Talking Book is one of my favorite 10 albums of all time -- I can rate several of Stevie Wonder's albums 5 Stars, but this is "hands down" his greatest work in my book --- while in New York City 3 years ago , i saw this in a small speciality music store in the village for $59 -- I thought thats rediculous , but the sales person said "if you like this album , its supposed to be one of the best remastered Japanese CD's ever from the 60's -- i reluctantly forked out the 60 bucks + tax but im not sorry -- i have two other versions of this CD and this Japanese edition is FAR SUPERIOR --- I even have to say (and rarely do) that this blows away the sound quality on the original vinyl ( i use a Linn LP12 turntable with an Ittok arm + nude sumiko cartridge --- Rarely does any CD surpass the sound of an original album that was recorded long before the digital age ----- THIS cd DOES -- i doubt you will be able to find this CD at this point for any price as it says limited edition however if you feel the same way about this album as i do -- you must seek it out

Released in 1972, the same year as Music of My Mind, this album is by many considered to be Stevie Wonder's greatest and most influentual album. If you ask Soul fans they agree that it's a masterpiece, but they also mention Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life as his greatest albums, but if you ask Rock fans, they will mostly admire "Talking Book" cause it's Wonder's first crossover success that became a smash hit among both blacks and whites, Soul and Rock fans. Something that hadn't been archived by anyone before. On Talking Book we'll find Wonder more exprimental then ever mixing synthesizers and guitars and perfecly breeding tender love songs with conscious protest songs. As always, the the album is packed with memorable songs (and many big hits) performed with plenty of emotion and magic and apart from previous albums it all comes so natural sounding like it's all taken from a day in his life. Wonder means what he sings and often switches from joy to heartbreak in the same song. Now, that's magic.

Instead of talking more of the album's impact, let's take a look at the songs that made it famous. Jim Gilstrap and Gloria Barley starts the album by singing the first notes of "You Are the Sunshine of My Life". A very basic love songs in it's construction....then Stevie jumps in, take control and owns it. His emotion here is is incredible and make a quite simple song sound tough. The song topped the billboard charts in 1973. "Maybe Your Baby" is a rock-funk number. Ray Parker Jr (That later made the Ghostbusters song) plays the guitar here and make it a perfect crossover. The song is almost 7 minutes with lots of jamming toward the end. "You and I (We Can Conquer the World)" is the perfect piano ballad, starts very slow but takes shape and end up full of emotion. "Tuesday Heratbreak" is the complete opposite, a very warm uplifting soul song, kind of like "If You Really Love Me". The arrangements here are amazing and the lyrics speak the language of love "I wanna be with you when the nightime comes/ I wanna be with you when the daytime comes /I wanna stay, oh baby, lemme, baby with you" songs like these is the reason that it's hard not to like Stevie Wonder. A midtempo called "You Got It Bad Girl" does use the synthesizers but just as backround for his vocals, it may sound a little dated today but the song is enjoayable and beautiful.

"Superstition" is one of the greeatest songs of all time. Period. It's what defines this album, and Stevie's 70's sound the best. It's Soul meets Rock. Brassy Earth Wind and Fire horns Vs Classic Rock Riffs. The riffs here are just as good as the Stone's "Satisfaction" and the Beatles "Day Tripper" and that sais alot. The song was actually supposted to be given to Jeff Beck but Wonder's manager insisted that he recorded it. The result was his first #1 single since "Fingertips" in 1963. Jeff Beck was offered another song and accepted to play the guitar on the "Talking Book Sessions". "Big Brother" which got it's name from the Orwell novel "1984" critisizes politicians that only want votes from the poor but aren't ready to do anything to make their lifes better. The lyrics go like "Your name is big brother/ You say that you got me all in your notebook/Writing it down everyday/ Your name is I'll see ya,/ I'll change if you vote me in as the pres,/The President of your soul/I live in the ghetto/ You just come to visit me 'round election time" and the arrangements are among his best of the album with the classic harmonica and piano. A classic ballad called "Blame it On the Sun" where Wonder blames the sun, the wind, the trees and sea for his love dissapearing. "Looking for Another Pure Love" is a quite simular midtempo love song while the closer "I Believe (When I Fall In Love) the third consecutive love ballad here is among Wonder's deepest and most poignant moments. The interesting thing here, is that the verse and the hook sound like two diffrent songs. The verse a ballad and the hook a soul-funk number.

