Song of the Day, December 10: Wonder by Naughty Boy featuring Emeli Sandé

Today’s song is Wonder. British DJ, songwriter, and producer Shahid Khan was only 17 when he signed a three-year publishing deal with Sony that included a one-disc release on Virgin EMI. He quickly made a name for himself as Naughty Boy, producing hits for the Chipmunks and Wiley. This early work included vocals by the then-unknown Emeli Sandé, whose stunning debut, Our Version of Events, featured further collaborations with Naughty Boy. When Khan assembled the talent for his album, Hotel Cabana, he invited Sandé along for the fun. She provided vocals for a handful of the songs, including Wonder, which she also co-wrote.

It’s a beautiful anthem of hope and personal determination with a catchy musical backdrop and a bigger-than-life vocal. The track caught on fast enough to be included on the U.S. release of Our Version of Events and later pressings of the British version. Sandé is in fine form, delivering an inspirational performance with just the right notes of support from Naughty Boy’s collected talent.

This is a perfect song for today, my wonderful husband’s birthday. No one is more full of wonder and energy to make the world welcoming for all than he is. Emeli includes a rousing version in her live shows that reflects the joy and delight he brings me. Thank you, Michael, for filling my days with Wonder.