Even the greats make mistakes!
1987: the second half of the '80s is definitely a very uncreative period for Stevie. This is evidenced by the fact that this album, somewhat below the standards he had accustomed us to, is his only production of the five-year period. He will, in fact, return only in '91 with the soundtrack "Jungle Fever".
These are 12 quite flat tracks, none of which are destined to become a classic in the artist's Greatest Hits. However, even in "Characters", there are a few stylish touches typical of the musician, creating some nice tracks to save: "Galaxy Paradise", "Cryin' Through the Night", "Get It" in duet with Michael Jackson, "Free" and the more than lovely "With Each Beat of My Heart", the best track of the album.
"Skeletons", chosen even as the album's single, is completely dismissed. Pick any other album at random from the artist's vast discography, and you'll surely find it better than this one.