Ranking the Best Stevie Wonder Albums

This is gonna be a long one, so I won’t waste much time on the intro.

Like Prince and Luther Vandross, a ranking of Stevie Wonder’s entire discography has been requested by readers for years but, like his fellow legends, it’s pretty intimidating narrowing down an iconic 60-year career into one post.

But you know your boy is up for the challenge, and I had a ball doing it.

So let’s look back and revisit one of the greatest discographies in music history, ranking every album – minus those Christmas, live albums and compilations – from bottom to top.

This was my toughest challenge yet but it’s a small price for a man who has given us so much.

25. Tribute to Uncle Ray (1962)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: Y’all think marketing artists is just a 2022 issue? Back in 1962, Berry Gordy tried to figure out the best way to market an insanely talented pre-teen named Stevland Morris to audiences. His big idea was Tribute to Uncle Ray, associating young Stevie with another preeminent blind genius. By 12-year-old standards, yes, this is a pretty impressive album. Overall though, it feels a pretty generic for the time, especially tracks where it sounds like he’s imitating other artists instead of developing his own sound. Little Stevie hadn’t found himself yet, but trust, he would VERY SOON.

Forgotten favorites: “Frankie & Johnny,” “My Baby’s Gone,” “Mary Ann”

24. Eivets Rednow (1968)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: Stevie’s second instrumental album is surprisingly less dynamic than his fresh-faced debut. It’s much less fun and funky, much more waiting-in-the-dentist-office-hoping-your-copay-clears. A lot of it comes off as uneventful elevator music.

Forgotten favorites: “Which Way the Wind,” “Never My Love/Ask the Lonely”

23. Stevie at the Beach (1964)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: Props to Stevie’s label for not giving up on him. After his first three albums failed to set the world on fire, Stevie’s label tried repackaging again, this time with a collection of beach-themed tunes. This really feels like Malibu Stacy with a new hat – the same ol’ Stevie but with unnecessary gimmicks. The mix of instrumental outings and traditional vocal showcases make it somewhat interesting but it still feels way too much like a novelty.

Forgotten favorites: “Hey Harmonica Man,” “Beyond the Sea,” “Happy Street”

22. Stevie Wonder’s Journey through The Secret Life of Plants (1979)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: Thanks to the Secret Life of PETS movie I now consistently screw up the name of this album. And yes, that movie is more interesting than this. This album is … something, an esoteric, mostly instrumental LP that brings Stevie’s “classic era” to a screeching halt. That said, it’s a somewhat interesting curiosity as an ode to nature – most of the time, that is. When Stevie gets too cute and starts narrating bugs talking to flowers, we’ve lost the plot. The long runtime does it no favors either. The Secret Life of Pet.. UGH, PLANTS is an artistic achievement with a couple of good songs mixed in but it’s not a fun listen.

Forgotten favorites: “Send One Your love,” “Black Orchid,” “Power Flower”

21. With a Song in My Heart (1963)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: He ain’t Little no more, y’all! Stevie dropped the “Little” from his nickname before dropping this set of covers. Again, Stevie was still finding himself a bit – some of the songs are a little on the dreary side – but you can already hear the growth in his voice. By no means a classic but a decent outing.

Forgotten favorites: “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Smile,” “Give Your Heart a Chance”

20. The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie (1962)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: The debut of a prodigy. Little Stevie’sf first album a totally instrumental release that, as its name implies, is all about jazziness. Lush sounds and of course that iconic harmonica make this more than just a historic curiosity – it’s a solid release made even more incredible when you realize he was just 12 at the time. It runs out of steam a bit on the second half but, hey, we all have to start somewhere.

Forgotten favorites: “The Square,” “Paulsby,” “Soul Bongo”

19. For Once In My Life (1968)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: More growth for Stevie on this one, as it’s the first release that gives him shared credit as a producer, as well as its share of Billboard success – the title track and “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day” would be early hits for the icon-in-the-making. Overall though, it’s another solid but unspectacular release. Good songs, sure, but nothing on the level of what was to come.

Forgotten favorites: “I’m More Than Happy (I’m Satisfied),” “I Don’t Know Why,” “Do I Love Her”

18. I Was Made to Love Her (1967)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Well, if you love Stevie singing other folks’ songs, I’ve got the album for you! Yeah, this is another cover-filled showcase, but Stevie’s signature sound was getting so pronounced that he rarely gets overshadowed by those previous hitmakers. Solid release but besides the title track it’s largely forgettable.

Forgotten favorites: “My Girl,” “I’d Cry,” “Every Time I See You I Go Wild”

17. Down to Earth (1966)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: A maturing Stevie changed up the game with this one, especially now that his voice was maturing (and sounding more like the man we’d come to know and love). Down to Earth is a bit more soulful than some of his earlier outings but the results are a bit mixed, with, again, some tracks feeling a bit generic and pedestrian. But the great songs really resonate.

