Friday Flashback :: Stevie Wonder's As
Stevie Wonder's 2-LP, 21-track release, Songs In The Key Of Life, contained songs that touched on virtually every element of the human experience, from the spiritual (Have a Talk With God), to the mundane (Pastime Paradise). So extensive was the release, he recorded only one more album after this one the 70's. (Modern artists, take note -- this is a 21 song release, not a 6 song, 6 interlude, and 3 skit album....)
In my opinion, the hidden gem out of Songs... is the lyrically-expansive As.
I love this song for two reasons: first, really listen to the lyrics if you haven't done so before. Without reprinting all of them here, Wonder's basically saying that true love ends only when the laws of the physical universe and reality cease to exist, where, for example, "eight times eight times eight is four" and the "days, they are no more."
If, after taking a moment to really digest these lyrics, you aren't moved and you don't believe in the enduring quality of true love, you have no heart. Sorry.
Second, there's the imminent danceability. From a sedate start suited to hand-dancing and steppin', to an energetic twirling, spinning, and jumping finish in the second half, there are few of Stevie Wonder's other songs better suited for the dance floor. (And at just over seven minutes in length, Stevie didn't have to make a disco or dance mix -- it was ready to go as is). As is the prototype "post-peaktime" song, played close to the time, but before, the lights would up, when a good DJ would give you a few classics to dance your way out the door! From the Paradox in Baltimore, to the Warehouse and Artful Dodger in Chicago, me and my friends would enjoy As, as one of the closing songs for the night. And remember, this song is over 30 years old!
After hearing As hundreds of times, like a good glass of well-aged scotch, it never disappoints. And really, isn't that the definition of a classic? Plus, you've got to love the simple, succinct, and subtle one-word title.
I love songs that evoke a visceral response in the listener, and few songs reach out and grab the listener like this. Friday's Flashback for the first Friday in November, 2007 is As.
Stevie Wonder :: As
Album: Songs In The Key Of Life
Released: 1976
Billboard peak: #36 U.S. Black Singles in 1977, #36 U.S. Pop Chart in 1978
Play the Track: As (to download, Mac users, Control-click, and choose 'Save Link As...' Windows users right-click the link and choose 'Save Target As...').
In my opinion, the hidden gem out of Songs... is the lyrically-expansive As.
I love this song for two reasons: first, really listen to the lyrics if you haven't done so before. Without reprinting all of them here, Wonder's basically saying that true love ends only when the laws of the physical universe and reality cease to exist, where, for example, "eight times eight times eight is four" and the "days, they are no more."
If, after taking a moment to really digest these lyrics, you aren't moved and you don't believe in the enduring quality of true love, you have no heart. Sorry.
Second, there's the imminent danceability. From a sedate start suited to hand-dancing and steppin', to an energetic twirling, spinning, and jumping finish in the second half, there are few of Stevie Wonder's other songs better suited for the dance floor. (And at just over seven minutes in length, Stevie didn't have to make a disco or dance mix -- it was ready to go as is). As is the prototype "post-peaktime" song, played close to the time, but before, the lights would up, when a good DJ would give you a few classics to dance your way out the door! From the Paradox in Baltimore, to the Warehouse and Artful Dodger in Chicago, me and my friends would enjoy As, as one of the closing songs for the night. And remember, this song is over 30 years old!
After hearing As hundreds of times, like a good glass of well-aged scotch, it never disappoints. And really, isn't that the definition of a classic? Plus, you've got to love the simple, succinct, and subtle one-word title.
I love songs that evoke a visceral response in the listener, and few songs reach out and grab the listener like this. Friday's Flashback for the first Friday in November, 2007 is As.
Stevie Wonder :: AsAlbum: Songs In The Key Of Life
Released: 1976
Billboard peak: #36 U.S. Black Singles in 1977, #36 U.S. Pop Chart in 1978
Play the Track: As (to download, Mac users, Control-click, and choose 'Save Link As...' Windows users right-click the link and choose 'Save Target As...').
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Absolute classic! I remember the parties, hot and sweaty with the whole crowd singing along to this cut word for word! I remember being a shorty and reading the album song lyrics in a pull out booklet, and getting the words right finally... "...until we dream of life and life becomes a dree-em..." Looks like a Steveland weekend. Just what I needed...
Those were good times at the 'Dodger particularly! As is certainly one of those classics that every music fan needs in their collection.
I remember dancing with my father to this song when I was a little girl. It is a classic.
Welcome aboard, ThisGirl! Hope you make yourself a home and enjoy what we do here at The Hustle!
Chances are, if/when you have kids, they'll reminisce about dancing with you or their dad to this song. It's truly timeless!