Four years after the pinnacle of Stevie Wonder's mid-'70s typhoon of classic albums, Hotter Than July was the proper follow-up to Songs in the Key of Life (his Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants concept record was actually a soundtrack to an obscure movie that fared miserably in theaters). It also found Wonder in a different musical climate than the one that savored his every move from 1972 to 1977. Disco and /p>
ew wave had slowly crept their way into the mainstream record-buying public, and hindered the once-ample room for socially and politically charged lyrics. However, Wonder naysayed the trends and continues to do what he did best. Solid songwriting, musicianship, and production are evident in the majority of Hotter Than July. Wonder also carries on his tradition of penning songs normally not associated with his trademark sound, from the disco-tinged "All I Do" (originally planned to be released by Tammi Terrell almost ten years previously) to the eggae-influenced smash "Master Blaster (Jammin)," which went straight to the top of the R&B charts. While admittedly there are a few less-than-standard tracks, he closes the album on an amazing high note with one of the most aching allads in his canon ("Lately") and a touching anthem to civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr. ("Happy Birthday"). While most definitely not on the same tier as Innervisions or Songs in the Key of Life, Hotter Than July is the portrait of an artist who still had the Midas touch, but stood at the crossroads of an illustrious career.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.""I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."...these are two of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther King..when Stevie Wond...
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...I've always felt that Stevie Wonder's "Hotter Than July LP'":http://www.thestore24.com/Music/Album.aspx?p_id=P+++139462&a_id=R++++22218&PersonID=P%20%20%20139462&prodid=MOT157357.2&si=rhino is one of his best albums that a lot of people have never heard of...while it doesn't hold a plethora of deep cuts like, say, "Talking Book":http://www.thestore24.com/Music/Album.aspx?p_id=P+++139462&a_i...
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...I've always felt that Stevie Wonder's "Hotter Than July LP'":http://www.thestore24.com/Music/Album.aspx?p_id=P+++139462&a_id=R++++22218&PersonID=P%20%20%20139462&prodid=MOT157357.2&si=rhino is one of his best albums that a lot of people have never heard of...while it doesn't hold a plethora of deep cuts like, say, "Talking Book":http://www.thestore24.com/Music/Album.aspx?p_id=P+++139462&a_i...
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"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.""I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."...these are two of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther King..when Stevie Wond...
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Big-ups to my main man Stevie who turns 57 today. Thank you for your amazing genius that has entertained and inspired so many over the years, including new generations of artists who have been shaped by your melodies. Much respect to one of the greatest R&B musicians.
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Did I Hear You Say You Love Me |
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| 2 All I Do |
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| 3 Rocket Love |
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| 4 I Ain't Gonna Stand for It |
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| 5 As if You Read My Mind |
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| 6 Master Blaster (Jammin') |
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| 7 Do Like You |
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| 8 Cash in Your Face |
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| 9 Lately |
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| 10 Happy Birthday |
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 "Hotter Than July")