Forgotten favorites: “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” “*My World Is Empty Without You,” “Be Cool Be Calm (And Keep Yourself Together)”

16. Conversation Peace (1995)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Stevie’s first album in nearly a decade landed smack dab in the middle of the vaunted mid-90s R&B boom and the rise of hip-hop. So, as you’d expect, this one is a bit of a reflection of those times. It’s kind of cool to hear Stevie with a slight hip-hop edge to his sound but it many ways, it still feels a little too safe for the times. The result is a perfectly acceptable album that sounds very 90s but has few standouts. “For Your Love” is an underrated latter-day Stevie joint though.

Forgotten favorites: “Edge of Eternity,” “I’m New,” “Conversation Peace”

15. Characters (1987)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Here’s an LP with a mixed reputation – beloved in some circles, relived in others. As is almost always the case in those situations, you’ll find the truth in the middle. Characters is easily the weakest of his awesome 80s output but judged on its own merits it’s a solid collection of synthy pop and his trademark R&B ballads. It just feels like a big step down after a stellar decade-long run.

Forgotten favorites: “With Each Beat of My Heart,” “Cryin’ Through the Night,” “You Will Know”

14. Where I’m Coming From (1971)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: The socio-political climate of the 1970s was the ultimate breeding ground for protest music. Stevie had no problem following in the footsteps of Marvin Gaye and others who used their platforms to push for social change. Though its intentions are good, Where I’m Coming From is a divisive album thanks to its heavy themes and experimentation (Stevie’s portrayal of a racist on “I Wanna Talk to You” would have y’all breaking your fingers publishing those think pieces today). It’s an acquired taste but Stevie sounds really great here vocally. No debate there.

Forgotten favorites: “Sunshine in Their Eyes,” “Do Yourself a Favor,” “Think of Me As Your Soldier”

13. My Cherie Amour (1969)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Of course you know the title track but the album is pretty good too. In fact, it’s a very solid showcase of the pop, soul and R&B blend that would become synonymous with Stevie’s sound. The first half of this album is bulletproof; the second half can’t quite maintain that momentum but it’s definitely a win overall.

Forgotten favorites: “Pearl,” “You and Me,” “Give Your Love”

12. Up-Tight (1966)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: After years of finding himself, this is more like it. Stevie was backed by the renowned Funk Brothers on this one, who quietly helped shape the early Motown sound. That sound is all over this album and really helps Stevie come into his own. It feels a little cut-and-paste Motown in some spots but that’s cool – this was Stevie’s first great album, setting him on the path to superstardom.

Forgotten favorites: “Hold Me,” “Love a Go Go,” “Pretty Little Angel”

11. A Time to Love (2005)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: This one is a sleeper. Stevie’s last LP to date does a great job updating his sound for the 21^st century, boasting many more guest stars that his usual projects. It’s a lot more loose and less cohesive than his best work but it actually adds to the album’s jam-session feel. I’d consider it one of Stevie’s more underrated outings.

Forgotten favorites: “Sweetest Somebody I Know,” “Passionate Raindrops”

10. Signed, Sealed & Delivered (1970)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED I’M YOURSSSSSSSS! Is the title track the first “bop” in music history? Has to be – 50 years later, it’s still undeniable. Despite the exuberance of that song, the album itself leans a bit more socially conscious than you’d expect. The pace stumbles just slightly halfway through (a common Stevie error that could easily be fixed with better sequencing) but it’s not a deal-breaker. Stevie had a lot to say on this one, and those messages are just as powerful today.

Forgotten favorites: “Sugar,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “Don’t Wonder Why”

9. The Woman in Red (1984)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: The second of three Stevie-helmed soundtracks, this one’s mainly known for “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and let me be 100 with y’all – I was just four years old when that song dropped and I still remember it being ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE. Though LP’s runtime is pretty short, this one packs a decent punch, thanks to solid duets with Dionne Warwick, the infectious second single “Love Light in Flight” (say that three times fast) and that trademark Wonder-ous, feel-good energy.

Forgotten favorites: “It’s You,” “Moments Aren’t Moments,” “Weakness”

8. Jungle Fever (1991)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Growing up in a Black household in the 80s meant Stevie’s music was inescapable, but Jungle Fever was the first Stevie album I remember hearing on my own and not via parental osmosis. While the title track still drives crazy (not a bad song, mind you, but everyone in my school was obsessed with it and sang it incessantly) there’s so much more here, proving that Stevie had no problem transitioning into the New Jack Swing era. This is another one that is often overlooked in Stevie’s vast discography but absolutely stands up today.

