Early Classics features the gifted singer/writer/musician transcending from Little Stevie Wonder into maturity. The 18 selections are OK, but would have been stronger if "Sunset," "Purple Raindrops," "Hey Love," "Contract on Love," and "Old People Call It the Blues (But I Call It Pretty Music)" had been included; they would have compensated some...

Early Classics features the gifted singer/writer/musician transcending from Little Stevie Wonder into maturity. The 18 selections are OK, but would have been stronger if "Sunset," "Purple Raindrops," "Hey Love," "Contract on Love," and "Old People Call It the Blues (But I Call It Pretty Music)" had been included; they would have compensated somewhat for another weak mastering job by Spectrum. Still, there are many treats here, including Vicky Basemore, Henry Cosby, and Sylvia Moy's wonderful "With a Child's Heart," the pumping "Workout Stevie, Workout" (where Stevie gives credence to the title with a high-energy workout on vocals, harmonica, and bongos), the full six minutes and 24 seconds of "Fingertips," the blockbusters "Uptight" and "I Was Made to Love Her," and selections from his Tribute to Uncle Ray album. ~ Andrew Hamilton, Rovi