Pick four songs from any band and you can tell a lot about their sound. This summer, I’m featuring #RockBlocks, four picks from bands across various genres. They might be wildly different from each other, but what binds them together is the fact that they’re all a part of my life soundtrack.
Songwriting virtuoso. Crossover pioneer. One of the most talented musical arrangers of all time. It’s impossible to overhype the wonder of Stevie Wonder because few have made greatness look so easy. The genius of “For Once in My Life” may not be immediately noticeable, but there are several qualities that have made it a timeless and epic musical arrangement.
The fact that it has become a staple at wedding receptions for more than 50 years is first and foremost attributed to Stevie’s uptempo reimagination of a ballad. He transformed the song from a sleepy, romantic ode to a song that you can cut loose to on the dance floor — whether you’re an 8 year old or 80 years old. It effortlessly blends orchestral elements on a bed of R&B. And then there’s the bass playing. James Jamerson is considered by many to be the most influential bassist of all time. Hearing his approach to “For Once in My Life”, it’s not hard to see why. The entire line is improvised while complementing the melody from beginning to end like a true musical soul mate.
“For once I can say, "This is mine, you can't take it".
As long as I know I have love, I can make it.”