Stevie Wonder is one of the most iconic and influential artists in the history of popular music. Over the course of his career, he has written and recorded countless timeless hits that continue to inspire and move audiences today. From his early days as a child prodigy with Motown Records to his later work as a socially conscious musician and activist, Wonder’s music has transcended genres and boundaries, and touched the hearts of millions of people around the world.
In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Stevie Wonder songs of all time. These songs are not only some of his biggest hits, but they also showcase the incredible range of his talents as a songwriter, musician, and vocalist. From soulful ballads to upbeat funk tracks, each of these songs has its own unique flavor and captures a different aspect of Wonder’s musical genius. So whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we take a journey through some of the greatest hits from one of the greatest artists of all time.
1. “I Wish”
This Stevie Wonder classic, released in 1976 as part of his album "Songs in the Key of Life", talks about his childhood memories and how he wishes to relive those moments again. The upbeat and funky composition was highly innovative for its time, incorporating brass instruments and a catchy chorus that is still remembered by fans today. It garnered commercial success upon release and has been covered multiple times by various artists over the years.
Listening to 'My Cherie Amour' is like getting a warm hug from Stevie Wonder himself, minus the awkward pat on the back.
2. “My Cherie Amour”
This iconic track, infused with infectious melodies and soulful lyrics, is among Stevie Wonder's finest accomplishments. The immortal classic “My Cherie Amour” effortlessly showcases Stevie’s exceptional songwriting and vocal prowess, supported by a rich arrangement of instruments and backup vocals. Its poetic imagery creates an indelible impact on listeners' minds and ongoing popularity.
Stevie Wonder's timeless romantic ballad “My Cherie Amour” still reigns supreme after decades, as it resonates with millions of people worldwide. His smooth harmonies blend seamlessly with the instrumentation, including strings, horns, drums, and piano. This evergreen song is adored for its sweetness and sincerity that make it a perfect choice for weddings or anniversaries.
“My Cherie Amour” has a distinctively intimate sound that appeals to young lovers longing for companionship. The layers of emotions that Stevie conveys through his heartfelt singing are equally impressive in live performances or classic recordings. This song's theme is about cherishing moments spent with someone special which makes it such an endearing number.
The initial version of “My Cherie Amour,” released in 1969 on Tamla Records, wasn't as successful as subsequent releases but gradually gained momentum over time due to popularity at live shows and later cover versions by other performers. After being featured on multiple TV shows and films over the years like "Friends," "The Cosby Show," "Pretty Little Liars," and others its fame grew even more significant.
Stevie Wonder takes us all to 'Higher Ground' with this soulful classic, and I'm still not over the fact that I can't hit those high notes.
3. “Higher Ground”
With its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics, this Stevie Wonder classic is a standout hit. This song comes in at #3 on our list of the best Stevie Wonder songs of all time.
In this table for "Higher Ground," we showcase the song's chart performance, release date, and notable cover versions.
| Chart Performance | Release Date | Notable Cover Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Reached #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1973 | August 6th, 1973 | Red Hot Chili Peppers' rock-inspired version and Ellen McIlwaine's bluesy take |
A lesser-known fact about "Higher Ground" is that Wonder was inspired to write it after surviving a car crash in 1973. He believed that surviving the accident was a sign from God to continue his work as a musician, and he channeled that energy into writing this classic hit.
Overall, "Higher Ground" remains an enduring example of Stevie Wonder's musical genius and ability to inspire with his positive messaging. It's no wonder it landed a spot on our top ten list.
If you haven't listened to Stevie Wonder's "You Haven't Done Nothin', you haven't done nothin' right."
4. “You Haven’t Done Nothing”
This song, by Stevie Wonder, is a powerful political commentary that addresses the government's inaction and irresponsibility towards its citizens. With its catchy hook and hard-hitting lyrics, this track from the 1970s remains relevant even today. Stevie's passionate vocal delivery and the funky instrumentation will keep you hooked until the end.
In "You Haven't Done Nothing," Stevie Wonder accuses politicians of being fake and self-serving while ignoring the real problems faced by ordinary people. The song is a call to action for individuals to stand up against corruption and dishonesty in society. The melody features soulful harmonies, intricate drum patterns, and groovy basslines that blend together perfectly.
It is interesting to note that in this particular track, Stevie used tape recordings of children singing in the background as a way to represent innocence amidst all the chaos. This creative technique adds depth to the song's meaning and highlights Stevie's masterful approach to creating music.
Pro Tip: Listen carefully to the vocal harmonies in this track to appreciate how they enhance the overall message of the song.
Even if you haven't found your one true love yet, Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life" will make you feel like you have.
5. “For Once in My Life”
This Stevie Wonder classic, "For Once in My Life," depicts a heartwarming story of finding love after every rejection. With its upbeat orchestration and soulful delivery, it easily secured a spot among his top hits. The song's unforgettable melody makes it an ultimate feel-good anthem for everybody.
Released in 1968, this song reached the second spot on Billboard's R&B chart and number two on the Adult Contemporary chart. "For Once in My Life" remains one of the most covered songs in history. It also served as a source of inspiration for many artists worldwide, including Michael Buble and Tony Bennett.
Notably, Wonder portrays raw emotions in every line he delivers- from funky horns to rhythmic beats, everything blends perfectly. This song holds an important place in Stevie Wonder's legacy that can't be overlooked.
Pro Tip: When covering "For Once in My Life," it's essential to acknowledge its significance not only as a Stevie Wonder creation but as a timeless classic known globally for its meaningful lyrics and powerful melodies. Even Stevie Wonder couldn't foresee how iconic 'Superstition' would become.
