FADER PREMIERE
Covers are ambitious by nature. They straddle a thin line between humility and hubris: an awe-filled tribute to a personal icon, or a bold stab at one-upping an established standard. But an artist like Stevie Wonder, who celebrates his 64th birthday today, has written the kind of potent, inescapable songs that become benchmarks and guideposts for aspiring songwriters. To cover him is to study the master's notes, to watch the legend's highlight reels. Singer India Shawn tackles an eclectic spread of cuts on Wonderful: A Tribute To Stevie Wonder, with the grace of a young writer who's penned songs for peers like Chris Brown and collaborated with James Fauntleroy. "Golden Lady" is a highlight: Stevie's Innervisions classic is reimagined as a sun-drenched R&B joyride reminiscent of Brandy's best work. Stream below between sessions of blasting Stevie classics today.
