If ever there were an artist who one could claim was the #1 pop singer of his era, it would be Stevie Wonder.
I vividly remember a scene from my late teenage years, sitting in a restaurant with friends, eating lunch. One by one we chose a song on the juke box to listen to. And each choice said a little bit about us. The biggest knock-out, explosive response was when someone cued up "You Are The Sunshine of My Life". Not only does it capture the delicious, freed exuberance of youth, but everyone catches onto the doorknob and enters.
Sheer genius is involved in writing and singing such pop. Not only is the song excellent, but it threads the needle of popularity, finding the perfect sweet spot that speaks to the greatest number of listeners.
Take another example: "Higher Ground". The bouncy funk was revolutionary in its appeal across musical tastes. But why did it have such broad magnetism? The Internal geometry. This is what makes some songwriters giants; and incidentally, what becomes the giveaway for 'throwaway' genres that are living off hype and little else (punchy rhythm and bass, snappy lyrics and you've got Rap; add a pleasing architecture and you've got greatness).
Each band or performer is graded on four things:
1. Innovation
2. Influence in my life--as a typical American
3. Integrity: the band's approach to music (just making a buck or honing a craft?)
4. Immortality--am I, a typical American--still eager to hear their music
8/7//6/6 = 27 out of a perfect 40
1. Innovation
2. Influence in my life--as a typical American
3. Integrity: the band's approach to music (just making a buck or honing a craft?)
4. Immortality--am I, a typical American--still eager to hear their music
8/7//6/6 = 27 out of a perfect 40
....................................
C'est Vrai: Wonder played all the instruments you hear on "Higher Ground", not to mention writing the words.
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