“The Wonder of Stevie” is the best podcast I have heard so far this year

There was a time when it was clear that the best recording artist in the world was Stevie Wonder. I’m talking about the early and mid-Seventies, specifically 1972-1976, when Wonder released a series of unforgettable albums. First “Music of My Mind” (1972), then “Talking Book” (1972), “Innervisions” (1973), “Fulfillingness’ First Finale” (1974) and the double-disc masterpiece “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976) ). Has any artist released five such great albums in five years? NO. A series of albums like this deserve the highest level of commemoration, which is a elaborate way of saying we have to provide Stevie his flowers. We just received audible flowers for Stevie in the form of an incredible podcast – the best podcast I’ve heard this year –Stevie’s miracle” on Audible. This is an intelligent, funny and deep dive into Stevie’s best period.

“The Wonder of Stevie” is a seven-part discussion of Wonder’s iconic albums. The host is Wesley Morris of the New York Times, whose love for Stevie seems boundless. The executive producer is Questlove, who is an incredible student of Stevie’s catalog. We hear Morris interview individuals who played with Stevie, like Ray Parker Jr., and folks who love him, like Janelle Monae. He also talks to 2 of Stevie’s biggest fans – Barack and Michelle Obama. Stevie is such an enormous part of their lives that they talked about his music on their first date. They say this was one of the determinants of whether or not they could be compatible. Now the first lady says things like, “When you talk to Stevie…” But seriously, when you went on a date with someone who said they didn’t love Stevie, you must run away.

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Each episode of The Wonder of Stevie is a deep dive into one of Wonder’s Seventies albums. We hear about Stevie’s inspirations, where he was in his life, the way it was created and what the album means on a deeper level. Sometimes we hear Morris just lying there and taking in the beauty of Stevie’s music. This is an incredible dive into the zenith of an unforgettable cultural figure. We find out about his music, his first wife, his plan to go away the music industry and his move to Africa – this provides you with an insight into Stevie’s life and his musical mind.

This show jogs my memory of how often we sit, talk, communicate and argue about music. Sometimes Morris swoons together with Stevie’s genius, but sometimes he argues together with his guest. Sometimes he argues with us. In the final episode of the series, Morris tries to argue that the 1979 album “Stevie Wonder’s journey through the secret life of plants” should be included in Wonder’s legendary streak. It’s bullshit, but it’s fun to hear Morris running around and trying to make a case. Yes, Plants contains “Send One Your Love” – ​​an attractive song that is one of Stevie’s most beautiful songs. But other than that, Plants is largely an instrumental, somewhat odd album that does not connect in the same way as Wonder’s previous albums. I can barely take heed to it. Even the former president admits that while he loves Stevie, he doesn’t care about this album. Still, it’s fun to listen to Morris attempt to justify it.

Stevie’s Miracle is a piece of beauty about works of beauty. It’s a pleasure to take heed to and a fitting tribute to our beloved Stevie. Don’t miss it.