Overall, From being a one man band man on his last album, Wonder ends up being a genius that loves company on this one. As always he got full control over his music, but thanks to his wife Syreeta, Saxophonist David Sanborn, Guitarists Parker and Beck and backround singers this album feel more complete then his last one. Like aformentioned it's a crossover succcess with both soul and rock, joy and heartbreak. Finally, Wonder got the apreciation that he deserved, Few people saw him as the kid that made "Fingertips" anymore but one of the brightest and most creative music stars of the 70's. "Talking Book" is a classic in any way you put it.

this isn't really a review. i just wanted to point out that in Amazon's review Steve Knopper says that 'superstition' features funky wah-pedal guitar or something like that. but it doesn't. Stevie Wonder's playing the clavinet in that song...check ya facts

In my opinion this is Stevie's most intimate album. There is so much colour and emotion here. It's the nucleus of Stevie's songwriting and musicianship. A MASTERPIECE! (Tuesday Heartbreak.. yeah!!! Looking for another pure love.. yeah!!!)
The melodies are so rich and warm they make me think of a summer sunset. I would love to hear this as an instrumental album too.
This music feels and breathes. So much emotion. And color... just close your eyes.
There is Electric Ladyland, Sgt. Pepper's and Talking Book.

A stunning collection of tunes written by a man who at this time was consistently producing music of an incredibly high quality:

You are the sunshine of my life.
Superstition
Blame It on the Sun
I believe

These are all fabulous tracks in different ways. But the best is 'You and I'. A wonderful ballad, demonstrating Stevie's fantastic voice and his subtle use of early synthesizers. On the last chorus he modulates the song up into a different range and the song is taken to a new emotional level. Something similar was done with 'Lately' a few years later.

Every collection should have this 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.

This album should be in any serious collection of 20th Century music. One of the best of its genre. Just as fun to listen to now as when it came out decades ago.

In one of the greatest albums recorded, Stevie Wonder writes timeless music with a classic blend of r&b, blues, gospel and jazz.

Though the lyrics may be biting at times, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life is a pop classic. And the grappling with the beauty and desperation of love culminates with the last song, I Believe, that evolves from a wonderful gospel rendition into cutting blues.

Superstition is one bad piece of music and the political awareness in Big Brother is unfortunately timeless, especially for urban residents. Blame It On The Sun has Wonder fully utilizing soft textures on the synthesizer, ultimately showing how technology can work with - and not dominate - other instruments.

Released in November 1972 - the outstanding Music of My Mind was released earlier in the year - Talking Book proved without a doubt that Wonder's ability as a composer/producer/musician had reached iconic status at the age of 22.

This album solidifies why I honestly think Stevie Wonder is the greatest solo recording artist in history. There is not a single bad song on here and is thus far my favorite Stevie Wonder album. Slow ballads like "You & I" and "I Believe". The funk classic "Superstition" AM Gold classic "You are the Sunshine of My Life", and some more that are really great songs are all on here. BUY THIS ALBUM. This is up there w/ "Dark Side of the Moon", "Thriller", "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", or Stevie's very on "Innervisions"

Prior to purchasing this CD, I was only familiar with some of Stevie's hits, which I heard on the radio, and "the definitive collection" cd which I purchased before seeing him in concert. That being said, I loved everything I had heard of his thus far.

Let me tell you, now this CD just stands out as one of the greatest all times for me. Besides the classics "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" and "Superstition," every song on this CD is great, although I am personally less fond of "Looking for Another Pure Love." "You and I" is another great Stevie Wonder ballad, and he shows off his amazing vocal technique yet again with the final chorus. My favorite song on this CD though is probably "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)." I actually read the lyrics to this track before I had heard it, and the optimism that the song expresses about new love mixed with it's dark melody really touched me.

I highly recommend this CD to anyone and everyone.

This is good. Really, really, REALLY good. That kind of goes without saying - after all, any record with You Are the Sunshine of My Life, Maybe Your Baby, You And I, Superstition, Blame It On the Sun and Lookin' for Another Pure Love is bound to be good, right? Right. The tracklist very much speaks for itself, since virtually every song is a classic. There's not one weak track on the list, either. It's a masterpiece on par with Innervisions. Rush out and buy it if you have even remote interest in Stevie Wonder.

Umm, folks? I think the Cranky Reviewer was joking. Granted, that's some dry humor, but bravo for almost having me fooled. Talking Book is a good album. Superstition is a fine song, but for my money, You've Got It Bad Girl and I Believe are the real highlights of this album. By itself, Talking Book is a great album, but when you put it up against Music of My Mind, Innervisions and Fulfillingness' First Finale, it has to take a backseat. Of course, in Wonder's world, the backseat is actually the backseat of a Ferarri (one in which he is not driving, of course).

Erm ignoring that cranky reviewer that said Stevie Wonder is stealin justin sounds ( though Wonder was innovating r'n'b and was an inspiration to so many artists (including Justin), before Justin-squeeky voice-Timberlake was even born! )this album starts off ( for me ) his genius of producing and arranging his own music in the 70's. every track is original from the beautiful ballad of 'You and I' to the horn blastin' funk of 'Superstition.' His ability to tap into different sounds from hard-funk to soft ballads, his ability to create complex melodies with the synthesizer and his multi-vocal range, to me shows why he is considered a genius. Buy this album, i strongly recommend it.

