Stevie Wonder | Hotter Than July
Album Review: Stevie Wonder | Hotter Than July - released in 1980
By Brent Faulkner
Stevie Wonder is one of few artists that can be described as being a ‘timeless’ artist. Wonder transcends all genres and all labels, proving to be one of few artists that can truly be described as a ‘crossover’ artist. Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Country & Hip-Hop artists alike all cite Stevie Wonder as one of the most accomplished, and versatile artists of our time. Wonder, who has won more than twenty Grammy awards - including being a three-time winner for album of the year (1973‘s Innervisions, 1974’s Fulfillingness’ First Finale and 1976’s lauded Songs in the Key of Life), is nothing less than a ‘genius.’ Songs in the Key of Life is highly regarded Wonder’s best effort, though it is followed in sequence by the sometimes under-recognized effort from 1980, Hotter Than July. Hotter Than July failed to receive Grammys/Grammy-nominations like its predecessors, but critics cite this effort as one of Wonder’s best. Additionally, Hotter Than July fails to house a #1 pop hit. Despite all adversities, Hotter Than July is quite a ‘musical force to be reckoned with by all means.’ This album is ‘loaded’ with a bag of hits that rivals its predecessors, Grammys or not. It is my honor to ‘take it back’ 1980s style with the funky masterpiece that is Stevie Wonder’s Hotter Than July.
The album opens with “Did I Hear You Say You Love Me,” a funky cut finding Wonder supported by horns, guitar, bass and drums - not to mention his own synthesizer playing. The songwriting is solid - ‘virtuous’ in way that only Wonder could pull off, particularly highlighted by the addictive chorus: “Well If you love me honey let me hear you say (I love you)...” “Did” segues into the exceptional “All I Do,” contrasting the funk-driven opener with a smoother, electric piano driven sound. Despite a smoother sound about the cut, Wonder achieves some truly ‘gritty’ and soulful vocals, without ever sounding the slightest bit unrefined. “All I Do” is by all means one of Hotter Than July’s signature moments.
“Rocket Love” proves to be another brilliant contrast, opening with mysterious sounding production work and a characteristic harmonic progression that is distinctly ‘Stevie.’ Even more impressive, Wonder covers all the instruments! The master musician makes even the simplest “do, do, do” that opens up the cut sound both soulful and musical. The hushed vocal performance on the first verse contrasts the more overt turns from previous tracks, though Wonder doesn’t stay ‘restrained’ for long; by the close of the cut, Wonder turns incredibly overt with an assortment of growls, whooping, and “oh’s.” “I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It” finds Wonder once more handling multiple instrumental duties and even channelling a quasi-country timbre about his voice on the verse. As always, ‘the funk never dies.’ The alluring “As If You Read My Mind” is even more memorable, with arguably the album’s best groove, buttressed down by slick, soulful guitar by Rick Zunigar and superb drumming by Denis Davis. Wonder sings exceptionally as always, particularly on the memorable chorus: “As If you read my mind/as if you touched my soul/ as if you knew exactly where I wanted to go.”
“Master Blaster (Jammin’)” is easily a tune most people cite as a highlight from this album. It is understandable, given the infectious, multi-cultural groove that characterizes this cut. Here, Wonder breaks out the Fender Rhodes, coupled with nice touches of organ, saxophone & trumpet, contributed by supporting musicians. Different from all the other cuts, “Master Blaster” is a representation of the restlessness of Stevie Wonder that makes him such an ‘iconic’ and ‘legendary’ musician. “Do Like You” features brilliant orchestration, conceived by the virtuosic Wonder who achieves his best vocal moments when he allows his self to ‘let loose’ on the chorus. While “Cash In Your Face” is another classic, it is less valedictory than the best, most notably the superb and superior “Lately.”
On “Lately,” Wonder plays acoustic piano and the ‘bass synthesizer.’ While “Lately” is a ‘stripped,’ bare-bones performance, it may be Wonder’s most emotional, ‘telling,’ and noteworthy cut of his career. The songwriting is perfect, particularly the emotive chorus: “Well I’m a man of many wishes/hope my premonition misses/but what I really feel my eyes won’t let me hide/‘cause they always start to cry/‘Cause this time could mean goodbye.” Wonder caps off this extraordinary achievements of “Lately” (and Hotter Than July) with an equally incredible and recognizable cut, “Happy Birthday.” After years and years, this funked-up cut still remains a mainstay with it’s upbeat vibe and overall sound.
So Hotter Than July won no Grammys - the question should be why?! This album finds Wonder transitioning into the 1980s at the very height and peak of his career. Many might even consider Hotter Than July his last truly ‘classic’ effort. Regardless of accolades or lack thereof, Hotter Than July remains to be an album that is special to my heart. It is a soulful and captivating effort.
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 12/10/2010 10:10 AM 
Categories: Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos, Perspectives
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Categories: Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos, Perspectives
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
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