As Good As It Gets!

The title of this one really says it all: The DEFINITIVE Collection. And since there has been a number of Wonder compilations issued thru the years, that truly is a bold yet worthwile statement. One must accept the fact that there'll probably never be a perfectly flawless disc(s) of this sort featuring Stevie's very best music - that would take more than 2 CD's and, inevitably, always include the dreaded "I Just Called To Say I Love You". So this, honestly, is as good as it'll ever get.

I've wracked my brain since I got this collection earlier this year and can only come up with two songs I find amiss from it; "Until You Come Back To Me" (in my opinion, superior to Aretha's later hit version of it) and the mighty "Superwoman" - three if you count the 1982 Top 5 U.S. hit "That Girl", which isn't very good although it was a big hit. The European origins of this collection might explain That Girl's exclusion from it though.

That said, if you happen to be looking for some of the best Pop/Soul music of the '60s and '70s (before disco and, in Stevie's case, sickenly sentimental smothness came along and ruined everything), a lot of it is right here. Enjoy.

Hard to Capture Stevie's Genius on One disc

but this set is actually a Solid Overview of One of the Greatest Creative Forces the Music World has Ever Heard.this Set traces His Career from the 60's through the 90's.you see the Diversity in his creative Process.you hear the Musical Growth of His work over time which is the path that leads to Greatness.a Must have especially if you are new to Stevie's Work.

The best Stevie Wonder collection

It is easy to be confused by Stevie Wonder compilations. In the nineties, a double CD was released in America titled Song review, while a single CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. More recently, a single CD was released in America titled Definitive collection, so (conversely) a double CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. This British double CD is much better than the earlier American double CD titled Song review, which had fewer tracks and missed out some important songs. Indeed, this is the best compilation of Stevie's music that I've seen. Even on two CD's, it is not possible to include every Stevie Wonder recording worth hearing, but all the big hits in Britain and America are here.



You probably have your own favorites. I particularly like You are the sunshine of my life, For once in my life, Yester-me yester-you yesterday, Living for the city, I just called to say I love you, Sir Duke, A place in the sun, Lately and Happy birthday. Other classics (also excellent) include Superstition, I wish, Isn't she lovely, Ebony and ivory (with Paul McCartney), Never had a dream come true, Uptight and so many others.



If you only want one collection of Stevie Wonder music, this is by far the best. If you want to build a collection of his music, this is a great starting point.