Fulfillingness' First Finale

Japanese exclusive reissue of 1974 album. Packaged in a miniature gatefold LP sleeve. Limited to 5,000 pieces. Motown. 2003.

Stevie Wonder was in the middle of a multi-album roll when he put out this funk and soul collection, clunky title and all, in 1974. As usual, he adds depth and unexpected touches to even the most straightforward love song--the moving piano ballad "Too Shy to Say" has a spooky feeling, as if "I want to fly away with you, until there's nothing more to do" is the saddest line he ever sang. The harder songs, such as the fuzzy funk of "Boogie On Reggae Woman" and the angry "doo-de-wop" attack on Richard Nixon in "You Haven't Done Nothin'," add urgency without sacrificing the album's cohesiveness. --Steve Knopper