9 FEBRUARY 1966
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Uptight (Everything’s Alright)’ was released in the UK during, and went on to peak at #14 there. It reached #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (and #1 on the R&B charts for five weeks).
This was the first hit single to be co-written by Wonder, whose career was floundering at this point after his earlier success as a child prodigy. He was still only 15 years old at this time, but Motown were thinking of dropping him from their roster. The success of this song changed their minds.
This track features some excellent rapid-fire drumming and a Motown hit production machine still at its peak. Wonder had toured with the Rolling Stones during the previous year and the driving beat here was partly inspired by 'Satisfaction'. I can hear something of 'Get Off My Cloud' here too.
This track features some excellent rapid-fire drumming and a Motown hit production machine still at its peak. Wonder had toured with the Rolling Stones during the previous year and the driving beat here was partly inspired by 'Satisfaction'. I can hear something of 'Get Off My Cloud' here too.
B-side: 'Purple Rain Drops'
Released: 22 November 1965
Highest chart position: #14 (UK), #3 (US)
Length: 2:52
Label: Tamla
Writers: Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy, Henry Cosby
Producers: Mickey Stevenson, Clarence Paul