6. “Superstition”
Stevie Wonder's evergreen chart-topper, which became his first US number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, occupies a noteworthy position in his discography. “Superstition” features a dynamic combination of high-pitched clavinet riff and a groovy bassline that lays out the song's funk foundation. The repeat chorus and infectious beat got commercial success beyond Stevie's typical fanbase, etching it into popular music culture, both for its instrumentation and socially conscious lyrics.
The song was initially intended to be recorded by Jeff Beck; however, Stevie adapted it to fit his style after it gave Jeff trouble during rehearsals. Wonder traded head-rattling guitar riffs in Jeff’s version for progressive harmonica lines on "Superstition," showcasing his proficiency across an array of instruments.
While working on the song, one day, drummer Ollie Brown came up with the opening drum pattern that marked the beginning of what eventually became “Superstition”. Stevie was buzzing with excitement upon hearing it and immediately composed music around it.
“Superstition” owns an exciting backstory of how a constant search for groove spawned a funky classic that still permeates today's music scene.
You'll be signing, sealing, and delivering your heart to this Stevie Wonder classic.
7. “Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours”
This iconic song by Stevie Wonder stands out for its infectious beat, captivating lyrics and soul-stirring vocals. It was released in 1970 and still has the power to mesmerize listeners across generations. With its foot-tapping rhythm and catchy chorus, “Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours” is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Wonder’s mastery over music. This classic hit has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains one of the most popular tracks in Wonder’s discography.
Wonder drew inspiration from his personal life for this song, as it was written during a turbulent time in his romantic relationships. The song expresses his strong desire to win back his love and convince her that he is hers forever. The lyrics are full of passion, confidence, and determination, making it an instant hit with audiences worldwide. The song marked a significant shift in Wonder’s musical style, as he started to embrace funk and soul music more prominently.
In addition to being a commercial success, “Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours” has been celebrated for its impact on contemporary music culture. It is widely regarded as one of the best songs of all time and has earned several accolades over the years. It has also been featured in major Hollywood films like “You’ve Got Mail”, cementing its status as a pop culture icon.
Legend has it that when Wonder played this song for Berry Gordy Jr., founder of Motown Records, Gordy exclaimed "That's a hit!" At that moment, Stevie responded with "No, you don't understand – I'm saying 'I'm Yours', signed sealed delivered – I'm yours!!" Thus giving rise to one of the greatest hits ever produced by Stevie Wonder!
Stevie Wonder's 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life' is like a warm hug from a Ray-Banned angel.
8. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”
This classic hit by Stevie Wonder, titled as a testament to pure love and admiration, has captured the hearts of many. Its upbeat tempo, smooth melody and soulful lyrics make it an instant favorite. This song symbolizes a moment of gratitude, acknowledging and appreciating the significant other for being a beacon of light in one's life. It celebrates the joy in simple moments and the essence of true love that can bring sunshine into one's days.
Continuing on this sweet note, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" embraces elements of funk and jazz in its composition that are uplifting to listeners. The track was released in 1973 as part of the album 'Talking Book', which became widely popular among audiences worldwide. A notable aspect is Stevie Wonder's use of a harmonica solo, adding another layer to an already dynamic song.
This hit's opening line, "You are the sunshine of my life", became iconic and went on to be covered multiple times by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Mariah Carey. Its endearment atypical of Wonder's prior songs not only added a new dimension but also showed his adeptness at vocalizing different forms of music.
Stevie Wonder himself affirmed this praise for his former significant other, Syreeta Wright in his autobiography – 'If she had never come into my life," wrote Wonder, "I would have been miserable."
(Source: Biography.com)
Stevie must have been a busy man with all these part-time lovers in his life.
9. “Part-Time Lover”
This iconic song by Stevie Wonder is a classic tale of a forbidden love affair. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it an addictive listen for fans. The melodic mastery of Stevie's vocals and the harmony from the backup singers give this track a timeless quality that has kept it relevant to this day. As one of his most popular hits, “Part-Time Lover” remains a fan favorite and cements its place in Stevie Wonder’s best compositions.
As the ninth entry on our list, it's worth noting that “Part-Time Lover” showcases Stevie’s unique ability to blend genres seamlessly. It's no surprise that he was able to create such a memorable hit by blending pop with R&B flavors. From the pulsating bassline to the rhythmic instrumental sections, each element seems thought-out and executed perfectly.
Overall, “Part-Time Lover” will continue to be remembered as another feather in the cap of Stevie's illustrious career. Its mass appeal and musical ingenuity make it stand out even among other legendary tracks in his catalog. Fans will forever appreciate this classic masterpiece from one of the most talented musicians of all time.
Even if Stevie Wonder called me just to say he loves me, I'd still ask him to play another song.
10. “I Just Called to Say I Love You”
This entry in the top 10 Stevie Wonder songs features a sentimental declaration of love through a heartfelt telephone call. The singer's smooth vocals and simplistic melody add to the song's charm. Its universal message about affection made it a widely popular hit in the '80s.
The song, with its timeless lyrics, continues to be regarded as a classic by fans across the globe. It's also been featured in several films and TV shows over the years, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Listeners are fond of how the song expresses deep emotions with just a few words and simple yet effective instrumentals. With its irresistible chorus, "I Just Called to Say I Love You" is proof that sometimes less is more when it comes to musical compositions.
Despite its commercial success, critics have questioned the profoundness of its lyrics, but Stevie Wonder has openly shared that he wrote this song as an expression of his love for his daughter Aisha.
Overall, "I Just Called to Say I Love You" leaves an indelible impression on those who hear it and will continue to be included on playlists for years to come.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
