Monday, April 13, 2015

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#18 KNOCKS ME OFF MY FEET
STEVIE WONDER
(1976)
Writers: Stevie Wonder
From the simple yet gentle keyboard intro, "Knocks Me Off My Feet" draws the listener in. The ballad finds Stevie Wonder at his most romantic. Its lyrics remain basic, yet the point is clear- this is an unabashed love song. Wonder's vocal is executed with a genuine emotive quality that prevents the song from becoming cheesy or overly sweet. 
The track was 1st heard on the performer's 'Songs in the Key of Life' album. Wonder not only penned the song, but also handled its production. While it was not lifted as a single from the critically lauded album, "Knocks Me Off..." was used as the B-side for Wonder's 1980 hit single "I Ain't Gonna Stand For It". That track was lifted off his 'Hotter Than July' album. 
"Knocks Me Off..." has since been covered by other artists. Firstly, Donell Jones released a remake in 1996 which made the American Pop & R&B charts. Tevin Campbell's cover version was from the 'A Thin Line Between Love And Hate' soundtrack in the same year. Thirdly, another remake emerged - also in 1996 - by Luther Vandross. This is the best re-interpretation and almosr rivals Wonder's original. 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 2 new songs from the remaining Top 100 are added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here for an update of the 2000.

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