Stevie Wonder's Journey Through "The Secret Life Of Plants" (studio album) by Stevie Wonder

From Jboy56 11/12/2023 10:43

I think that SW's creative powers were unsuccessful with this double album. Mostly instrumental songs lack any hit power, and they sound dated and dull as an artistic thing. There are only a few decent songs to be remembered from this artsy accomplishment. For completists only,

From MonetLikeYogurt 07/08/2020 05:10

Don’t watch the documentary first, this is a unique and beauty experience that must be lead by your imagination. Album that make you love plants and Nature. Like the brother of Plantasia. And not just nature, musical is a masterpice by Steveland.

Lovin’ Tree!

From OldToad 01/16/2019 12:13

A very psychedelic record for sure, somebody got that right. That's the right way to frame it.

This record got slaughtered by critics and fans alike and Stevie was never the same, that's a plain fact. He thought he had earned enough credit with his previous albums--it was a cliche to call him a "genius"--for people to give it some time to soak in. It's a full-on abstract rock opera built around some charming but definitely pseudo-scientific ideas that nobody had any time for in skinny-tie-post-punk-post-disco 1979.

He knew that this isn't You Haven't Done Nothing or Superstition. There are some singles, but nothing you can dance to. He was offering...his art, for real. He took his shot. It's a full-on philosophy of the cosmos, expressed by an actual genius (the cliche was true, after all), and it has sparks of mystical inspiration in it...but it's definitely not danceable, and it does have some sections you have to be patient with.

But...if by chance you happen to crack this nut, you can draw deep nourishment for a long time.

From Tamthebam 08/02/2018 11:00

Extremely underrated album a mixture of instrumentals, vocals & lyrics that blend together to make a double album of thought provoking music. An ecological album ahead of its time. Send One Your Love, Race Babbling, Black Orchid, Outside My window the title track & Same Old Story are some of Stevie's best work. Syreeta adds her vocals too, taking the lead on Come Back as A Flower.

From Kingturtle 06/14/2016 17:15

Best psychedelic album of 1979!

Bonkers! Brilliant! Better than a dozen Boards of Canada lp's??

From paladisiac 01/15/2013 17:52

This is a very interesting, mostly instrumental (slightly over half), voyage through Stevie Wonder's mind. Made for an almost-unseen documentary, i can only imagine the disappointment of pop fans following "songs in the key of life". Still, those into the experimental side of r&b bordering on new age should check Stevie's album out.

From junodog4 07/25/2012 14:46

Bold, but alienating. Many people wouldn't 'get it', including myself. I realize Stevie Wonder was trying something, but I'm not sure if it's any good. Does anyone else know this better than I do, and can give a more accurate review? Please do.