Stevie Wonder has an impressive catalog of great albums throughout his career. But I think the three that stand out the most are from the 70's (Talking Book, innervisions, and songs in the key of life).
What a great list of songs on this album - You are the Sunshine of my life is, of course one of his greatest and most covered tunes - 'maybe your baby' and 'superstition' are downright funky - and 'Big Brother' is one of my favorite of his political songs.. All the other tracks are great too!
Stevie Wonder is truly a talent of modern music!

Toro: Say Pancho, wasn't Stevie Wonder a good amigo. Pancho: Si Toro, he was around before us frogs were born. Toro: Stevie Wonder came out in 1972 whilst Stinkercake wasn't born until 1981. Pancho: You Are the Sunshine of My Life and what not are great songs. Toro and Pancho say don't be stupido, like the last MTV brainwashed gringo, and baminos pronto to the record store and buy this album!

Just a bit less evolved - in that his progress from "Music of My Mind" to "Innervisions" was linear (then he kind of stopped and changed gears). The songs on this album are absolutely brilliant. With a wide range of styles, there's something on this album for everyone - only the songs You and I and You've Got It Bad Girl are anything less than fantastic, in fact.

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - very good, original song. Not his best, but still good.
Maybe Your Baby - an awesome groove, nice synth bass, but maybe it goes on a bit too long.
You And I - not a bad ballad, nowhere near as good as Blame It On The Sun, but has its own charm.
Tuesday Heartbreak - very joyful sounding song. Good tension between the verses and chorus, great melodies throughout, and excellent drums.
You've Got It Bad Girl - a bit jazzy experimental. Not bad.
Superstition - Good dance tune, very funky, with a powerful horn riff that Peter Gabriel would later rip off in 'Sledgehammer'.
Big Brother - awesome clavinet tune, angry lyrics, nice melody.
Blame It On The Sun - this is one of the best ballads, written, ever! Really. He does this kind of ballad on every album, but this is the best of them, with a soaring (or wailing) verse that slides into an emotional chorus.
Lookin' For Another Pure Love - very original music, freestyle melody.
I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) - this is a real triumph, this is everything a song should be, with an awesome chorus that repeats 10 times at the end and you're not getting tired of it.

It's not really easy to produce a positive, almost utopic bunch of songs of joy and love without sounding boring and repetitive. But much more difficult than that is to make such a record that doesn't make ME fall asleep. What must be done to avoid this is to put a visionary genious behind the pen, the michophone and most of the instruments, and the magic occurs: a beautiful, solid, legendary record appears. The genius behind this is Stevie Wonder, probably the best singer, the best songwriter and one of the best drum, harmonica and bass players of soul (and pop music in general). Stevie's compositions reflect his accurate instinct to produce beautiful, surprising melodies; his centered lyrics reflect and irradiate his joy of living and his emotional use of his powerfull voice completes the scenario of a true masterpiece. On `'Talking Book'', besides some lovely piano-driven ballads, Wonder produces a sound that at the same time encompasses typical 70's soul arrangement pattern and takes many steps ahead, thanks to his ability to create innovative melodies and make a different, new trends-defining usage of elemnts from current soul tendencies. Highest points are funky `'Superstition'', `'I believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)'', `'Blame It On The Sun'' and clever easy-listening hit `'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life''. Genre and decade-defining, this is a true masterpiece and a musical gem for lovers of all kinds of music.

`Talking book', released in 1972, was one in a string of masterpieces Stevie Wonder released in the 1970s. The second album released after his renegotiations and resigning with Motown records, it featured his new signature experimental jazz/funk sound, and lyrics that spoke his mind.

Opening track is the #1 smash, the much loved `You are the sunshine of my life', a simple love song, intricately constructed and sunny sounding.

`You and I' is a melodramatic piano ballad featuring soaring intense vocals. Similar to his future songs like `Lately' and `They won't go when I go'. Other standout ballads are the tender `Blame it on the sun' (covered by Diana Ross) with awesome backing vocals, the jazz tinged haunting `You've got it bad girl', the brooding jazzy `Looking for another pure love' (with Jeff Beck on guitars) and the similar `I believe (when I fall in love it will be forever)'.

`Big brother' is a scathing rebuke of those in power who take advantage of the underclass. A mid tempo harmonica and conga filled piece, it has an almost folk feel to it.

The other smash hit of the album is the funky #1 `Superstition' (fantastic guitars and horns, and lyrics taking a dig at superstitious beliefs). Originally written for rocker Jeff Beck, this became Stevie's biggest hit.

The album hit #1 R&B and #3 pop, and won 3 grammys; Best male R&B vocal and best R&B song for `Superstition', and best male pop vocal for `You are the sunshine of my life'.

Pure genius!!!

