Stevie Wonder
A Time To Love

THE REVIEW

Autumn 2005: after about 10 years of absence, never before had so much time passed without a new album of original work, Stevie Wonder returns to the scene by releasing "A Time To Love." The album was preceded in spring by the release of the leading single "So What The Fuss," a politically charged protest song, strongly felt by the author (who has long been an opponent of Bush and his government), with very heated tones and a captivating and engaging hip-hop rhythm. In which we find a strong critique of the American people for the failure to elect Kerry: ". . And if we live in a democracy and you don't use your power to vote, knowin' some would like to turn back the hands of time, Shame on us, Shame on me, Shame on you. . " The reprimand is not lacking for the American society still too unjust and racist according to the Master: ". . Should I be drivin thru a klantown, find a restourant to get me some food, and someone says-"Hey boy, we don't serve your kind"-Shame on them. . "

Beautiful piece with a rhythm and especially a text that acts as a real electric shock directed at American listeners, but I would say to the Western world in general. Stevie is not new to his active political commitment, he had already expressed himself through music in pieces like "You Haven't Done Nothin'" (from 'Fulfillingness' First Finale) or "Conversation Peace" (from the homonymous album), but he also participated in the campaign for the election of Al Gore, candidate for the U.S. presidency at the time of George Bush's first election. Which is said to have represented an extreme disappointment in the author's soul. There is no lack of the typical love songs, the most compelling and passionate of which is, in my opinion, "Passionate Raindrops" with its explosive and sweet chorus at the same time, wonderful. With a poetic concluding lesson: 'Let each drop of rain be a lifetime that our love won't end'. The album contains no less than 15 tracks, and the author manages to keep the level extremely high in all of them. Noteworthy, however: the majestic incipit at the opening of the album "If Your Love Cannot Be Moved," the romantic "Moon Blue," the fun and playful notes played by Stevie on the Marimba in "My Love Is On Fire," again the wonderful classic "Shelter In The Rain," the energetic optimism of the single "Positivity" and the concluding, endless (9 minutes), fascinating and mysterious "A Time To Love" (which also contains political protests). Everything concludes with a "breathtaking" percussion solo. The art of Stevie Wonder seems to become increasingly "perfect and stylized" over the years, his notes and harmonies which exploded fresh and energetic in his early albums, now seem to have crystallized over time and have taken on an even more consistent form, of infinite charm. Moreover, everything is executed, needless to say, impeccably and with absolute inspiration. Mr. Wonder rations his production in recent times, but what little comes out is wonderfully perfect.

We have Time for racism, We have Time for criticism, ... We make Time to debate religion, for passing bills and building prisons, ... We have Time to cause pollution, We have Time to cause confusion, wrapped up in our illusions. . . We have Time to conquer nations, ... hatred, violence and terrorism When will there be a Time To Love... ?