In times of war and hostility among nationalities, ethnicities, and political persuasions, music has proven its power to put such tensions into context and, at its best, to transcend conflict in favor of a peaceful resolution. In an awesome performance within Atlanta’s Chastain Park Amphitheatre on September 14, Stevie Wonder reminded us that injustice in all its forms should be recognized for what it is, and remedied through exertions of faith, family, and love.

Escorted to the stage by his daughter, Aisha Morris, Wonder received an ovation appropriate not only to his status as a legendary and gifted musician, but also as a cultural icon.

In a poignant preface to the music, Wonder dedicated the event to his late mother, explaining that through her love and guidance, he learned that despite his physical blindness, there was no reason for him to grow up blind to the ways of the world. With his daughter at his side, he then commenced, fittingly, with “Love’s In Need Of Love Today.”

Backed by an eleven-piece band, Wonder illustrated his social consciousness and optimism in a brilliant sequence of songs, sparked by a sprawling and spellbinding take on “Visions” that culminated with a rousing protest to “Stop the War! Stop it!” before “Living For The City” brought his message into a more concise focus. Remarkably, albeit unfortunately, the latter song packs much the same punch in depicting current urban conditions as it did when initially released in 1973.

In the face of highlighting those societal ills, the Bob Marley inspired gem, “Master Blaster (Jammin’),” ushered in a positive hope for the future. A scorching gospel version of “Higher Ground” sealed the deal with Wonder’s vehement promise for the faithful to sing, “Gonna keep on tryin’/’Til I reach my highest ground.”

The soulful strains of “Golden Lady” set the tone for a gorgeous assortment of love songs, underscoring Wonder’s astonishing talent for expressing such vulnerable and intimate emotions. On an extended version of the majestic slow jam, “Ribbon In The Sky,” surprise guest India Arie joined Wonder, eliciting a lively audience sing-a-long. “The women were better in Chicago,” Wonder deadpanned as thousands of swooning females harmonized with their male counterparts. A yearning version of “Overjoyed” preceded “You And I,” one of Wonder’s finest articulations of love in a mortal world. A mournful, immensely touching rendition of “Lately” served as the crowning highlight of this stunning portion of the show.