I believe it is fair to say that Stevie Wonder's "Talking Book" doesn't get the recognition it deserves. "Songs in the Key of Life" or mostly his successful singles get all the recognition. Aside from the fact that "Talking Book" features two wonderful chart toppers ("You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "Superstition"), it also features something that not many of today's artists display in their music: art. Stevie displays the talent he possesses here through his masterful vocals, priceless production, instrumental mastery, and his deep, poetic words. From beginning to end, every cut--from hard-edged funk to sweet ballads to political statements--is one-of-a-kind, and sure to bring out the human emotion in all of us. Stevie Wonder--a true musical artist with a talent that seemingly no one has, or ever will, surpass.

Stevie Wonder began his career as a child prodigy, a multi-instrumental talent whose lack of physical sight was overcome with his musical visions. His records in the Sixties (unfairly dismissed as fluff by some) pointed the way towards the styles that a mature Wonder would embrace at the turn of the decade, but "Talking Book" is one of the first masterpieces he committed to vinyl from beginning to end.

It would be almost criminal to try and describe this album, it has to be heard to be appreciated. Starting off with "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", the agenda is clear: this is an album about emotions, mostly love but also fear ("Superstition", easily one of the best songs ever), heartbreak ("Blame It On The Sun"), and even the social concerns of the Civil Rights movement and its betrayal by the white power structure ("Big Brother"). Through it all, however, love is the dominant emotion, and comes to a staggering fruition in the beautiful "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)".

This is my first proper Stevie Wonder album (I have a collection of his Sixties singles), and it will certainly not be my last. Far from embarassing himself with the noxious "I Just Called to Say I Love You", Wonder shines as the funkiest man to ever come out of Motown, and having a good time while he does. To say that this album is essential would not be over-stating it. Very few albums are perfect from beginning to end (and I had thought perhaps "Maybe Your Baby" would make it so for this, but I've grown to love it). If I had to pick favorites, one day it might be "You and I" or "Superstition". Then again, it could easily be "I Believe" or "You've Got It Bad Girl" the next day. It's that good an album, you can't say definitely which is your favorite track.

"Talking Book" is a fantastic journey to the center of one man's soul. Stevie Wonder contributed a gift of love to future generations of music-lovers, and his talents are on full display. It's little wonder, then, that this album is a must for anyone aspiring to be a serious music fan. Or a human being.

When you think about the fact that Stevie was so young when he wrote this music, that he was taking huge artistic risks, that he was talking about serious things in serious ways while fluff abounded around him makes this album that much more significant. He didn't just write love songs; he infused deep, soul-wrenching emotion into them. I dare you to say you don't get goose pimples listening to "You and I" or "You are the sunshine of my life." On the flip side, songs like "Superstition" and "Maybe Your Baby" shows how he can jam hard-core. The brother is bad! And let's not forget the fabulous players on this record - Ray Parker, Jr. on "Maybe Your Baby" or Jeff Beck on "Looking for another Love," to name a couple. Stevie's music is incomporable, and he is a rare musical genius. This CD is a fabulous representation of what a master songwriter can produce. You should check it out.

