Stevie Wonder has just re-released Stevie Wonder: The Definitive Collection in an updated two-record vinyl collection. This new edition, set to be released on December 6, will be the first time the collection is available on vinyl as a 2LP set. It will feature his best-selling hits and is part of a celebration of his career and influence on the industry. This, to me, is an important event.
The double album kicks off with his top-of-charts live 1963 hit, “Fingertips – Pt. 2,” and continues through Wonder’s career, including “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” “For Once in My Life,” “My Cherie Amour,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “Part Time Lover,” and more.
Born blind, Wonder became a musical prodigy at a young age. Signed to Motown, he achieved early success with hits like “Fingertips (Part 2)”. His career soared in the 1970s with groundbreaking albums like Music of My Mind and Songs in the Key of Life. His music, often socially conscious and infused with funk and soul, has influenced countless artists.
He has won a total of 25 Grammys and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His wins include several for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Best R&B Vocal Performance, and Album of the Year, among others. His music has been covered by the greats – Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Elton John, Ray Charles, and many more.
The Definitive Collection by Stevie Wonder was originally released in 2002. The album features 21 tracks (29 on Spotify) recorded over a span of 22 years and captures his evolution from a young prodigy to a legendary artist, making it a valuable collection for both casual listeners and dedicated fans.
Stevie Wonder’s music is timeless and this album demonstrates why – all of the songs are as enjoyable today as they were decades ago. For those who may be only casually familiar with Wonder’s music, the album is a great overview of his contribution to the songs that are top of the charts today.
Given Wonder’s vast catalog, it’s inevitable that fans may be disappointed that some beloved tracks may be missing. But the editors – or Wonder himself – have chosen a very strong and representative collection of his most impactful works. It is a great reminder of Stevie Wonder’s brilliance as a musician and his contribution to us all: timeless music for our time.
Stevie Wonder: The Definitive Collection will be available Dec. 6 at https://shop.urbanlegends.com/
