What makes Fingertips by Stevie Wonder notable?

'Fingertips' became a significant milestone in music history as it was one of the first live recordings to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing Wonder's exceptional skills as a performer. This album not only established him as a prominent figure in R&B but also influenced future generations of artists seeking to capture the raw energy of live performances. Released on May 21, 1963, 'Fingertips' was Stevie Wonder's first live album and marked his emergence as a solo artist after his early work with Motown. At just 13 years old, Wonder captured the public's attention with this energetic performance, setting the stage for his prolific career ahead.

How many songs are on Fingertips?

Fingertips has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Fingertips

Stevie Wonder · 1963

6 min · 2 tracks · blues

A vibrant fusion of rhythm and blues with a youthful exuberance that showcases Wonder's prodigious talent.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fingertips (I) — The opening track features an infectious groove and highlights Wonder's dynamic vocal delivery, making it an unforgettable introduction to his artistry.
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Fingertips (II) — This concluding version expands on the themes of the first part, showcasing Wonder’s improvisational skill and engaging interaction with the audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

This single captures Wonder's youthful exuberance and showcases his talent in a live setting, marking an important moment in his career.

What we noticed

The track is a continuous performance that blends two parts of the same song, creating a seamless live experience.
The instrumentation features prominent use of horns and a driving rhythm section that propels the performance forward.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked Wonder's emergence as a solo artist and gained significant recognition.
Themes: Motown youth explosion· live performance energy
Career context: Released on May 21, 1963, 'Fingertips' was Stevie Wonder's first live album and marked his emergence as a solo artist after his early work with Motown. At just 13 years old, Wonder captured the public's attention with this energetic performance, setting the stage for his prolific career ahead.
Stylistic neighbors: Marvin Gaye· Prince· Curtis Mayfield