When Paul Simon gave his acceptance speech for Album of the Year Grammy winner, "Still Crazy After All These Years," He thanked Stevie Wonder for not putting out an album that year. Wonder absolutely ruled the 70's with Gem after gem after gem.
This is the song that made me notice Stevie Wonder. It ropes you in with the music and nails you to the floor with the story. It's an amazing. landmark song.
You're by far my favorite reactor and this one is a good reason why that's true. You get the story and the tragedy as well as the genius of the music! It's such a poignant song. It came out when I was very little and I remember hearing it well before I could truly get what it was about - and I still knew that it was a sad, angry song but also full of beauty. And to me, there's something about that part you liked - the one that gets sort of jazzy where Stevie's singing da-da-daaa's - there's something almost super-American about that bit. It sounds a bit like an alternative national anthem, one that acknowledges the ugly truth (racism) as well as the beauty. Anyway, thanks! Great one, JP.
Stevie is most definitely on my Mt Rushmore of musical talents. The man is a living legend and may have more god given talent than anyone ever. Stevie can’t make a bad song!!
Stevie is so, so good. I've always been partial to Songs in the Key of Life over his other great 70s albums, maybe just because it was my first, but really you can't go wrong. Btw, I don't think there actually are any female backup vocals on this song. Every voice and instrument is Stevie himself, except for the spoken word "character voices" on the interlude.
Stevies run of great albums in the 70's were beyond good. Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale, and Songs in the Key of Life; all classics.
You forget the superb Music of My Mind, which for me is much more interesting than the revered but perfectible Songs in the Key of Life in which many tracks are really too long for what they are.
@@a.k.1740 I respectful disagree, I love the double, triple, quadruple albums of the 70s, 80s. Otherwise, we’d have hundreds of unheard tracks and compilations because it’s going to come out eventually.
@@-davidolivares I prefer the condensed to the self-indulgent. Personally, I could have done without a whole bunch of songs on Songs in the Key of Life, and I find that there are plenty of double albums filled to the brim with songs that I don't care about (I'm thinking in particular of Exile on Main St. by the Rolling Stones, Tales from Topographic Oceans by Yes, Works Volume 1 by ELP, Ummagumma and The Wall by Pink Floyd, 1999 and Sign "☮︎" the Times by Prince, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me by The Cure and so many others). Well, on the other hand, I greatly appreciate Quadrophenia by The Who, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis, Incantations by Mike Oldfield, English Settlement by XTC, Gone to Earth by David Sylvian and a few others).
Stevie means every word he sings. I could wax lyrical about this man but it's already been said, so I'll use a word that I never use lightly...GENIUS! What a track.
The “female” vocalist in this song , that he refers to a few times is Stevie Wonder. He not only did all the vocals but he plays every instrument as well, as he often did in most of his albums.
This is a powerful and important song in the history of music. I still remember hearing this long version for the first time in the '70s. It was a time when people spoke out against the madness.
I've confessed before to being a diehard rock fan but even the most blinkered rock/prog/metal/country fans couldn't fail to see the genius behind Stevie Wonder. This might be his pinnacle but there are several others. Now, how did Wonder come to write such a sappy song as I Just Called to Say 'I Love You'? Beyond me.
What was true then, is true today.The message is lost, but the song still plays. But we keep repeating it, anyway. C'mon people fight for your rights, we've got a world to sway! We are all descended from one tribe(scientific fact). Got something to say? (grumpy old fart before coffee), Peace and Love.
"Living for the City" Stevie Wonder - lead vocal, background vocals, Fender Rhodes electric piano, drums, Moog bass, T.O.N.T.O. synthesizer, handclaps NO FEMALE or other backup singers on this song.
The level you reached when analyzing music is undoubtedly, for me, the highest I know... You can listen to something and do a complete analysis, music, lyrics, arrangements, you took any detail so fast... Thank you 4 do this, and waiting 4 the rest of the album... And maybe next "Songs In The Key Of Life", one of the most heights in popular music... And we are so close to The Wall!!!!!
One of my favorite songs from the first album of one of the greatest runs of album ever, by arguably the greatest singer-songwriter (and one-man orchestra) of all time. I'm so happy we have finally come to it.
The track is sheer genius, after the talking narrative, Stevie's final vocal, that growl, Stevie has so much rage and sorrow in there. There's another RU-vid channel that only reacted to the single version of this song, and they missed the point! It's like only looking at the front cover of Zeppelin IV, not turning around the back, and missing the punchline. Very important track.
