Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

There have been repeated claims about Stevie Wonder's faith over the years and he's never shied away from creating songs that have a spiritual message. 'A Time To Love' draws together spiritual themes with the wider social commentary that has also been at the heart of his work and after a number of years in the creative wilderness he seems to have finally rediscovered his genius. This is a long album with 15 songs and more than a few guest appearances including Prince, Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt and Kirk Franklin popping up! From the gentle jazzy soul of "Moon Blue" to the funkier edge of "So What The Fuss" (featuring En Vogue on vocals, Prince on guitar) this is a superb collection. So much of this album springs out the speakers like audio sunshine so there's the gorgeous love song "Sweetest Somebody I Know" whilst "Please Don't Hurt My Baby" recalls his classic "Superstition". Gospel diva Kim Burrell does a great job on the album's opener "If Your Love Cannot Be Moved" and Stevie's daughter Aisha Morris duets with her father on the lovely ballad "How Will I Know". "Shelter In The Rain" features a Kirk Franklin directed choir but for me, my favourite track comes towards the end of the set. "Positivity" is built on an uplifting funky groove and contains an optimistic message, a fabulous hook and his daughter's second appearance on the album. After a slew of disappointing albums and a long silence, Wonder has returned to form with an album that is almost as good as his '70s output.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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