Forgotten favorites: “If She Breaks Your Heart,” “Queen in the Black,” “Lighting Up the Candles”

7. In Square Circle (1985)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: “Part-Time Lover,” “Go Home,” “Overjoyed” – this one is bursting at the seams with hits. This is as 80s you can get, with upbeat pop numbers left and right and, unsurprisingly, they knock just as hard today as they did in the Reagan administration. If you’re a newer fan looking for an entry point  into Stevie’s 80s catalog, this is a great place to start. In Square Circle is a real treat.

Forgotten favorites: “Whereabouts,” “Stranger on the Shore of Love,” “Land of La La”

6. Music of My Mind (1972)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Music of My Mind marks the beginning of Stevie’s unfathomable five album run called his “classic period.” To me, it’s easily the lesser of the quintet – even sliiiiiightly overrated for what it is – but that doesn’t mean it’s not great. This marked Stevie’s first album post-Motown and he was down to experiment,  including electronic sounds and synths, proving to you young’ns that the Freakin Weeknd didn’t invent them. There’s a jazzy feel that flows throughout the set as well – especially on the second half – giving us a glimpse of Little Stevie’s early days. It’s a great look at Stevie’s past, present and future – it’s just not always as consistent as his greater workers.

Forgotten favorites: “Girl Blue,” “I Love Everything About You,” “Evil”

5. Talking Book (1972)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: It’s pure insanity that an album this good was crafted by a 22 year old. Tell your favorite Tik Tok singers to step their games up. Songs like “You and I” and “Superstition” transcend genres and have become classics in their own right. The overall album, while home to undeniable greats, isn’t always as air-tight as its reputation boasts, thanks to a couple of “just aight” joints. But ignore my nitpicks – most artists couldn’t get close to this level of greatness in 100 lifetimes. It’s a phenomenal effort from a man who just kept getting better and better.

Forgotten favorites: “Blame It on the Sun,” “You Got It Bad Girl,” “Looking for Another Pure Love”

4. Hotter than July (1980)

Soul In Stereo rating: 5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Full disclosure – this is my favorite Stevie album of all time, and if I wasn’t in Unbiased Album Reviewer mode for this ranking, it would be No. 1 on this list for sure. Along with its historical significance – “Happy Birthday” was written to honor Martin Luther King and was used to help campaign for the national holiday – Hotter Than July is just pure bliss. Stevie gets his country AND western on with “I Ain’t Gonna Stand for It,” dabbles in reggae with “Master Blaster,” gives us a slice of heartbreak with “Lately,” touches on social commentary with “Cash In Your Face,” this is one of the most defining releases of the 80s.

Forgotten favorites: “Did I Hear You Say You Love Me,” “As If You Read My Mind,” “Cash In Your Face”

3. Fulfillingness’ First Finale (1974)

Soul In Stereo rating: 5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Building upon the social conscious foundation laid by Innervisions, Stevie continued to bear his soul on Fulfillingness’ First Finale, but the mood is decidedly more upbeat in spots. Stevie balances the party starters and political commentary expertly, producing a classic blend of though-provoking pieces and groovy offerings. Of the greatest “classic era” albums, this one gets the least discussion in modern convos but its quality is undeniable.

Forgotten favorites: “Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away,” “Creepin,” “It Ain’t No Use”

2. Innervisions (1973)

Soul In Stereo rating: 5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Let’s talk timeless music. In this one record, Stevie touches on substance abuse, suspect politicians and systemic racism – sound familiar? That’s why this album continues to resonate five decades later. Vocally, Stevie may be at his peak, with each note laced with the hope, heartbreak and frustration portrayed in each track. From themes and sequencing to production and Stevie’s impassioned performances, Innervisions is an absolute masterpiece, one of the best albums of all time. And he STILL has one album better than this!

Forgotten favorites: “Visions,” “All In Love Is Fair,” “He’s Misstra Know-It-All”

1. Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

Soul In Stereo rating: 5 stars out of 5

Edd said: There’s a good chance that even if you’ve never heard a Stevie album in your life you probably predicted that this album would take the top spot. There’s a good reason for that – it’s of the most famous albums of all time. Thanks to decades of covers and samples its legacy is escapable. Even if you haven’t heard this album, trust me, you’ve heard this album. I can’t say enough about the construction of this piece of art – from the weeping, harrowing strings on “Village Ghetto Land” to the pulsating funk of “Contusion” to the iconic horns of Sir Duke, the poetic writing of “If It’s Magic” each track is a course in music theory. And despite coming out more than 40 years ago, this double disc set doesn’t feel like it has aged a day. If I ranked every single album I’ve reviewed in the 10+ history of this site – we’re talking hundreds upon hundreds of releases – there’s a good chance that Songs in the Key of Life would top that list. Songs in the Key of Life may forever be music’s measuring stick, the pinnacle of artistry.

Forgotten favorites: I don’t know if anything on this one is forgotten but let’s go with “Pastime Paradise,” “Ordinary Pain,” “Saturn”

WHEW. It’s your turn – which Stevie albums are your favorite? Which LP should have been higher on the list? Let us know below.