just seven months after the release of his inaugural new era album "music of my mind"the musical genius stevie wonder comes back with the second installment of his new era "talking book" (an album that was born from his opening new era album "music of my mind"in the same year of 1972)...but with "talking book" wonder's expression of musical creativity is an expansion from "music of my mind" but this time around there is more depth,power and brilliance.wonder's freedom of expression is all the more remarkable demonstrated by the striking album cover photograph."talking book"is the first album cover in wonder's career of which he is photographed(by robert margouleff)in complete freedom:he is sitting on god's natural earthground draped in a long flowing reflective brownish metallic silk outfit(which is reminiscent of the silk that our black kings and queens wore centuries ago.)he is also without his trademark dark shades,and showcasing the powerful afrikan braided hairstyle-which in itself is a political social statement from stevie that he is proud of his black afrikan roots.and like it's predecesor before it("music of my mind")"talking book"was recorded at jimi hendrix's electric ladyland studios in new york-and other studios as well including air studios in london/crystal studios and the record plant both in los angeles,california.wonder again teamed up with the experts of the synthesizer sound-robert margouleff and malcolm cecil.on the album "talking book"wonder again applies another first in his brilliant career.the opening track 'you are the sunshine of my life'(with it's gorgeous opening chords is perhaps one of the most famous opening chords in music history)is the first song in wonder's career where he utilized 2 other vocalists:jim gilstrap sings the first 2 lines...and then comes the beautiful soft voice of gloria barley as she sings the next 2 lines 2 lead off the beginning of the track while wonder himself would be the third and final vocalist.although the song is only 2:45 seconds long it is one of the greatest lovesongs of all-time.who could 4get these famous lines?'you are the sunshine of my life,that's why i'll always stay around-you are the apple of my eye,forever you'll stay in my heart'/...however,when wonder released the song as a single there were horns on the single version.the horns were added 2 the single version 2 give the song more vibrance while the album version has a more laid back relaxed feel 2 it.on 'maybe your baby'wonder takes his hardfunk 2 another level.his opening synthesizer blast on this cut is so damn funkafied it almost renders the other funky cut on this album'superstition'obsolete.'maybe your baby'has a groove that is so mean that it makes'superstition'sick!!!six minutes and forty-five seconds of wonder giving up the high octane funk!!!the song's message is in the madness:anger at a woman who walked out on him and she made plans with another man.thus this event devastated him and whence the morning came of which wonder vocalizes:'in the mornin'when i've got a heartache/i can't call up the doctor for help/'cause the only person that could ever do me any good/is steppin' out with my best friend'...resentment set in and the angry 'maybe your baby done made some other plans'chorus lines are becoming of rage because of a cheating lover.also featured in the song is ray parker jr's funkafied guitar attack.(could wonder's speeded up vocals later in this song be a later future influence 4 prince?)/'you and i'(we can conquer the world)is one of wonder's most compelling and beautiful ballads.the song employs wonder's synthesizer current and beautiful piano playing.it is a very beautiful lovesong 4 a man and woman who are in love with each other.this is a lovesong of wedding bliss of which wonder intones these romantic lyrics 4 his woman:'here we are on earth together-it's you and i-god has made us fall in love,it's true-i've really found someone like you'...the near conclusion of this loveballad tugs at the heart of lovers who want love that is unconditional:'i only pray that i have shown you a brighter day/because that's all that i'm living for,you see/don't worry what happens to me'...i need no further in discussing the beauty of this song it speaks 4 itself...'tuesday heartbreak'is a moderately upbeat song about love specifically about heartbreak:because his woman has found another man.despite this unfortunate situation,he still wants 2 be with her when she's all alone whether it's the daytime or nightime occurrence...'you've got it bad girl'(a mellow cut)with lyrics written by yvonne wright and music written by stevie himself,is a song about a man's obsession 2 capture the love of a woman whom he so desires,but she is reticent and rejects true love that is staring right in her face of which wonder explains:'you know the plans i am making/are intended to capture you/so you practice false reactions,to delay the things i do,foolish you'...'superstition'is the first official song when i really became aware of stevie wonder when i was a 8 or 9 year old child back in 1972.my sweet mother liked it so much that she bought it on a 45 of which she let me have it that i still have 2 this day.'superstition'which was the first single release from "talking book" was a good and bad omen for stevie when it first came out as a single release.wonder had originally written the song for the legendary guitarist jeff beck(whom wonder had met in london where they had jammed 2gether doing music)first the good omen:this central anthem of funk 'superstition'(with it's powerful classic drum intro plus clavinet perfomed by wonder)went all the way to number one on both the r&b and pop charts in december,1972 which contained the key lines of the song:'when you believe in things that you don't understand,then you suffer,superstition ain't the way'...second the bad omen:it was also around the same time wonder was recording 'superstition'-jeff beck was also recording his version of wonder's tune.wonder begged motown not 2 release his version because it would cause a conflict between him and jeff beck.motown told stevie:'man are you crazy?'and sure enough motown released wonder's version of 'superstition'and when it was getting close 2 topping the charts,naturally jeff beck was fuming in a music interview.wonder knew beck would react angrily in this situation.both wonder and beck were involved in a feud over the song.the situation was solved when wonder wrote 2 songs for beck.later,and afterwards beck knew motown had made the right decision in releasing wonder's version of the song.'big brother'is one of wonder's early political songs in his new era.this clavinet driven cut has very powerful lyrical overtones of social decay:'my name is secluded,we live in a house the size of a matchbox,roaches live with us wall to wall'...and mentioning true prophet leaders being killed-and the true masses are hurting that the true prophets are gone and at the song's conclusion the true masses inform the evil doers that they are inviting thier country 2 their own final doom 2 fall.but my all-time personal favorite cut on this classic album is the very mellow emotional 'blame it on the sun'...with the lyrics written by the beautiful syreeta wright and the music written by wonder himself of which stevie plays all the instruments on the song.'blame it on the sun'comes 2 life as a visual still life inside the album cover that features a silhouette profile image of wonder at the early dawning of a new morning day as the sun is in it's shinning dawn beginning underneath a pleasing cool bluesky.this brilliant photographic image fits 'blame it on the sun'perfectly more than any other song on this classic album.in the song,wonder delivers his serious but heartfelt compassion about isolation,love that is lost that went astray(or could it be about the painful breakup between him and syreeta?)the song's heartfelt compassionate lyrics and the sad but beautiful melody is one 4 the ages:'where has my love gone?/how can i go on?/it seems dear love has gone away./where is my spirit?/i'm nowhere near it,oh yes my love has gone astray./but i'll blame it on the sun,the sun that didn't shine.....i'll blame it on the tide and the sea,but my heart blames it on me....who poured the love out?what made this bitter doubt? is peace not here for me to see???this song has so much feeling and compassion,that it is beyond emotion.'looking for another pure love'is another mellow cut about heartbreak and also trying 2 regain love.the song also features jeff beck with a nice guitar solo part.'i beleive'(when i fall in love it will be forever)is the final cut that speaks of life's peaks and valleys and 2 fall in love again 4 good and ending with god answering prayers in this song of emotional pain and 2 regain life on solid spiritual ground.the music on this song starts quietly and as the music progresses,wonder's voice is with powerful conviction alongside the music that progressively finishes very strong- giving "talking book" (released in late october,1972)a very powerful ending.stevie wonder's enduring talent shines with each of his monumental seventies releases."

