"Where I'm Coming From" is the 13th studio album by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, released in 1971. It marks a significant shift in Wonder's musical style and artistic direction, as he began to assert more creative control over his music.
The album showcases Wonder's growing experimentation with new sounds and arrangements, blending elements of soul, funk, jazz, and rock. Tracks like "Do Yourself a Favor" and "If You Really Love Me" feature funky grooves and infectious rhythms, while songs like "Look Around" and "Take Up a Course in Happiness" explore more introspective themes with lush orchestration and intricate melodies.
Lyrically, "Where I'm Coming From" reflects Wonder's social consciousness and personal growth, addressing issues such as love, identity, and social justice. The album's title track, "Where I'm Coming From," encapsulates Wonder's journey as an artist and his desire to express his authentic self.
While "Where I'm Coming From" did not achieve the same commercial success as Wonder's later albums, it received positive reviews from critics and is recognized as an important transitional work in his career. The album laid the groundwork for Wonder's groundbreaking albums of the 1970s and solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative and influential artists in popular music history.
