← Back

Where I'm Coming From

by Stevie Wonder

Released: April 09, 1971

Soul, pop, funk

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

Lyrically, "Where I'm Coming From" reflects Wonder's social consciousness and personal growth, addressing issues such as love, identity, and social justice. "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.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album showcases Wonder's growing experimentation with new…

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…

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.

The album's title track, "Where I'm Coming From,"…

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.

The album laid the groundwork for Wonder's groundbreaking…

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.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Look Around

Do Yourself A Favor

If You Really Love Me

Take Up A Course In Happiness

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Stevie Wonder - Where I'm Coming From

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.