take my word for it. To get at what I'm talking about, go to YouTube and look up Stevie Wonder Sesame Street (it'll make sense once you're there). Listen to the version of Superstition that pops up and compare it to the version on this album to get a sense of contrast.

While you're at it, listen to all of the previews. Do you hear a perfectly competent horn section in each of the songs? If yes, then proceed to check out and enjoy your purchase. If no, then listen again and consider carefully before truly deciding.

I'm happy to report, however, that there is not a synthesized horn section to be found on his 2008 live tour. It's easily his best touring band in 30 years. And it's a magical experience because of it.
.


No wonder in Natural Wonder
His natural talent is beyond recognition. It would be futile to disagree in what we all know: Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians American music has given to the world. He is a true musician. Performer, composer, arranger and producer all in one. Nevertheless this particular work which portraits two concerts (maybe too big of a places) falls somehow short from what I was expecting and mostly due to a weak performance by the musicians chosen to support Stevie Wonder. He outplays his crew by far. But his talent and energy doesn't cover the lack of fire in his band. It's a wasted opportunity. Who knows when Stevie will record live again. Althought I believe an unplugged record with a smaller group of musicians could work exceptionally well for this remarkable artist and recreate in a new dimension many of his original compositions. .


SUPER WONDER
Lo voy a decir en pocas palabras que entenderá cualquiera que hable español: no es una broma, Wonder es el músico negro con más "visión" en las últimas décadas y no tener este álbum en vivo es privarse de un trabajo impecable.


SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GRAMMY-WINNING SMASH!!
It's the first and only live album of his adult
career, and it is simply awesome. Why this album wasn't a major, major hit for Stevie Wonder just
mystifies me. This is absolutely one of the
best live performances I've ever heard, right up there with "Judy
At Carnegie Hall", "Band Of Gypsies" by Jimi Hendrix, the
"Woodstock" soundtrack and any number of live recordings by
Joni Mitchell, the Stones, Aretha, Ella, James Brown, Bob
Seger, ANYBODY. Stevie's pipes are in amazing shape and his
performance is positively exuberant. Someone who has been
around as long as he has could have easily just gone through
the motions and still delivered a good show. But Big Little
Stevie gives his all and then some to the point where you wonder
how he does it! Not really a "Live Greatest Hits", this is
more a "History Of Stevie". Many of his biggest hits are here,
especially on the second CD, but so are some album faves and
lesser known gems. All are delivered with passion and buckets
of soul. The opening 1-2 punch of "Dancing To The Rhythm" and
"Love's In Need Of Love" will leave you breathless. It really
is that great. And the addition of the strings to an already
fine band is the icing on the cake. If you like Stevie you will
LOVE LOVE LOVE this CD!!!.


You can see a complete list of all Stevie Wonder discography, or go back to the Stevie Wonder tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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