Having finally been allowed the freedom to record the kind of music he wanted to with 1971s 'Music Of My Mind', Stevie Wonder came back in 1972 to build on that foundation with 'Talking Book'.

This album is another great capsule of Wonders inventive & individual style. The man really had a style all to himself back then & with this album takes himself to the next level. 'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life' is a classic love groove that kicks things off, and 'Superstition' rides one of the greatest guitar riffs that was ever recorded. From front to back the production is awesome, slick keyboard melodies & guitars, with bongo-based beats. My personal cut has to be the bouncy 'Maybe Your Baby', a great fonk number. 'Big Brother' is another inventive cut with its heavy drums and harmonica based groove.

Stevie Wonders sound is just undeniable to me. The man created an awesome body of work in the 70s and this is another of those classic Must Own albums.

If you don't have this in your collection, BUY THIS ALBUM!!!

And then go straight to track 9 - Looking for another love.
If only I could write stuff like this. The structure and composition of this album is pure genius. Obviously Stevie was going through a tough time when he made this album, and every emotion comes through when he sings.

I love this album. It's one of those albums that you just never get tired of playing.

I first became interested in this music upon hearing the closing track to the film "High Fidelity," which is "I believe (&c)," the last track on this disc as well. I had heard "Superstition" before on the radio, and I liked the sound of that track as well. So I sprung for it, and it has become one of my favorite records (I orginally got it on vinyl, then on CD) of all time. While people tell me that "Innervisions" is the one essential Stevie release, with "Songs in the Key of Life" in second place, I put this one above both. It sounds rawer than either, more unpredictable, yet with a nice studio polish that can be expected from Stevie's work. It's a rock album as much as it is a soul album, and it can also be deeply political ("Big Brother" has new relevancy in the age of the erosion of our civil rights). It's full of feeling, love and creativity. It's really too bad Stevie couldn't keep this quality up after "Key of Life," but the fact that anyone could produce an album this consistently good is amazing. It's in my top-ten list folks, and may be in yours if you give it a chance.

Released after the 1972 underrated album, Music Of My Mind, Talking Book was a new chapter in Stevie's career. Synthesizers, keyboards, clavinet, and the vocoders played a major part in this album. So, why is Talking Book so important? The songs are important, of course. "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" is the greatest ballad of all-time. If you ask me, this is the best song on here. "Tuesday Heartbreak" is a little bit disappointing, but it will entertain you. It's a little up-tempo, but Stevie is at his best here. "Maybe Your Baby" is a personal favorite of mine. The opening starts with a synthesizer tune, then it comes all together with a somewhat guitar solo by Ray Parker Jr. "You And I" is another favorite of mine. It has a nice synth-piano tune to it. "Looking For Another Pure Love" is all about relationships. It's very relaxing. "Blame It On The Sun" is very disappointing, when you hear it, it'll sound like crap. It should've been on a soundtrack. Overall, it sounds beautiful. "Superstition" is the funkiest one on here. It's maybe one of my favorite songs by Stevie. "You Got It Bad Girl" is my personal favorites on here. It's like he's taking you on a musical adventure. "Big Brother" should've been left out on here. It's not an enjoyable one. "I Believe" is a jam. On the ending, Stevie cranks it up into a funky tune. Well, Talking Book is two things: love and happiness. The remastered version is great, but I can still hear some tape hiss on some of the songs. There are no extras here and that's disappointing. This is the Stevie Wonder album you have to get.

This album is a Stevie Wonder classic!!! Superstition and You Are The Sunshine Of My Life are worth the price of admission!!! But the other tracks are just as great!!! This CD,with it's remastered sound is a real treat!!! Two thumbs up!!! A+

I believe that with this album Stevie Wonder reached his creative zenith as a musician. Many fans say that his "Songs In The Key Of Life" album from 1976 is his true masterpiece. I have to disagree, as good as that album is "TALKING BOOK" is much more complete as far as the music is concerned. It fills me with joy everytime I listen to it and I feel that the songs are much nicer and they have more of a raw edge to them. My favorite Stevie Wonder song ever is without a doubt "SUPERSTITION", this song is great I still remember when it first came out in 1972, even though I was only seven at the time it left a lasting impression on me. I just love the music and lyrics, I really think is one of the greatest songs ever written not only from the 70's but from any area. The album in is entirety is great from start to fisnish and again in my opinion this LP is really his masterpiece. Although many musicians have recorded "Superstition" and have done a fairly good job with it there is however one musician who even though he has never recorded the song does a superb job when he does it in concert every once in awhile he is the great Jose Feliciano. Out of all the other artists who have sung the song before Jose's live version is truly a masterpiece to listen to I hope he decides to recorded it one day. Stevie Wonder's Talking Book has plenty to talk about with its musical content. Simply GREAT.

