← Back

Down to Earth

by Stevie Wonder

Released: November 16, 1966

Pop, R&B, soul

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

This song was initially released as a B-side to LaVette's single "With a Little Help from My Friends.". "Down to Earth" is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, released on November 16, 1966, on the Tamla (Motown) label. This album marked a significant departure from Wonder's earlier, teen pop-driven albums, and, along with its predecessor Up-Tight, it helped re-establish the now sixteen-year-old Wonder as a Motown hitmaker after his voice had matured.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album features the hit single "A Place…

The album features the hit single "A Place in the Sun," which became one of Wonder's early successes, helping to solidify his position within the Motown roster.

Another notable track, "Hey Love," was later covered…

Another notable track, "Hey Love," was later covered by Detroit soul singer Bettye LaVette in 1969.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

A Place In The Sun

The album features the hit single "A Place in the Sun," which became one of Wonder's early successes, helping to solidify his position within the Motown roster.

Down To Earth

"Down to Earth" is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, released on November 16, 1966, on the Tamla (Motown) label.

Hey Love

Another notable track, "Hey Love," was later covered by Detroit soul singer Bettye LaVette in 1969.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Stevie Wonder - Down to Earth

Open in Albums Gallery

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Down to Earth" is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, released on November 16, 1966, on the Tamla (Motown) label. This album marked a significant departure from Wonder's earlier, teen pop-driven albums, and, along with its predecessor Up-Tight, it helped re-establish the now sixteen-year-old Wonder as a Motown hitmaker after his voice had matured.

The album features the hit single "A Place in the Sun," which became one of Wonder's early successes, helping to solidify his position within the Motown roster. Another notable track, "Hey Love," was later covered by Detroit soul singer Bettye LaVette in 1969. This song was initially released as a B-side to LaVette's single "With a Little Help from My Friends."