When we first started composing our Stevie Wonder songs list, we quickly realized that it would be impossible to only pick 10 Stevie Wonder songs. Stevie Wonder has enjoyed a long glorious and successful musical career that has spanned many decades. To present fans with some of his best songs from each decade we came to the conclusion that we would have to extend our typical top 10 songs list to a Top 25 Songs list for Stevie Wonder. Even at 25 songs there were so many great Stevie Wonder songs that were left out. We apologize if we missed any of your favorites. However, we think we did a good job of including the important material from all of Stevie Wonder’s time periods. When we think of the greats like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder is right there with all of them
While most middle school age kids are busy picking which clubs they want to join or trying to pass a pre-algebra test, at 11 years old Stevie Wonder was signing his first record contract with Motown Records. In 1961, Little Stevie Wonder released his first album entitled The Jazz Soul Of Little Stevie. 
At the time of the album’s release, Stevie Wonder was 12 years old. The album was released on Tamia Records which was a division of Motown Records. One year later in 1963, Little Stevie Wonder would score his first number one single with the live version of “Fingertips.”
From 1963 to 1973, Stevie Wonder would score ten more top 10 hit singles. In 1973, Stevie Wonder would hit number one again on the Billboard Hot 100 with his song “Superstition.” Many would argue that the time period between 1973 and 1977 were the golden years for Stevie Wonder. During that amazing time period, Stevie Wonder released the albums, Talking Book
, Innervisions
, Fulfillingness’ First Finale
. and Songs in the Key of Life
which many believe to be one of the greatest albums ever released.
Stevie Wonder continued to release albums all throughout the 80s and 90s. His last album was released in 2005 entitled A Time To Love
. The last song Stevie Wonder has released as of this writing was a single entitled “Faith,” in 2016 which also featured Ariana Grande.
We hope you enjoy our top 25 Stevie Wonder songs list which covers a career spanning 57 years.
# 25 – Faith
We start out our top 25 Stevie Wonder songs list with this incredibly modern-sounding track that defines all that’s great with Stevie Wonder. How could you not love this? From the album Sing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Released in 2916. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song failed to break onto the US Billboard Hot 100 or the US Billboard R&B Charts. However, it did break the top 100 in Belgium.
# 24 – I Just Called To Say I Love You
Two soundtrack songs in a row open up our Stevie Wonder songs list. Two soundtracks from two completely different eras. From the 1984 soundtrack album The Woman in Red.
Released in 1984. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “I Just Called to Say I Love You” hit number one US Billboard Hot 100. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” also hit number on the US Billboard R&B Charts. It pretty much hit number one in just about every country around the world. This was a monster hit.
# 23 – Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday
From the album My Cherie Amour
. Released in 1969. Written by Ron Miller and Bryan Wells. The song “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday” hit number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday” also hit number five on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 22 – For Once In My Life
From the album For Once In My Life
. Released in 1968. Written by Ron Miller. The song “For Once in My Life” hit number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. “For Once in My Life” also hit number four on the US Billboard R&B Charts. It hit number three on the United Kingdom Pop Charts.
# 21 – Part-Time Lover
From the album In Square Circle
. Released in 1985. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “Part-Time Lover” hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Music Charts. “Part-Time Lover” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 20 – Master Blaster (Jammin)
From the album Hotter Than July
. Released in 1980. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” hit number five on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 19 – Uptight (Everything’s Alright)
From the album Up-Tight. Released in 1965. Written by Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby. The song “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” hit number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 18 – Ribbon In The Sky
From the album, The Original Musiquarium I. Released in 1982. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “Ribbon in the Sky” hit number fifty-four on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Ribbon in the Sky” also hit number ten on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 17 – Overjoyed
From the album In Square Circle. Released in 1985. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “Overjoyed” hit number twenty four on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Overjoyed” also hit number eight on the US Billboard R&B Charts. The song hit number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Music Charts.
# 16 – Send One Your Love
From the album Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants.” Released in 1979. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “Send One Your Love” hit number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Send One Your Love” also hit number five on the US Billboard R&B Charts. The song “Send One Your Love” would hit number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Music Charts.
# 15 – Love’s in Need of Love Today
From the album Fulfillingness’ First Finale. Released in 1974. Written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright. When this album was first released, most of us thought that Stevie Wonder had hit his peak. We were all wrong. None of us expected what was to come next. An album called Songs In The Key Of Life. “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” was not originally released as a single.
