It's fitting that "So What the Fuss," one of the highlights of A Time to Love, comes accompanied by fellow erstwhile pop genius Prince. Like Prince, Stevie Wonder was an artist in need of a comeback. His talent is just too great to fizzle and fade away, contained by half-assed, mediocre records and the occasional charity single/awards show appearance. And like Prince (whose 2004 release Musicology restored artistic and commercial credibility almost single-handedly), Wonder found his comeback in the form of a sort of compromise: strongly recalling his classic work, but mellowed, tailor-made for an audience who continue to mature along with Wonder itself. It may not have the same kind of resonance as those glory years - few records do - but A Time to Love is possessed of a charm and a beauty all its own. If Stevie Wonder's "form" is quality and craft, then this is a return to form indeed. Welcome back, Stevie. You've earned it.
Reviewed by Zach Hoskins
This review is also posted on The Modern Pea Pod.
Ed/Pub:NB
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
I have to imagine that Wonder can never top Songs in the Key of Life, a strong contender for Best Album of the 1970s, but maybe what Stevie needed to do was come to terms with that as his best work. And it sounds like he has. I'm dying to hear Time to Love!
Great review!
2 - Mister.D
Hello...
Can you help me please ?,
I want sending to Stevie Wonder a new song i have arranged for him, but i don't have his e-mail box address...
Thank you for your help...
Didier Willkomm____________.
3 - Zach
Mister D, if only I had Stevie Wonder's e-mail address, you know I would be sending him letters every day. As it is, I can only direct you to his official website
Hope that helps.
4 - reggie von woic
Ahhhhh Stevie...i wonder where to start.
If i say Stevie ever left my heart and needed a comeback - shame on me,
If you ever said that he came up with "half-assed, mediocre records" - shame on you,
If you they ever ask you "who sang that song in that Levis jeans ad that goes 'very superstitious' " - shame on them,
and if we all don't go out there and get ourselves 'a time to love' - shame on us.
A shiny nickel for the person who guesses my fav song in Stevies new album ;-)
-goes to watch video again-
5 - Evan
Elton John and Cat Stevens are better then Stevie Wonder
6 - Patricia
I'm not sure where to begin. My daughter-in-law (Elise)is 27 years old. Five years ago, right after the birth of her son, she was diagnosed with MS. She is now blind. She likes listening to Stevie Wonder songs. I know that my son and her have a hard time with the medical bills and that they could not afford to see Stevie Wonder in concert but I was wondering if it would be possible to have a signed picture sent to her. Even if she can't see it, she would know that she has it. She is very special person and she means the world to us. Thank you, Patricia Williamson