Do you remember what you accomplished at the age of 18 waveriders? When I think back, I’m not coming up with much. I started college which is certainly not nothing, but I wasn’t studying to cure cancer. To be honest, I didn’t have to do a whole lot of studying my first year of college. Do you know what I was not doing my friends? I wasn’t writing songs that would wind up on the Hot 100 charts. Wanna know who accomplished that feat? Stevie Wonder, that’s who.
To be clear, I’ve listened to Stevie Wonder songs since I was a young child. My parents did not have any Stevie Wonder records but I listened to a metric ton of my local ‘oldies’ radio station, who of course played unhealthy amounts of Motown hits every day. Naturally their playlists contained multiple Stevie Wonder songs, and I fondly recall enjoying the music coming through the speakers in my bedroom. So obviously, based off my enjoyment as soon as I had disposable income I ran out and bought some Stevie Wonder albums right? Right?!? Well no.
I bought a copy of Talking Book a long time ago. Long enough that I can’t put a date on it, but definitely close to when I was 18. Talking Book is great! I like it a lot! And that was the only Stevie Wonder album I purchased until a couple of weeks ago. There is not a good reason for that. Every time I revisited the album over the years I would ask myself why I hadn’t purchased more of Stevie Wonder’s catalogue? Again, no good reason. Thankfully, that inner monologue was still in effect when I came across a CD copy of For Once In My Life in the clearance section of my local Half Price Books (a store that sells used books, cds, vinyl, etc.).
For Once In My Life was Stevie Wonder’s tenth studio album. It was the second album he released in 1968. I know in the present day it’s hard to imagine that releasing ten studio albums by the age of 18 is some kind of impressive feat, but this was 1968 we’re talking about! Spotify and Bandcamp did not exist. The lawsuit against Napster was just picking up steam! Alright, so that last bit was a joke but I’m sure you get my point. Releasing that many albums before reaching the age of majority was highly irregular. That said, I’m reading your thoughts waveriders. Yeah, releasing albums as a kid is impressive and all, but is the music any good? Short answer? Yes.
If you like the Motown sound of the 1960s, For Once In My Life is filled to the brim with songs that will make you smile uncontrollably. This is R&B, soul, and pop music fused into a delectable concoction. Four songs off this album, the title track, “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day”, “I Don’t Know Why”, and “You Met Your Match” charted on the Hot 100. Honestly, when I listen to this album I’m shocked that there weren’t more successful singles issued. “I’d Be A Fool Right Now”, “I’m More Than Happy (I’m Satisfied)”, “Sunny”, “Ain’t No Lovin’” are all fantastic!
Waveriders, I’m asking all of you to follow me down this particular rabbit hole and listen to some timeless music. We all need a break from our beloved walls of distortion now and again. Let’s take a moment or two to appreciate the incredible output of (at the time) a very young Stevie Wonder and his superb album For Once In My Life! Now to contemplate the advice I would give to my 18 year old self if given the opportunity…
-Penfold
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