Please, do every 70’s album. Do them in their entirety. They ensured that so many other worthy artists in the 70’s didn’t get Grammys. The most brilliant album run by one one of the most brilliant stars ever.
Most people didn't hear the entire track unless they purchased the album. There was a radio edit that got all the airplay of which there was plenty and didn't include the NYC narrative. Stay safe...be well... P.S. Young Micheal Jackson had to have, and did hang out in the studio during Steve's time. You can hear how Steve's vocals influenced MJ. "Hee hee."
I second that. I've heard the radio edit many times, and its a great jam, but right here, this is the first time I've knowingly listened to the full version and properly appreciated what its about, and wow, it takes the song to a whole new level.
After Marvin’s ‘What’s Goin On’ & ‘Inner City Blues’, this is right in there, & ad to that Temptatins’ Ball of Cnfusion, all social commentary on the times, but also prophetic. You would enjoy a documentary called ‘HITSVILLE: The Making of Motown. Your u get a powerful view of the whole soul music movement and that amazing legacy. After being a label & brand that was so much about love songs, Marvin approached Berry Gordy to produce & release material that spoke to the issues. Stevie , as soon as he turned 18 demanded to have total control of his work. Yes u might even find it on RU-vid. Great reaction thorough ‘super extensive’ analysis 🧐😁
Spot on reaction to how it was for me listening to this for the first dozen times as a young teen in the early 1970's. Edit: And this is probably my favorite reaction of any song by anyone.
I remember when I heard this the first time in 1976-77. I was hardly in prog and we had a party from our Art school. The friend who organized it (RIP Michel) was a Stevie Wonder fan ans we spent all night drinking, smoking, dancing with this album essentially. A great memory. It wasn't my style of musc but it was so fantastic and groovy. I still am moved by this music in remembrance of this night.
This was the era of Civil Rights and after into the 70s. Many artists/musicians music reflected the Time! If you want more check out Marvin Gates album 'What's Going On!! It was and still is OUTSTANDING! Recorded and released in 1971 and was my first Recording I bought and paid for myself at the age of 16/17! This is when music had purpose and style and meaning . Being a 70 yr old Black American Music..... I miss those days and, of course, the MUSIC ENJOY. I SUBSCRIBED JUST NOW. 🎉
Spot on - this IS one of THOSE tracks. Historic greatness, in every aspect. This is on my playlist of top tracks across all genres, hits me hard every time. Makes me wish Stevie had gone further down this path into prog, that would've been so ground-breaking - I can only imagine what his side-long epic might have been like...
The music is incredible, but the lyrics slapped in the face the very first time I heard it as a young teenager. I'm an older white guy "livin' for the suburbs", but who else but Stevie Wonder could have writtin this song? No one.
I was 9 when this came out. The radio I listened to then played the whole song with no censoring and it made a big impression on me. This was at the same time that the schools in Memphis where I was living were ordered to integrate. I was bussed to what had been a predominantly black school. My (white) teacher proceeded to divide the room by race. I remember well something went missing once and she seemed to only accuse the black boys. Stevie was creating the perfect soundtrack for that period with some amazing music and a timely message.
Stevie Wonder was a huge star in the 70's, and -- like Steely Dan -- had fans both in the public mainstream and among other musicians. He plays nearly everything on his albums, and was a pioneer synthesizer artist. As for the lyrics, Stevie was following in Marvin Gaye's footsteps, but yeah -- race relations in the United States were at a boil in the late 60's/early 70's. What's sad about today's BLM movement is that after almost 70 years it's STILL a problem in this country. But hey, history is a dirty word in some of our schools unfortunately, and I worry young people won't ever know what happened in Stevie's time, let alone back in the days of Rosa Parks and the Selma marches.
This song and "Higher Ground" cemented Stevie Wonder in my mind as a young man. people have already said everything there is to say about him so I won't add any more superlatives. And your analysis of the song is bang on the mark. Excellent work JP.
Just an absolute powerhouse of a song. He won best album a few years in a row. When paul simon won best album his first comment was "I would like to thank stevie wonder for not putting out an album this year"
Loved this album as a kid. This song facilitated me. The music, the instruments, the vocals and the lyrics. The story was another world from what I knew. Just thought, he goes from the repressive racially divided south to a liberal northern city, and that’s where he finds trouble.
