While both Wonder and Hill have had their hearts broken from unfulfilled commitment, their songs produce enough optimism to reflect and move on. Lauryn Hill does so similarly on “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, where she croons about men and women using each for sex without commitment.

“Ordinary Love” and “Another Star” are both songs on the album that discuss heartbreak in an upbeat tone to help digest Stevie’s reflections best. Songs In the Key of Life is a classic album because it blends social critiques, heartbreak, love, and nostalgia within a variety of moods- not one topic is assigned to a specific tempo or rhythm. “The Fall” is his seductive call is make love to his wife and achieve deeper emotional depth through physical exploration. Rhye does so similarly on their brilliant debut album Woman, which is vocalist Milosh’s musical tribute to his beautiful marriage. One of the most authentic parts of Stevie Wonder’s music is his focus in saying “I love you.” He recites the phrase in multiples contexts on Songs In the Key of Life and shows his deepest appreciation for the people who make him feel special and appreciated. They may be vastly different, but the strings in each song create a unique emotional reaction for your ears. While Wonder uses the song as a critical opportunity to expose the hardships of urban poverty, Timberlake makes playful comparison of his lover as a cocktail of drugs. This orchestral focus is similar to Songs In the Key of Life’s “Village Ghetto Land” but takes on a more light-hearted focus. The sweeping string arrangements of Justin Timberlake’s “Pusher Lover Girl” serve as a swoon-worthy introduction to The 20/20 Experience, the renowned pop star’s most mature effort to date. Read more: Album of the Month – Stevie Wonder ‘Songs in the Key Life’ Listen: Stevie Wonder ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ Musical Lead-Up However, our Legacy playlists feature artists active within the past 15-20 years, and all of the musicians featured here blend hip-hop and soul to project similar values and wishes of Wonder’s magnum opus. Stevie Wonder’s influence on pop, soul, and R&B music is absolutely immense, and there are thousands of artists who have been inspired by his genius.

What key is sade by your side in