Stevie Wonder
(Journey Trough) The Secret Life Of Plants

THE REVIEW

MUSIC è NATURA1979: After two years of silence following the masterpiece "Songs In the Key of Life," Stevie returns with a unique, original project that is entirely different and therefore not comparable to what the artist has done or will ever do in the years to come. It is, in fact, a double album, containing a good part of the tracks meant to serve as the soundtrack for a nature documentary. The first record is almost entirely 'instrumental.' The first three songs are musical-naturalistic pieces (also containing natural sounds and animal calls in the background), almost New-Age. They create a truly enchanted atmosphere ("The First Garden" and "Voyage To India"), in which the listener is captivated by images of untouched, mysterious, and distant natures.

As mentioned before, since the first record is almost entirely instrumental, we have to wait until the fourth track to hear Stevie's voice. But the wait is worth it, as the song in question is the marvelous "Same Old Story." Also noteworthy in the first record is "Power Flower," whose protagonist Pan is a sort of 'sprite' that regulates the forces of nature by reciting: "It's not magic. . . it's not madness. . . just the element of style. . . " The rhythm changes with the second record, which returns to paths more common to the author, containing 10 tracks (like the first), albeit with lyrics always referring to nature, of a more 'singer-songwriter' and 'traditional' genre. In this second part, the magical atmosphere created in the first does not wane, but blossoms and what was a sound in the first here matures into a song.

Worthy of note in the second part: "Send One Your Love," "Outside My Window," "Black Orchid," the sweet "Come Back As A Flower" sung by Syreeta Wright, and the compelling "A Seed's A Star/ Tree Medley." Most beautiful track of the album: "The Secret Life Of Plants," a poignant ballad obviously about the forces of nature. To be listened to in total tranquility, allowing oneself to be carried away by the music towards the natures it depicts.