The sensible run of albums that Stevie Surprise created within the Nineteen Seventies is usually perceived to start with 1972’s Speaking Guide. Many followers of the Motown genius know that a number of months earlier, he launched the vitally vital Music Of My Thoughts. However the album that actually started his march in direction of artistic independence was The place I’m Coming From, which launched us to the grownup Stevie Surprise.
Freedom beckons
The album was, extremely, already Stevie’s thirteenth studio launch for the label, 9 years and plenty of hits on from his 1962 debut. Because the Nineteen Seventies dawned, his work had more and more proven that there was extra depth to him than within the function of mere hitmaker. Surprise was acutely conscious, as was his labelmate Marvin Gaye, that higher freedom from the strictures of their contracts was changing into not only a want, however a necessity.
Stevie additionally knew that when he turned 21, Motown wouldn’t have the ability to maintain him to the phrases of the contract he had signed as a minor. Berry Gordy may not have appreciated the concept at first, however the artist was completely decided to do issues his approach, within the information that Motown can be obliged to simply accept no matter he gave them.
So it was that on April 12, 1971, a number of weeks earlier than that all-important birthday, Stevie launched The place I’m Coming From. It was a daring announcement of his new-found freedom, filled with the impassioned social commentary that might develop into considered one of his emblems however which might have been unimaginable underneath the earlier restraints.
It’s arduous to think about Gordy, ever-conscious to not offend the conservative center floor whose help had helped construct his firm, would have sanctioned such moments of earthy realism because the opening “Look Around,” or “Think Of Me As Your Soldier,” or “I Wanna Talk To You.” However they exemplified the brand new sound of a multi-instrumentalist who had discovered his voice.
Writing on the time along with his then-wife, the extremely proficient later Motown star Syreeta Wright, Stevie additionally confirmed that he might nonetheless create profitable melodies with ease. The catchy “If You Really Love Me” was launched as a single from the file and reached No.4 on the R&B chart and No.8 pop, additionally hitting No.20 within the UK. An LP filled with imaginative preparations and instrumentation additionally contained the beautiful ballad “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer” and the charming “Something Out Of The Blue.”
Take heed to the perfect of Stevie Surprise on Apple Music and Spotify.
The response to the album was inevitably cautious, each throughout the firm and within the wider world. The place I’m Coming From reached No.10 on the R&B itemizing however solely No.62 on the pop album chart, and did not make a lot worldwide headway. However on reflection, it began the momentum that allowed Stevie Surprise to overcome the world.
Purchase or stream The place I’m Coming From.
