In 1972 Stevie Wonder had truly revealed his classic sound and produced, arranged and wrote his glorious album Talking Book. This soulful mix of funk was a crossover hit making it huge on both the RnB and pop charts.
Today, that may seem like a small feat, but 40 years ago it was groundbreaking.
Macy Gray, who rates Talking Book as one of her favourite albums, has delivered this release as a love letter to Stevie Wonder and all that his music has done for her life in an album-length cover of the 1972 original.
One of the most well-known tracks from the Wonder record, “Superstition”, is rejigged and is slowed down considerably with haunting and echoing vocals that make it almost spooky.
Just as in the original versions of the songs with Wonder and Deniece Williams on vocals, the singing throughout this tribute is ably performed by Gray, Honey LaRochelle and Traci Nelson.
“I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)” demonstrates the time and energy expended on the vocal arrangements and the gospel tinged exquisiteness laid down.
Classic is the only way to describe “Sunshine Of My Life” and the delicate rasping vocal of Gray and the honey soaked backing vocals mixed with the Moog take it right to your heart.
Macy Gray and her Sex Fiends reimagine this album with love. For the uninitiated this will be a beautiful journey of discovery of some of the best of Stevie Wonder and for the experienced you will find the same glow that you had from the original.
This may have been a present for Mr. Wonder but it is one we all get to have a piece of and enjoy.