Great song both musically and lyrically. I remember liking it many years ago when it came out, but I was probably too young to really appreciate the message and the way the music enhances the lyrics.
More progressive than the vast majority of 'progressive music'. Stevie's 70s output was immaculate, but this track was his crowning achievement. Especially since he did practically all the vocals and instrumentation on it (Except for the spoken word bit and some of the synth programming)
Wow, are you sure this is your first time hearing this song? You totally got everything with the changes of the music and how gritty Stevie's voice got. Excellent reaction you nailed it.
Really good review. Nice how you notice the change and feel in music that reflects the lyrics. I love this song but just hate when everything goes to hell.
With the help of Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff, Stevie brought in the era of synth work to popular music. I’d be cool if you gave some love to Tomita, say Firebird or The Planets too. Just sayin.
A fantastic track and your review is excellent as usual, you are by far the best music reactor out there, That being said I see now that you are commenting during the track playthrough which is something that you never used to do and I suspect it's to fend off the idiocy of copyright but it's a great shame because to me if someone is talking especially verbalising a long sentence then you are not listening and probably talking over crucial moments in a piece of music, I'm sorry for the negativity, you're still the best though 👍
One of the best songs from Stevie's best album. Can't go wrong with that! The single version is a more cohesive listen, perhaps, since it edits out the whole spoken words bit, but by doing so, it also kind of makes the song lose its point. - Both are worth hearing, though.
What are you talking about? What is professional victimhood? Sounds like right-wing propaganda. I don’t recognize that in the world. Beyond the things people think when they see others with empathy and they don’t wanna utilize that in themselves.
Man Justin, you’re so astute! For a first listen, you picked up every thing that song laid down. I got this record shortly after release, 12 year old white kid, given a reminder dose of American reality. I grew up in the Detroit area, Stevie’s hometown. I was 6 years old in ‘67 during the first race riot of my lifes .experience. There was a curfew , had to be inside by dark. I was sitting outside at the curb trying to make honey out of clover blossoms that i was chopping up with a garlic chopper! I seriously remember that shit! I lived, and loved the music out of Motown. So when i heard Livin for the City, I was awestruck like you, at 12 years old. Thats our history, and fuck you republicans that want to stop teaching that history to kids (Ron DeSantis!). How dare those fuckers! My handle here is Uncletom, but only because i got no kids at 62 yo now, but i have 17 nieces and nephews . You wouldn’t believe the conversations ive had cuzza that! 😎 To me, thats the best song Stevie ever recorded. So glad I learned empathy so young
I don't know what's worse about your comment - its ignorance, its hatefulness, or the fact that Justin "hearted" it. So, I'll leave this advice before I unsubscribe: stop parroting Marxist bullshit and maybe try learning something.
50 years later, and this song has lost NONE of its impact. Perhaps after you've finished this album, whether on your own time or not, I would strongly suggest checking out a mid 70s live television performance on a German music show called Musik Laden. It is quite simply one of the most riveting half hours' worth of music you will ever witness. The music may be lost on some of the audience, but the folks filming clearly got it. Raw, urgent, mistakes and all, this is not to be missed.
Notice how the spoken sektion with the city noise near the end, is more or less copied by the ending of "the Message" by Grandmaster Flash. So yet another thing Rap stole ;-)
Not so much Civil Rights as that was at least 5 years before. This was the WOKE song of the generation blinded by Vietnam and ignoring the problems of the Main St economy because the war ate all the resources and energy. It was a dismal time.
"Living for the City" is superb but probably drags a little too long for my taste and in this sense I prefer the version published as a single which goes straight to the point. The disproportionate length of the songs is what will weigh down his double album Songs in the Key of Life in my opinion, but we are not there yet ! 😉
@@izzonj To each his own ! Personally, on Songs in the Key of Life, I can't stand the length of songs like "Isn't She Lovely", "Black Man" and "As" although I like all three songs, in the case of " Isn't She Lovely" and "As" I prefer their single edit (too bad there wasn't one for "Black Man" as it drags on so long ! 🙄).
@@a.k.1740 1) the radio version cuts out half of the story, just ain’t complete without the city/arrest scene + the part where he sings with so much grit. whole track is awesome 2) couldn’t disagree more about As, that song is 7 minutes of beautiful music perfection :) 3) longer version of isnt she lovely just includes more harmonica which i’ll never complain about haha
