I've recently started a mission to collect as much classic albums by the genius Stevie Wonder-childhood & adult albums-as I can possibly obtain. So far, I have gotten most of the albums many have considered Mr. Wonder made at his artistic zenith. Of his childhood albums, so far, I've gotten "For Once In My Life" (1968) and "My Cherie Amour" (1969). Between the two, I anticipated the latter to be my most consistent favorite. I was right. When I first heard samples from "My Cherie Amour" on Amazon.com, I was enthralled by each one, despite the thirty seconds. I became determined to get the album. Now that I have it, I listen to it, enjoying every minute of it. The title track is a phenomenal ballad, "Hello Young Lovers" is a great follow-up, and "At Last" is very nice. It makes me wonder though, is the "At Last" Stevie made the same one that Etta James made? I guess I'll find out eventually. "Light My Fire" is one of the samples which first got me hyped to get the abum. Stevie makes this cover sound so good, and his harmonica playing on it keeps the head rocking. The classic standard "The Shadow Of Your Smile" has those simple lyrics I've always wanted to sing myself. Stevie dosen't sound half bad on that one. The ones that follow are modest, but Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday, Angie Girl, and I've Got You are among my vast favorites on this young Wonder-ful album.

My Cherie Amour is another solid late 60's album from Stevie Wonder. The title cut is one of the best ballads he's ever done. It has lush orchestration and a supple vocal. Many of the other songs are in this vein including "Hello Young Lovers", "You & Me", "Somebody Knows, Somebody Cares" and "At Last". "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday" has a great vocal and "Light My Fire" is based on the Jose Feliciano version not The Doors'.

What a joy to hear Stevie's early music tied to his Motown era. Thia album contains some of his best if not some of the all time greatest Motown joints ever in "My Cherie Amor" and "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday." The clarity of Stevie's voice underscores the simple but effective writing on lesser known gems like "The Shadow Of Your Smile" and "Hello Young Lovers." And I must be totally honest and admit I bought the album largely because of "Angie Girl" maybe my favorite pre Tamla Wonder song. Although a little long in the tooth with some fluff (he could have kept the hideous cover of The Doors "Light My Fire) this is an enjoyable selection from the formative years of Stevie's stellar resume.

The title track not withstanding this album seems thrown
together in comparasin to what came before.Once again Stevie
reinvents "Hello Young Lovers","At Last" and even "Light My
Fire" in his own charming way but the arrangements are downright
bizzare and make little sence even by Motown standards.They
even tacked on "Yester Me,Yester You",a fairly old single on
whitch Stevie's voice is still cracking a bit on the high notes.
An okay album with great songs like "You And Me" but there is
definately some filler here.

The title track to "My Cherie Amour" is one of Motown's best from the 1960's. This album is a peculiar mix of songs, some of which had been recorded as early as 1966 but held from release until this album in 1969. Following the title track is a cover of Rogers and Hammerstein's "Hello Young Lovers." It's a spritely, happy song that fits well the third song, a cover of the standard "At Last." This is done surprisingly upbeat, and is more befitting of the lyrics. I love it! This cover-crazy album features even more remakes: "Light my Fire" is set at a relaxed mid-tempo, bolstered by harmonica and occasional orchestration, and nothing exceptional (or bad) is done with the standard "The Shadow of Your Smile." The middle of the album drags a bit with a few filler songs, but picks up a bit with the hit "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday" and the soft, charming "Angie Girl." Though the album isn't exactly cohesive, there are a few delightful songs you won't find elsewhere.