Talking Book
4.8 | 1,518 ratings
Price: 27.98
Last update: 01-16-2026
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Language : English
- Product Dimensions : 12 x 12.6 x 1 inches; 8 ounces
- Manufacturer : Motown Records
- Item model number : 2552901
- Original Release Date : 2016
- Date First Available : September 7, 2016
- Label : Motown Records
- ASIN : B01LQDMUDY
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank:#3,411 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- Motown (CDs & Vinyl)
- Customer Reviews:4.84.8 out of 5 stars(1,518)
Top reviews from the United States
- Shining StarQuite Possibly His Most Important AlbumTALKING BOOK truly built upon the momentum created by the previous release in the same year, MUSIC OF MY MIND and quite possibly may be Stevie's most important release. It was with this album that Wonder truly flexed his creative muscles fresh off of his victory in obtaining his creative freedom. It was with this album that he would go on a nationwide tour with The Rolling Stones and showcase his truly otherworldy talents and began to display how truly unique and ahead of the game he was. It was this singular piece of work that would inspire countless young singers, songwriters & multitalented musicians to begin to write, record and produce music that had their message behind their own melody.
The year this album was released, 1972, was a time of dramatic changes and ongoing conflict. Vietnam was in full swing although the U.S. involvement would end 2 years later and the old racial prejudices were still at the forefront of the thinking of that day. Out of this turmoil came Stevie whose songs and active involvement with many of the movements of that day would not only speak to people of African descent but to all people about injustice, equality, love and vision. This is the album Steveland Morris had been dreaming of making for years while struggling for self expression at Motown in the 1960's.
Stevie always knew he could make such a watershed LP if only given the chance to do so. He and Marvin Gaye in particular saw the freedom that other acts were receiving in the 60's and both craved a chance to show that they were more than up to the task of not only matching but surpassing what was being released during that period if given the chance. This album, more than even "Music Of My Mind", was a testament to that belief. Stevie himself stated that he felt this ablum had stronger overall songs than even the Masterpiece which was soon to follow, 1973's INNERVISIONS.
With this album especially, Stevie would begin to change how songs were recorded and how technology, both new and old could be used to forward that change. He had long since played most, if not all, the instruments on his albums, but the level he achieved in both musicianship and songwriting on this album were truly beyond what he'd accomplished before and that's saying something! Of the other great musicians an singers who contributed to the record, he truly had an all star cast with Ray Parker Jr., Jeff Beck, Denise Williams, David Sanborn, amongnst others.
He truly began to set a very high standard that was marveled at even by his contemporaries and the way he went about producing music truly began to influence the industry across the board. "You are the Sunshine of My Life" & "Superstition" where the 2 biggest hits and displayed how varied his songwriting skills were. From a love ballad, one of his best, that poured out love and devotion is such a gorgeous way, to a masterful, hard driving, funk filled jam whose lyrical content and play on words was masterful and immediatley grabs your attention.
However, my personal favorites are "Big Brother" which is lyrical poetry & social dynamite as only Stevie can do it, "You and I" which is the best ballad on the album and has his strongest vocals & "You Got It Bad Girl" which is a haunting song co-written by his wife's sister, Yvonne. The versitility of his writing really shows on this album like no other up to that point.
This is a wonderful LP and if "Music of My Mind" was the beginning of his "classical" period as I believe it is, then this album was the solidifying point of his adult career. It has stood the test of time and is a wonderful display of what determination and talent are all about. This album is the blue print for the next next 3 albums which were about to take him to places musically and socially that a precious few have ever seen. - M SaundersTalking Book: Delivering On The PromiseAll great artists have those points in their careers when they shed the cloak of potential for the full length garment of greatness. Those who followed Stevie Wonder's career closely knew that with the release of his two previous albums, "Where I'm Coming From" and "Music of My Mind" that Stevie Wonder was getting closer to wearing the full length garment of his greatness. With the opening chords of "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" to the last notes of "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever" ) Stevie Wonder confirmed that he had outgrown the moniker of promising and had stepped into the shoes of someone who could deliver on the promise.
"Talking Book" is the first in the series of truly GREAT albums released by Stevie Wonder from the early seventies to the early eighties;("Innervisions", "Fulfillingness' First Finale", "Songs In The Key Of Life" and "Hotter Than July"). For more than a decade Stevie Wonder was the most consistent artist in all of music. His music crossed over to the pop charts not because he changed his sound to make it acceptable to pop radio listeners but because the sheer joy, quality and impact of his songs were too much to be ignored. His singles dominated the charts and his albums not only won Grammys but also won album of the year repeatedly. "Talking Book" established Stevie Wonder's albums during this period not as mere vehicles for new hit songs but as whole works of art that required the music loving public to pay attention.
"Superstition" and "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" are the big hits from "Talking Book." But they aren't the only songs of note on the album. The funky "Maybe Your Baby" sets an unexpected tone for the album that Stevie doesn't pick up again until "Superstition" when he makes a definitive statement of what funk can be. One of Mr. Wonder's greatest love songs is found on this album as well, in the haunting and moving, "You And I." Motown execs when they heard the song knew it had the potential to become a huge hit and they pressured Stevie to redo the song with a piano lead instead of the synthesizer that he used. Mr. Wonder refused. "You And I" despite its beauty and Mr. Wonder's powerful vocal never received the attention as a single it deserved. Yet, in the setting on this album it remains a moment in which the listener is engaged, moved and challenged.
Any other recording artist would be proud to produce an album like "Talking Book" that fans and critics would call a masterpiece. The irony is "Talking Book" is a masterpiece but it is only one of Stevie Wonder's masterpieces. And it isn't even his definitive masterpiece. Forty years after its original release, "Talking Book" continues to speak volumes and speak them eloquently. - Louie BourlandStevie Wonder's Greatest Album.Stevie Wonder released many classic albums in the 1970's including "Innervisions", "Fulfilingness First Finale" and the epic "Songs In the Key Of Life". However, in this reviewers opinion, his late 1972 classic "Talking Book" is still Stevie's best overall album.
Like "Music Of My Mind" before it, "Talking Book" finds Stevie Wonder in complete control by writing, producing and performing most of the music himself. His natural songwriting talents combined with the latest technology and his unmistakable vocals make for what is undoubtedly a timeless classic.
Many of the tracks on "Talking Book" have become standards since their initial release including the wonderful "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", "Tuesday Heartbreak", "Blame It On The Sun", "You've Got It Bad Girl" and the driving funk of "Superstition". Elsewhere are stellar moments such as the hard rock of the jamming "Maybe Your Baby", the folkish "Big Brother", the beautifully orchestrated piano ballad "You and I" and the dynamic spiritual closer "I Believe".
Indeed, all 10 tracks that make up "Talking Book" are some of the best music Stevie Wonder has ever made. This isn't just an album to be listened to in sections, it needs to be played from beginning to end. As mentioned above, Stevie has made albums that have equalled "Talking Book", however this album has an extra little added kick that brings it above the others.
Although I've been familiar with the "Talking Book" album since I was born, I'm very happy to say that I finally own this album all these years later.