# 14 – As
From the album Songs In The Key Of Life
. Released in 1976. We could have done a top 10 songs list just from this album alone. When this record was released it once so many awards. Everybody was blown away by this record. It was a double album two record set that also contained a 7-inch record with 4 more songs. That was so much music released on this album and every song was great. The album was released in 1976. The song “As” hit number thirty six on the US Billboard Hot 100. “As” also hit number thirty six on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 13 – Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing
From the album Innervisions. Released in 1973. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing” hit number sixteen on the US Billboard Hot 100.”Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing” also hit number two on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 12 – Boogie On Reggae Woman
From the album Fulfillingness’ First Finale. Released in 1974. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “Boogie On Reggae Woman” hit number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.”Boogie On Reggae Woman” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 11 – I Wish
From the album Songs In The Key Of Life. I Wish was released as a single in 1977. Written by Stevie Wonder. The song “I Wish” hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. “I Wish” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 10 – Higher Ground
We start out our top 10 section of our Stevie Wonder songs list with a great song from the album Innervisions. Released in 1973. Written by Stevie Wonder. The perfect song to start out our top 10 section of this Stevie Wonder songs list. The song “Higher Ground” hit number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.”Higher Ground” also hit number four on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 9 – My Cherie Amour
From the album My Cherie Amour. Released in 1969. Written by Henry Cosby, Sylvia Moy, and Stevie Wonder. If you were alive in the late 1960s, you heard this one on the radio all the time. The song “My Cherie Amour” hit number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. “My Cherie Amour” also hit number four on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 8 – If You Really Love Me
From the album Where I’m Coming From. Released in 1971. Written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright. The song’s groove and passionate vocals made for one of Stevie Wonder’s most enjoyable early hit songs. The song “If You Really Love Me” hit number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. “If You Really Love Me” also hit number four on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 7 – You Haven’t Done Nothin
From the album Fulfillingness’ First Finale. Released in 1974. Written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright. Such a funky riff that any music fan fell in love with upon hearing the song for the very first time. This was a huge hit! The song “You Haven’t Done Nothin'” hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. “You Haven’t Done Nothin'” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 6 – Isn’t She Lovely
From the album Songs In The Key Of Life. Released in 1976. Released as a single in 1977. Written by Stevie Wonder. Such a beautiful song that new mothers and fathers would totally relate to. Surprisingly, the song “Isn’t She Lovely” did not break into any of the US Billboard music charts.
# 5 – Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours
From the album Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours
. Released in 1970. Written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright, Lee Garrett and Lula Mae Hardaway. This was the sound of Motown! The song “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” hit number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 4 – Sir Duke
From the album Songs In The Key Of Life. Released in 1976. Released as a single in 1977. Written by Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder hit a home run with the song’s infectious opening lick that you could not get out of your head the first time you heard it. And those lyrics were just so universal. The song “Sir Duke” hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.” Sir Duke” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 3 – Sunshine Of My Life
From the album Talking Book. Released in 1972. The single was released in 1973. Written by Stevie Wonder. One of those songs that instantly became a standard and was very popular among the old school jazz singers from the 50s and 60s. The song “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” hit number three on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 2 – Superstition
From the album Talking Book
. Released in 1972. Written by Stevie Wonder. This is just one of those classic Stevie Wonder riffs that seem to come from another world. The song has been covered many times by some other great artists including a smoking version by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Simply, a keyboard riff to die for. It was the first of two straight singles from Songbook to hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Superstition,” also hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
# 1 – Living For The City
From the album Innervisions. Released in 1973. Written by Stevie Wonder. It was really tough to choose a song for the number one spot. There are so many Stevie Wonder songs that could easily slip into the number one spot. I remember buying all of Stevie Wonder’s albums when they were first released starting with Talking Book
. It was always an amazing experience hearing those albums for the first time. Listening to songs before they had become hits. The one song that blew me away the most on first hearing it was “Living For The City”. It was so powerful both lyrically and melodically. Stevie Wonder’s performance on the song was incredibly powerful. For all those reasons it’s why my humble opinion has placed it at number one. The song “Living for the City” hit number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Living for the City” would hit number one on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
Photo: File:Stevie Wonder at East End, Washington DC.jpg: John Athayde (boboroshi)derivative work: Mathonius [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Top 25 Stevie Wonder Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain creative commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
No Responses