Trevor Nelson - 09/09/2009

Trevor's Album Of The Week is Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life (1976). Having showered Berry Gordy's Motown label with chart gold dust throughout the 60s, the wunderkind finally took a leaf from the civil rights-related empowerment of black people in the USA and decided to make a stand (much as labelmate Marvin Gaye had). Critical discourse often labels this album "experimental". While 21st Century ears may struggle to grasp what this collection of funk, soul, fusion and pop has that makes it deserve the tag, once you contextualize it becomes clear. It's Elton John's and George Michael's favourite album and it's continually listed as one of the best things in popular music.