Library Rock's Backpages

Stevie Wonder: Characters

Lloyd Bradley, Q, January 1988

THE SINGLE, 'SKELETONS', made a couple of bold statements: its earthy, chunky bass synth lines proved Stevie Wonder to have recaptured the simple approach to a tricky groove that made his early '70s work so special; that it was Characters' first release implied a confidence and commitment to a change of direction from the path that brought him his biggest ever hits ('Part Time Lover' and 'I Just Called'), but comprehensive critical scorn. To buy the album on the strength of that remarkably ill-selling single would not result in disappointment.

Total word count of piece: 393

Subscribe

Becoming a member is easy. Membership gives you access to all the thousands of articles in the library.

Click here to go to Subscribe page.

Click here for academic and other group subscriptions.