Description
Stevie Wonder’s – Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants – Double Vinyl Records
By 1979, Stevie Wonder was at the absolute peak of his career. He had just won the Grammy for Album of the Year for Songs in the Key of Life (1976), capping off a decade of unparalleled artistic and commercial success. His run of classic albums—including Talking Book, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness’ First Finale—had solidified him as one of the most innovative musicians of all time.
So, when he announced his next project—a soundtrack inspired by a documentary about plant consciousness, based on the 1973 book The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird—many assumed it would be another masterpiece. But instead of delivering more radio-friendly hits, Stevie Wonder created something completely unexpected: a sprawling, experimental, largely instrumental double album that defied every expectation.
Unlike the traditional film soundtrack, Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants wasn’t just a collection of songs—it was a deeply atmospheric, avant-garde soundscape designed to complement the visuals of the documentary. Wonder embraced synthesizers and orchestration in ways he never had before, using the album as an opportunity to experiment with electronic textures, ambient compositions, and even early digital sampling techniques.
The result is a record that blends classical, jazz, ambient, soul, and world music elements, creating a sonic experience that feels both meditative and futuristic. While there are moments of classic Stevie Wonder brilliance, much of the album is abstract, ethereal, and unconventional, making it one of his most polarizing works.
As its title suggests, Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants is deeply tied to nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. The album explores themes of environmentalism, spirituality, and the beauty of the natural world, often using instrumental passages and nontraditional song structures to evoke the feeling of plants speaking or experiencing emotions.
The album also continues Wonder’s longstanding themes of love, wonder, and unity, but this time through a much broader, more cosmic lens. While his previous albums focused on human relationships and social justice, Secret Life of Plants feels more like a love letter to the universe itself.
While much of the album is instrumental or orchestral, there are several standout vocal tracks that showcase Wonder’s signature songwriting genius:
Send One Your Love – The album’s biggest hit, a gorgeous love ballad that brings warmth and melody to an otherwise abstract project. It became a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Wonder’s overlooked gems.
Outside My Window – A bright, whimsical track that captures the joy of observing nature, blending Stevie’s signature pop-soul melodies with playful orchestration.
Power Flower – Co-written with Syreeta Wright, this is one of the album’s most soulful moments, blending lush strings, jazz influences, and Stevie’s soaring vocals.
A Seed’s a Star/Tree Medley – A funky, uplifting track that celebrates growth, transformation, and the cycle of life, blending Wonder’s pop instincts with experimental touches.
Venus’ Flytrap and the Bug – A playful, almost cartoonish track that features Stevie experimenting with vocal effects and whimsical storytelling.
Then there are the instrumental pieces, where Wonder truly embraces synth-driven ambient music in ways few artists had attempted at the time:
Earth’s Creation – An eerie, cinematic opening, filled with dramatic synthesizers and orchestral flourishes, setting the tone for the album’s otherworldly atmosphere.
Ecclesiastes – A spoken-word piece over ambient textures, emphasizing the album’s spiritual and philosophical themes.
Kesse Ye Lolo De Ye – A hypnotic, African-influenced track that incorporates chanting, hand percussion, and global rhythms, expanding Wonder’s musical palette even further.
When Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants was released, it shocked fans and critics alike. After years of delivering radio-friendly classics, Wonder had created an album that was difficult, abstract, and largely instrumental. Many fans expecting another Songs in the Key of Life were left puzzled or disappointed.
Despite its ambitious nature, the album didn’t completely flop—it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, and “Send One Your Love” was a commercial success. But compared to his previous works, it was far less celebrated. Many critics dismissed it as self-indulgent and unfocused, and for years, Secret Life of Plants was considered a misstep in Wonder’s otherwise flawless run of albums.
Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants has been reassessed as one of Stevie Wonder’s most daring and underrated works. Though it may not have the same instant appeal as his classic records, it stands as a fascinating and deeply experimental achievement.
The extensive use of synthesizers and early digital production techniques foreshadowed the rise of electronic and ambient music in the decades to come. The album’s eco-conscious themes and spiritual undertones resonate deeply in today’s world of climate awareness and mindfulness. It influenced later artists in neo-soul, jazz, and electronic music, who appreciated its blend of organic and synthetic sounds.
Many now see it as an ambitious artistic statement rather than a commercial misfire. Artists like Erykah Badu, Flying Lotus, Janelle Monáe, and Tyler, The Creator have praised its influence, proving that its impact has grown beyond its initial reception.
Final Thoughts: A Risky, Visionary Exploration of Sound and Nature
Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants remains one of the most unique albums ever released by a mainstream artist. It was a massive departure from the hit-driven, crowd-pleasing records that made Stevie Wonder a superstar, instead serving as a meditative, experimental soundscape that asked listeners to engage with music in a completely different way.
For those willing to take the journey, the album offers a mesmerizing, dreamlike experience, blending Stevie Wonder’s genius with a fearless spirit of exploration. While it may never be as universally beloved as Innervisions or Songs in the Key of Life, it stands as a testament to his artistry, ambition, and willingness to push boundaries—even when the world wasn’t quite ready for it.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Earth’s Creation
The First Garden
Voyage To India
Same Old Story
Venus’ Flytrap And The Bug
Ai No Sono
Seasons
Power Flower
Send One Your Love (Music)
Race Babbling
Send One Your Love
Outside My Window
Black Orchid
Ecclesiastes
Kesse Ye Lolo De Ye
Come Back As A Flower
A Seed’s A Star And Tree Medley
The Secret Life Of Plants
Tree
Finale