On Music of My Mind, Stevie spread his wings. On this album he stretches his genius. This is the first real masterpiece of the numerous Stevie has given us. As I always do in my reviews, let's go song by song.
You Are the Sunshine of My Life: As he did on Music of My Mind, Stevie surprises us here in the first song several ways. First, the first notes heard are actually a progression of minor 3rd chords. This is something that had never been heard in popular music before. The song has become so popular now anyone can hum that very chord progression. Stevie's teaching us as he goes. The next surprise is that the first voice heard is not Stevie's! It is a male voice but it's from someone we don't know! Then, the next voice you hear is....again not Stevie's! It's female now! Why all the surprises? It's Stevie's way of keeping us on our toes. And, a way of making an otherwise regular pop song into something interesting. On the 45 version, Stevie adds horns which makes the song sound a little more upbeat. On the album without the horns, it sounds a lot more solemn. Which leads us to.....
Maybe Your Baby: This song is about the age old question, "Is she cheating on me?" or "Am I losing her?" Stevie has two songs that deal with this subject, the incredible Lately on Hotter Than July and this one. Lately is more like Beethoven meets Ray Charles. Maybe Your Baby is more like Ray Charles meets Johnny Lee Hooker and Eric Clapton. This is gut bucket, heartwrenching, rockin' side to side, cryin' in your beer music, and it's the best example of how someone feels when they think or know they're being cheated on, or for some reason, is losing their lover. The title itself is a stroke of genius. The "Maybe" in it is what keeps us from completely believing the truth, even though it's right in front of our eyes. The song also features a background vocal that continually repeats the phrase, "Maybe your baby done made some other plans" in a very high-pitched voice. It's enough to drive you crazy. Which is exactly the point! The voice represents the thoughts that rage through our minds when we've been jilted by a lover. That's coupled with a very distorted rock guitar that plays in the background. My suggestion is to grab a beer, think about an old lover and put on this song. I garauntee you you'll play it over and over again.
You and I: The second of what would become known as the Classic Stevie Wonder Ballad (primarily voice, bass and piano). This song is about the greatness of every relationship that a person has. Whether it's good or bad we take something from it. That something is generally knowlegde. This song is cinematic in it's sound and great in it's delievery. A true classic.
Tuesday Heartbreak: After two heartwrenching songs, Stevie gives us a little break with this one. It's more upbeat, although it's still singing about the wanting of love. It's a lesser song on the album but still very good.
You've Got it Bad Girl: This song harps back to Girl Blue on Music Of My Mind. Again it's about a person who doesn't see the lover right in front of them. Beautiful chords, melody and a very jazzy drum line give this song a soul.
Superstition and Big Borther: This is a book you know. And like any book you have the main subject (in this case, a break up and it's aftermath) but there are always other things going on around the main story. Stevie separates Superstition and the next song, Big Brother by first, having them start the second side of the original album, and by connecting them musically by having Superstition's ending horns melt into Big Brother's opening clavinet. But what can you say about Superstition that hasn't already been said. It's a great song by an amazing artist and musician. Big Brother is quieter musically but just as loud, if not louder thematically.
Blame it On the Sun: The lyrics to this song were written by Syreeta Wright, Stevie's ex-wife. She is the same ex that this album is basically all about. In this chapter of the book, we're at the "Who's fault is it anyway" point of the breakup. We blame it on everything except ourselve until finally we have to take responsibility. It's a beautiful song with some haunting moog synth work throughout.
Looking for Another Pure Love: This is smooth jazz before it was ever created. In this chapter we're at the stage where we've finally accepted the fact that it's over and we have to move on. We're looking for another pure love. Not just another love but a pure one. There's a nice guitar solo by Jeff Beck that helps bring the song to another level. All this is fronted by a warm lead vocal by Stevie and nice floating backup vocals too. A great warmup, if you will, for what's to come next.
I Believe When I Fall In Love This Time It Will Be Forever: Long title, long song. And another great finale to a great album. It starts slow and wanting, revs up to become a slow rocker and finally explodes with love and sincerity into a full blown rocking/gospel shout. It's Stevie the optimist again basically stating that he's been through a lot (Shattered dreams, worthless years. Here am I encased inside a hollow shell), and yet he knows the next time he falls in love that that will be it. It will last forever.
There is so much going on musically in the last song and throughout the album that I can't fit it into less than 1000 words for this review. Buy this album and listen to it. Don't just put it on and go and paint the house or something. REALLY LISTEN TO IT. Then and only then will you understand the plot of this great book.

