*Stevie Wonder has opened up about one album from his catalog he wishes he could revisit, revealing mixed feelings about a pivotal record that marked his transition toward creative independence.
“Where I’m Coming From,” released when Wonder was 21, represents a turning point in his relationship with Motown Records, though the artist now views it as rushed. Wonder’s journey with Motown began at age 12, when creative control wasn’t part of the equation for young artists. The label, under Berry Gordy’s leadership, maintained tight oversight over its roster’s output. Despite becoming the youngest artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 at 13, Wonder faced increasing restrictions as he matured and sought greater artistic autonomy.
As his contract approached expiration upon reaching legal adulthood, Wonder seized the opportunity with his thirteenth record. He incorporated socially conscious themes in “Where I’m Coming From,” without label interference. The timing proved strategic, allowing him to experiment freely during his final obligation to Motown.
Despite achieving what he needed creatively at that moment, Wonder later characterized the entire album as “premature,” suggesting the material required more development time.
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“We did ‘Where I’m Coming From’ — that was kinda premature to some extent, but I wanted to express myself,” Wonder told Rolling Stone. “A lot of it now I’d probably remix. But ‘Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer’ came from that album, and ‘If You Really Love Me’. But it’s nothing like the things I write now.”
The record performed well commercially upon release but lacked the longevity Wonder believed it could have achieved with additional refinement. Looking back, he recognizes it as essential groundwork for his later experimental work, even if the execution fell short of his current standards.
Wonder’s current creative philosophy has evolved significantly since those Motown days. “I love gettin’ into just as much weird shit as possible,” he added, describing his modern approach to music-making.
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