Stevie Wonder, “I Wish” | Throwback Vibez

In the 54^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder.   

T

he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ️! Throwback Vibez ️ is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez ️ are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 54^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “I Wish”, performed by Stevie Wonder.

---

Theme & Lyrics  

“Looking back on when I was a little nappy-headed boy.” That iconic Stevie Wonder lyric hails from one of his very best songs, “I Wish.” “I Wish” is in elite company in the award-winning musician’s catalog; it is one of his no. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.  That’s right, this reflective joint spent one week atop the pop charts, showing Mr. Wonder flexing those crossover muscles –something he’s done throughout his career.  Furthermore, it appears on arguably the best and most important album in his discography, Songs in the Key of Life (1976). The entertaining first verse continues, “then my only worry was Christmas, what would be my toy / Even though we sometimes would not get a thing / We were happy with the joy the day would bring.” Gotta love a song that tells a compelling story!

There are more compelling lines besides those excerpted from the first verse.  In the second, Stevie sings, “Brother said he’s telling ‘bout you playin’ doctor with that girl.” Ooh, wee ! There’s also, “Smokin’ cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall / Teacher sends you to the principal’s office down the hall.” The verses are awesome, but we all know the biggest claim to fame is the timeless chorus:

“I wish those days could come back once more

Why did those days ever have to go?

I wish those days could come back once more

Why did those days ever have to go?

‘Cause I love them so.”

Beyond the chorus, there’s no way you can mention “I Wish” and not compliment the funkiness of the production.  Those electric keys! That drum groove! The harmonic progression!

---

Final Thoughts

Let’s just keep it , folks. Stevie Wonder kicks ass and takes names on “I Wish” – NO CAP! Honestly, has the iconic musician ever flopped? That’s a resounding hell no.  “I Wish” sits near the top of the many classics Mr. Wonder has bestowed us with.

---

Stevie Wonder • Songs in the Key of Life • Motown • 1976

---

 Stevie Wonder, “I Wish”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 54 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  Motown, The Musical Hype]

---