Story Telling and Social Commentary through Music for the Soul.

One of the most definitive soul albums ever composed and recorded is Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the key of life".

Mid seventies found the world twirling with social changes. There was still total apartheid in South Africa. The US had seen great changes from the late sixties to early seventies with artists like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Marvin Gay, The Jacksons five to name a few. 

But there were still enormous social problems and racism in the US.

But it was not until Stevie Wonder gave the world "Songs in the key of life" that we were given a double album that spoke out regarding social changes and told stories. From just simple stories to tackling the most  challenging subjects and problems the world had and still has.

It was released in 1976. Stevie Wonder had build up a massive musical reputation by 1975 and due to this was able to use all his musical talents with no restrictions in anything. He used the most talented musicians, writers and producers. The album cost 30 million dollars to make and the studio head was quoted in saying that he was near total collapse until the first time he listened to the album, he then could not believe it only cost him 30mil.   

When you listen to this incredible album what is most interesting is that you don't listen to a black artist making social commentary about a white world. Instead you listen to a world citizen that could be any colour. He is able to write as easy about his baby as he is about hunger and social inequality. 

One of the musicians that worked with Stevie made the observation that when working with Stevie Wonder there is no colour when it comes to people, that's partly because he can't see colour. But that is way too simplistic.

Miles Davis describes it as "the people that have it" whatever "It" is. It's hard to describe what he said, But I know what he means, I have met people that have "It" and when you do, everything makes sense around these people and why they are what they are and do what they do.   

When a reporter asked Stevie Wonder about his writing and how he could write so well about things he was  not able to see he said to this reporter.

"What I feel from you is what I see, What I see in you is what I feel"

That's probably as deep as one could be with a reporter and it speaks volumes about how Stevie Wonder approaches people and life in general.

He was also asked why he made a double album and not use the songs over two or even three albums. He said

"There was a lot that I wanted to say and there was a lot that needed to be said and Music does not belong to any particular person" 

If you ever have time, down load this album and listen to it from start to finish. You will know most songs. But you will also discover new songs and some of the finer details in some songs are very interesting and surprising. 

What I can guarantee you is that you will discover that through music we can bring on social changes and give awareness to things that can so easily be swept under the carpet. Take some time and do yourself a favour.