Song Review: A Greatest Hits Collection cover

Released 30 years ago

Song Review: A Greatest Hits Collection

Stevie Wonder · 1996

78 min · 21 tracks · blues

A vibrant collection of timeless melodies blending funk, soul, and pop through Wonder's masterful musicianship and emotive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Superstition — This track exemplifies Wonder's innovative fusion of funk and rock, featuring a signature clavinet riff that remains iconic in music history.
  • →
    I Just Called to Say I Love You Start here — This song showcases Wonder's ability to craft simple yet profound love songs, encapsulating universal emotions with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics.
  • →
    Isn’t She Lovely — A celebration of life and joy, this track highlights Wonder’s personal experiences as a father and features his unique vocal harmonics that resonate deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

This collection highlights Wonder's songwriting and performance strengths but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

  • The album features 21 tracks, with the first ten being some of Wonder's most recognizable hits, creating a strong opening.
  • Tracks are sequenced to alternate between upbeat songs and slower ballads, maintaining listener engagement throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • celebratory sing-alongs with friends
  • nostalgic reflections on love
  • joyful tunes for gatherings
  • timeless classics that uplift
  • catchy melodies for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking experimental or avant-garde
  • prefer contemporary chart-toppers

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — This compilation reintroduces Wonder's classic hits, making it accessible for new listeners.
Themes
fatherhood celebration· jazz tribute· funk innovation
Career context
Released in 1996, this greatest hits compilation came during Stevie Wonder's transitional period after a career that had seen unprecedented success since the 1970s. By this point, he was a global icon, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to R&B and pop music, yet this album also marked a moment of reflection on his extensive catalog.
Stylistic neighbors
Marvin Gaye· Prince· Curtis Mayfield
New to Stevie Wonder? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Isn’t She Lovely 3:20
  • 2 I Just Called to Say I Love You Start here 4:22
  • 3 Superstition 4:00
  • 4 Sir Duke 3:52
  • 5 Master Blaster (Jammin’) 4:49
  • 6 Ebony & Ivory 3:40
  • 7 Happy Birthday 5:53
  • 8 Living for the City 3:40
  • 9 He’s Misstra Know It All 5:33
  • 10 You Are the Sunshine of My Life 2:55
  • 11 Lately 4:05
  • 12 Part‐time Lover 3:42
  • 13 My Cherie Amour 2:51
  • 14 Yester‐me, Yester‐you, Yesterday 3:05
  • 15 Uptight (Everything’s Alright) 2:52
  • 16 I Was Made to Love Her 2:35
  • 17 For Once in My Life 2:47
  • 18 Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours 2:38
  • 19 For Your Love 4:04
  • 20 Kiss Lonely Good‐bye 4:08
  • 21 Redemption Song 3:47

What to play next

At the Close of a Century
Listen next

At the Close of a Century

1999

Continues the vibrant melodies with reflections on Wonder's career and evolution.
Conversation Peace
Go back to

Conversation Peace

1995
Full Stevie Wonder discography Where to start with Stevie Wonder Artists like Stevie Wonder
funk jazz

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Sign "O" the Times

Sign "O" the Times

Prince

Combines funk, pop, and jazz-inflected arrangements with introspective themes of life and love.

What's Going On

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye

Shares a deep emotional resonance and social consciousness through soulful melodies and lush instrumentation.

That's the Way of the World

That's the Way of the World

Earth, Wind & Fire

Blends funk and soul with uplifting themes, featuring vibrant arrangements and a celebration of life.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata