Superstition (song)

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"Superstition" is a number-one single written, produced, arranged, and recorded by Stevie Wonder for Motown Records in 1972, when Wonder was twenty-two years old. Included on Wonder's Talking Book album, the song was released as a single in many countries and reached number one in the USA and number four in the UK in February 1973.

Stevie had actually written this song for Jeff Beck, but at the insistance of his manager, he recorded it first. Jeff Beck played guitar on Talking Book and later recorded his own version with Beck, Bogert & Appice.

Wonder's music had been undergoing a marked change in his music style from Motown pop to a more personal style. This shift had been evident on his two prior albums, but it was Talking Book, and "Superstition" in particular that brought the new style to the awareness of the public in general.

"Superstition" is immediately recognizable for its funky opening clavinet riff. The song also heavily features brass instruments, notably a saxophone lead by Trevor Laurence and the electronic Arp and Moog synthesizer sounds that Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff helped to create for the album.

Wonder performed "Superstition" on the children's television show Sesame Street in 1972 as well as on Soul Train and WNET's Soul.

The song has also been covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan (Vaughan and Wonder had mutual admiration for one another; Wonder would later write the song "Stevie Ray Blues" in honor of Vaughan), Melvin Van Peebles and Raven-Symone. Bucky Covington covered this song on the fifth season of American Idol, and his version was included on the CD.

The distinctive riff was used in a mash up with Alicia Keys' hit "Karma", which was dubbed the "Karmastition Remix". Although this was fairly successful on the dance circuit charts, it was only released to DJ's as a 12" vinyl in the UK.

Rolling Stone ranked Superstition at #74 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Preceded by: "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon	Billboard Hot 100 number one single January 27 1973	Succeeded by: "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John