Classic Albums - Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life Review

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(More customer reviews)...and a fine one, at that. Some previous reviewers seem to have been confused about what they were buying, expecting straightforward presentations of the songs from this landmark album, then being disappointed when there were none. This is, simply, a re-packaged television show ABOUT the album, part of an excellent series from the UK called Classic Albums. As such, it's extremely well done, with lots of commentary from Steve himself, along with nearly everyone else involved in the production of the album. There are actually a couple of in-the-studio performances by the re-assembled band from the original sessions, and they're great fun, but this is NOT a concert album. It's a fascinating companion to the music, but it's certainly not intended to be a substitute for buying the CD if you don't already own it.
If you do already own and love the CD, and have any interest at all in how such remarkable works of art come into being, then buy this DVD right away.

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Taking more than two years from conception to release, Stevie Wonder's classic 1976 double album, Songs in the Key of Life, is now generally considered his finest creative hour in an enduring, influential career of nearly four decades. Songs in the Key of Life is also regarded by many music fans as one of the outstanding albums to appear in that entire timespan.
Released in October 1976, Songs in the Key of Life entered the U.S. Billboard album chart at No.1 and remained there for 14weeks, topping off a 44-week chart residency in the Top40.Its success amply rewarded Motown Records' earlier $13million investment in Wonder when it had re-signed him to the label.The deal was the largest in recording history at the time.
Songs in the Key of Life also reached No.2 in the U.K., remaining on the charts for over a year, and was a worldwide best seller.Two singles from the album, "I Wish" and "Sir Duke" (the latter dedicated to the great jazz legend Duke Ellington), both reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot100 and were also U.K. Top10 hits.
This outstanding chart success was consolidated when Steve Wonder wonAlbum of the Year at the 1976 Grammy Awards.He was also named Producer of the Year and won the Best Male Vocal Performance category.
The remarkable story behind Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life project is told here.Stevie himself reminisces about the inspiration for the album, and there are also contributions from Motown founder (and Wonder father figure) Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and lyricist Gary Byrd, among many others.In addition, there is a unique reunion of the musicians who played on the original album sessions.

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