LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

RUMBLE RECORDS

Wonder's second LP, recorded and released when he was only 12 years old, is a tribute to Ray Charles. As the original liner notes state, "Little Stevie Wonder, Tamla's 11-year-old musical genius, is blind, a similarity he shares with a famed musician and vocalist of today." Though this is perhaps not the most subtle of tribute albums and a clear cash in attempt from Motown, who were still looking for a way to market their new-found talent, the results are still fantastic. Little Stevie powers his way through a grip of Charles' classics as well as some original songs done in the "Charles style" and while the LP failed to score a hit, it's an enjoyable listen that shows a glimpse of the super star talent that was soon to emerge.

Side 1:
1. HALLELUJAH I LOVE HER SO 2. AIN’T THAT LOVE 3. DON’T YOU KNOW 4. THE MASQUERADE 5. FRANKIE & JOHNNY

Side 2:
1. DROWN IN MY OWN TEARS 2. COME BACK BABY 3. MARY ANN 4. SUNSET 5. MY BABY’S GONE