Stevie Wonder - Superstition - 1973
Introduction to 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder
Superstition is one of Stevie Wonder's most famous and influential songs. Released in 1972, it is known for its catchy melody, funky clavinet riff, and insightful lyrics about the dangers of superstitions. Wonder, a child prodigy and a pivotal figure in Motown's success, was instrumental in bringing new sounds into popular music. 'Superstition' not only showcases his musical genius but also reflects the social and cultural contexts of the early 1970s. Let's dive into the history, the music, and the impact of this iconic song.
Background of 'Superstition'
- Stevie Wonder: Explore the life and musical journey of Stevie Wonder.
- Motown Records: Discover the history and influence of Motown Records.
- 1970s Music: Understand the musical landscape of the 1970s.
- Funk Music: Learn about the genre of funk and its characteristics.
Musical Analysis
- Clavinet: Understand the instrument that defines the song's sound.
- Rhythm and Blues: Explore the blend of R&B in 'Superstition'.
- Song Structure: Analyze the structure of 'Superstition'.
- Lyric Analysis: Delve into the lyrics and their meanings.
Quiz: Questions on the Song
What year was 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder released? (1972) (!1973) (!1970) (!1975)
Which instrument is prominently featured in 'Superstition'? (Clavinet) (!Saxophone) (!Electric Guitar) (!Drums)
For which record label did Stevie Wonder record 'Superstition'? (Motown Records) (!Atlantic Records) (!Capitol Records) (!Columbia Records)
What genre does 'Superstition' primarily belong to? (Funk) (!Disco) (!Rock) (!Soul)
What is a distinctive feature of 'Superstition's' musical composition? (Funky clavinet riff) (!Heavy guitar solos) (!Symphonic orchestration) (!Electronic synthesizer sounds)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
At what age did Stevie Wonder sign with Motown Records? (11) (!8) (!13) (!15)
Which album contains the song 'Superstition'? (Talking Book) (!Innervisions) (!Songs in the Key of Life) (!Music of My Mind)
How many Grammy Awards has Stevie Wonder won? (25) (!10) (!15) (!20)
What is Stevie Wonder's birth name? (Stevland Hardaway Judkins) (!Stephen William Wonder) (!Stevland Morris) (!Stevie Ray Vaughan)
Which musical instrument is Stevie Wonder NOT commonly known for playing? (Drums) (!Piano) (!Harmonica) (!Keyboards)
Quiz: Questions on the Lyrics
What is the main theme of 'Superstition's' lyrics? (Dangers of superstitions) (!Love and romance) (!Social justice) (!Personal growth)
Which line follows "Very superstitious, writings on the wall"? ("Very superstitious, ladders bout' to fall") (!"13-month-old baby broke the looking glass") (!"When you believe in things that you don't understand") (!"Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong")
"If you believe in things you don't understand, you ___"? (Suffer) (!Thrive) (!Dream) (!Hope)
Which of these is NOT mentioned in the song 'Superstition'? (Black cat) (!Broken mirror) (!13-month-old baby) (!Ladder)
How does the song 'Superstition' start? ("Very superstitious, writings on the wall") (!"13-month-old baby broke the looking glass") (!"When you believe in things that you don't understand") (!"Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong")
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic.
| Year of Release | 1972 |
| Featured Instrument | Clavinet |
| Record Label | Motown Records |
| Song's Genre | Funk |
| Main Theme of Lyrics | Dangers of Superstitions |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research Motown Records: Explore the history of Motown Records and its impact on music.
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of Stevie Wonder's greatest hits.
Standard
- Analyze the Lyrics: Write an essay analyzing the lyrics of 'Superstition'.
- Music and Culture: Research how 'Superstition' reflected the culture of the early 1970s.
Difficult
- Musical Influence: Investigate the influence of 'Superstition' on later musicians and genres.
- Cover Versions: Explore and compare different cover versions of 'Superstition'.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Evolution of Stevie Wonder's Music: How did Stevie Wonder's music evolve over his career?
- Impact of Funk on Popular Music: What impact did funk, as represented by 'Superstition', have on popular music?
- Social Context of 'Superstition' : Discuss how 'Superstition' reflected the social and cultural context of its time.
- Musical Analysis: Analyze the musical elements that make 'Superstition' distinctive.
- Stevie Wonder's Artistry: Discuss Stevie Wonder's contributions to music as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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