Stevie Wonder was sure climbing the charts with this smash hit. Funky, soft, and slipery smooth, Talking Book has it all.

Superstition has always been one of my all time favorite songs. Oh what a groove as the guitars, brass, drums, keyboards, and vocals all work together in harmony. Isn't that what its all about?

Another song that always touches myself is the album closer, I Believe. It starts off as a poignant ballad but the fade out seems to bring out some grooving R & B tones and some optimism for the future.

So many other great moments. Jeff Beck contributes a delightful guitar solo to the breezy Lookin' For Another Pure Love. Maybe Your Baby is another dynamic funky tune. What an infecious hook. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life is oh so joyful with such slipery smooth instrumentation.

Certainly on the same level as Innervisions and Fulfillingness First Finale which is most definitely a very good thing!

I used to think of this one as the slightly weak link in Wonder's astonishing early 1970's run of genius, but the more I listen, the more I realize there were no weak links in that period, only personal favorites. This is one of popular music's most melodic and creative songwriters at the start of his peak, showing off his incredible emotional range ("You Are The Sunshine of My Life" to "Superstition" to "Big Brother") and highly inventive arrangements. Plus, Wonder manages to be one of the very few artists whose use of synthesizers in the 1970's, for the most part, doesn't sound dated today. Which is fortunate, because he uses them a lot, and quite effectively - much the same way Duke Ellington used the tone colors in his own orchestra. And yes, I realize I am comparing him to Ellington.

While "Songs in the Key of Life" may have won more awards and is considered the apex of Wonder's career, I feel that his first two releases as his own producer/arranger/writer/instrumentalist (this one and the previously released "Music of the Mind") are the true measure of Wonder's genius.

"Talking Book" is the natural progression begun with "Music". Wonder was beginning to sharpen his skills, not just as a songwriter but as an master composer. "Superstition" and "Big Brother" were just the beginning of Wonder as social commentator. "You've Got it Bad Girl", "I Believe When I Fall in Love", and "Tuesday Heartbreak" are finely crafted jewels in every manner.

The power of "You and I" is that it is a wedding staple. I can attest to that, having had to play it on several nuptials.

"Maybe Your Baby" is a masterpiece of creativity. It's raw and revealing, allowing us a glimpse of Wonder's heartfelt emotions.

As an American who loves jazz and soul music, I'm constantly amazed to find that the highest quality releases of this music come from Japan. Records that are long out of print in the United States (or exist in a terrible domestic edition--see Sly's "There's A Riot Going On") can be found in lovingly packaged, remastered versions in Japan!! Certainly this says something about the musical tastes of the Japanese, as well as the priorities of American record companies.

This edition of "Talking Book" is housed in a beautiful reproduction of the original record sleeve. It's a work of art; and music this great deserves to be housed in such a package. Apparently, the release is part of the "Motown Paper Sleeve Series," which hit the market in January 2003. All of the records from Stevie's classic period ("Talking Book," "Innervisions," "Fulfillingness' First Finale," "Songs in the Key of Life," "Hotter Than July") have been re-released in these beautiful paper sleeves. I also bought "Innervisions." If you are a Stevie fanatic, I would recommend picking these up now--especially because each release is limited to 5,000 copies. The only downside, of course, is that the liner notes are in Japanese. But Stevie's music speaks for itself--who needs to read the analysis of some critic?

If you go to Japan, you will find most people have a great awareness and appreciation of all types of music. This release of "Talking Book" only confirms that. American record companies could do themselves a favour and learn from the Japanese.

Sometimes it seems like Stevie can just come up wiht this kind of stuff in his sleep. It would have been enough for him to follow his first real masterpiece, Music of My Mind, with a decent album, but instead he decided that he could make this one even better. Every song is great in its own right, but there are quite a few classic Stevie classics here. "Superstition" is definitely one of his most well-known tunes, but he also throws out a lot of great love songs: "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "You and I," "Blame it on the Sun," and "I Believe (When I Fall in Love it Will Be Forever." The rest of the album is similarly great: "Tuesday Heartbreak" and "Big Brother" are other highlights.

This album marks a transition from Wonder's poppy Motown origins into the broader mystical expanse of his transcendent later albums. The disc's big hits, the syrupy ballad, "Sunshine Of My Life" and the funk monster, "Superstition" deliniate the divide -- one is a super-old-fashioned love song, while the other was at the cutting edge of a newly-emerging African-American pop style -- funk music. Wonder may have been slick, but he was riding on the top of a glorious groove that no one else could even come close to. Other songs on here teeter between conventional pop and more exploratory themes, perhaps the most unusual tune in "Blame It On The Sun," which is a little more downcast and minor-key than many of his hits until then. One of Wonder's first classic '70s albums.