Stevie Wonder – Up-Tight

Although the pictures of the sleeve are probably correct of a 1966 stereo release, I believe the photos of the record show a later reissue.

I've owned this album for about 30 years. The stand out track for me is Music Talk, which Stevie co-wrote.

So infectious and energetic, with all the classic Wonder elements; it's one of my favourite songs from Stevie and one that I don't think I've ever heard played by anyone else.

As I said with most of my reviews, I had to go back and revamp for those Artists that I considered my favorites...

That definitely applies to the ONE and ONLY (could NEVER be another) "Stevie Wonder"!!!!!!!

As always, I focus only with the ones I have on Vinyl....

So, even though "Stevie" has been recording since 1962 (and burst on the seen with "Fingertips (Parts 1 & 2)"), my reviews will start with his first decent album in "Up-Tight"...

This was "Stevie's" saving grace at the time, because after "Fingertips", it seemed that "Motown" was struggling to find the right fit for him (also causing him not to have any Hits)....With the label threatening to drop him, "Sylvia Moy" practically BEGGED to give it one more shot...Thank God For That!!!!!

"Up Tight (Everything's Alright)", the Ultimate Crown Jewel, BLASTED the door down for "Stevie"!!!! That Drum track, along with the unmistakable "Funk Brothers" rhythm section, was so infectious, that it could not be denied...Resident Songwriter and Producer, "Henry Cosby", along with "Moy" and "Stevie" wrote this monster together...

The main key is that "Stevie" himself was allowed to help write his own material (and we all know that in the '60's, not too many artists at "Motown" had that privilege)....Well honestly, if you look at the album cover, you can tell that "Stevie" (even though he has a FANTASTIC Voice), was made for more than just being a Singer...

The 2nd Crown Jewel in "Stevie's" version of the "Bob Dylan" Classic, "Blowin' In The Wind", does show off his ability to deliver Vocals on a song with DYNAMIC Lyrics...

Other notables on the album are: "Nothing's Too Good For My Baby", "Ain't That Asking For Trouble", "I Want My Baby Back" and the Instrumental "Music Talk"...

Now yes, there is filler, because it was the '60's, and in my opinion, until "Stevie" was ready to take the Bull by the Horns, he was still subject to the "Motown" machine (even though he didn't always completely have the signature "Motown" sound)...

Still in all, even with the flaws, this album introduced the World to a Young Man who was ready to GROW....And as time goes on you WILL see it!!!!!