Stevie Wonder is a reason to believe in God. And it's not just because of his otherworldly talent as a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist — and it damn sure doesn't have anything to do with him being blind. It's more than all that. I was driving home the other night, listening to Stevie hit high notes on "Where Were You When I Needed You," and it occurred to me that the music might well be heaven sent. OK, sermon over. Music of My Mind is a transitional effort in the Wonder canon — his first album after breaking from the shackles of Berry Gordy's Motown hit factory. It's also his first self-produced effort where he played most of the instruments, and it's his first LP conceived as an album rather than a collection of singles and B-sides. Music of My Mind is the sound of emancipation, full of little experiments (synthesizers and effects all over the place, clattering percussion on "Girl Blue"). It's gritty and messy and self-indulgent and fascinating. Six months later, Wonder unleashed Talking Book and his career soared. Music of My Mind was a crucial step in the journey.
