Stevie Wonder’s “You’ve Got It Bad Girl” came out in 1972 and this time period was the beginning of his artistic voice breaking away from the Motown machine. Talking Book was Wonder’s 15th album, released later in the same year after Music Of My Mind. Wonder had a new contract with Motown, which gave him 100 percent creative freedom; both albums were the beginning of this new phase. These albums are where he started using synthesizers in his sound. “You’ve Got It Bad Girl” emerged with supple waveforms that added a cosmic electronic layer to R&B five years before Bernie Worrell’s playing on Parliament’s “Flash Light.” Talking Book is one of the most noted albums in pop music celebrated by fans, critics and other creatives since its release in 1972. Wonder’s work in the ’70s is considered his most creatively prolific time and the music he produced continues to influence soul and RnB music of subsequent generations. Wonder is scheduled to receive a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Fordham University at their 2023 178th commencement ceremony.
