Episode 87 - Daniel McKeon on Stevie Wonder, The Secret Life of Plants.
Comedian Daniel McKeon joins William Hann to dive into one of Stevie Wonder's most overlooked and ambitious records, Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants.
Often overshadowed by classics like Songs in the Key of Life and Innervisions, this 1979 soundtrack album took Stevie Wonder in a completely different direction. Together, William and Daniel explore why the record divided critics, how its groundbreaking use of synthesizers helped shape the future of electronic music, and why it deserves another listen.
Along the way, they discuss discovering new music during lockdown, cooking to albums, Edinburgh Fringe, playlists built around vampire stories, Stevie Wonder's creative genius, and the emotional connections that make certain records stay with us forever. Expect plenty of laughs, surprising musical rabbit holes, and a fresh perspective on one of the most unusual albums in Stevie Wonder's catalogue.
If you love album deep dives, music history, comedy podcasts, or discovering forgotten classics, this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
Stevie Wonder – Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants
The story behind the 1979 soundtrack album
Stevie Wonder's experimental era
Early synthesizers and electronic music
Album reviews and legacy
Daniel McKeon on music, comedy and creativity
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Cooking playlists and discovering albums
Favourite Stevie Wonder songs and influences