A disappointment after a long wait (fans had been hearing about the album since 1981), Stevie here is relying on synthesizers rather than using them for novel effects, and the songs, while effective, are mostly missing that touch of crazy genius we've come to associate with him.

The big hit "Part-Time Lover" isn't terribly interesting; the best tracks are the catchy funk numbers "I Love You Too Much" and "Spiritual Walkers" (about Jehovah's Witnesses, no less), the ballad "Overjoyed," and the retro "Go Home" punctuated with horn riffs. The same year, Stevie contributed vocals to "We Are The World," providing the most memorable chorus. (DBW)

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- "Overjoyed" ranks with Stevie's better ballads; "Part-Time Lover" really is classic Stevie, but it's so commercially oriented it's off-putting.
There's some 70's magic in here somewhere ("Never In Your Sun"), so it's worth buying once you have his other records. (JA)

Wilson & Alroy's