My Cherie Amour / Yester-me, Yester-you, Yester-day

Released in 1969 as a single on the Motown label, My Cherie Amour showcases Stevie Wonder’s transition from a child prodigy into a sophisticated songwriter and performer. Originally written as a ballad titled 'Oh, My Marie' for a girl Wonder knew at the Michigan School for the Blind, the track was eventually reworked and recorded with producer Henry Cosby to emphasize its bossa nova-inflected arrangement. The B-side, 'Yester-me, Yester-you, Yester-day,' reflects the nostalgic, lyrical pop sensibilities that characterized Motown’s late-sixties output.

The record stands as a pivotal moment in Wonder’s discography, marking his final transition toward the creative autonomy that defined his seventies classic period. While the song received criticism from some contemporaries for its polished, pop-oriented sound, it resonated deeply with audiences, peaking at number four on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts. The release is widely regarded by music historians as a masterclass in mid-century melodic structure and instrumental nuance.