Stevie Wonder - Greatest Hits Vol. 2

Twelve songs, one remarkable run: Greatest Hits Vol. 2 gathers Stevie Wonder's late-1960s and early-1970s Motown peak on 180 gram vinyl.

First released in 1971, this collection arrived at a pivotal moment. Wonder had just turned 21, and he was about to take full control of his music, leading to the string of landmark albums that defined the decade. These songs are the bridge between the teenage star and the visionary, a young man learning exactly how much feeling a three-minute pop single could hold.

The hits come thick and fast. My Cherie Amour floats on a breezy, lovestruck melody that still sounds like a summer evening, and For Once in My Life swings with brassy, big-hearted optimism. Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday carries a bittersweet ache beneath its polished orchestration, while Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer shows off the tender, introspective songwriter he was becoming. His harmonica and that endlessly elastic voice tie it all together.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) and Heaven Help Us All round out a generous collection with barely a dull moment anywhere.

It is a foundational record for any soul collection, from one of popular music's greatest talents, and the heavyweight pressing gives these classics the space they deserve.