Stevie Wonder recently announced plans to release two new albums in 2014. When The World Began - a collaborative LP with legendary songwriter David Foster - and Ten Billion Hearts will be his first studio LPs in 8 years, following 2005's A Time To Love. Wonder's project with Foster will reportedly include reworks of some of his biggest songs recorded with a symphony orchestra. In a recent interview with Billboard, Wonder noted a few of his inspirations for the projects:
Wonder, who filed for divorce last year, said the new music was inspired by "my children, family, change, growth, heartbreaks." He's also using hip-hop elements to convey political messages."I listen a lot to rap, and I'm inspired to take it, to use it in another way, to get the message across," Wonder said.
Wonder plans to follow those projects with a gospel album in honor of his mother Lula, who passed away in 2006. As if word of new music from Stevie Wonder was not enough, he also announced plans to perform the entire Songs In The Key Of Life LP at an upcoming benefit in LA. He will be joined by musicians from the original recording and other artists to perform the iconic album at his annual House Full Of Toys holiday benefit on December 21st at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets for the event will be available on November 1st via AXS.com
Spotted at BB
