Music Of is a bit more tentative and unfocused than the following albums, but packed with priceless moments nonetheless: "Love Having You Around" is an enjoyably loose funk jam; "I Love Every Little Thing About You" is gentle and affectionate, with masterful vocal percussion; "Happier Than The Morning Sun" blends advanced harmonies, a soothing melody, and a kickin' clavinet part.

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Music Of is brilliant, but it's slightly less coherent than the records that followed, and it sometimes indulges in the flashy, over-produced Motown sound that Stevie was raised on ("Evil," with enough modulation to kill an army). Stevie was just figuring out what to do with his new-found synthesizer toys, and the results are fascinating if sometimes odd ("Seems So Long").

Still, it's full of high-powered funk ("I Love Every Little Thing About You"; "Keep On Running"); superb balladry ("Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)"); and simply brilliant songwriting ("Happier Than The Morning Sun"). (JA)

Wilson & Alroy's