1980/1985 - Hotter Than July/In Square Circle - Stevie Wonder

45 Years Ago - 1980 Stevie Wonder released his nineteenth album Hotter Than July.

Brilliant!!!!

"Master Blaster (Jammin')" is an ode to Bob Marley with it's raggae feel. It peaked at #5 and spent seven weeks at #1 R&B.

"I Ain't Gonna Stand for It" made #11, #4 R&B, #20 AC. Bonus note,  Charlie and Ronnie Wilson of The Gap Band provide backing vocals.

"Lately" The British loved this album and this song made #3 there and only #64 in the US. It also hit #33 AC and #29 R&B.

Jodeci took it tto #4, #1 R&B and Rhythmic in 1993.

"Happy Birthday" written to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. It was not released in the US but went to #2 in the UK.

"Did I Hear You Say You Love Me" made #74 R&B.

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40 Years Ago - 1985 Stevie Wonder released his twentieth album In Square Circle.

He won a Grammy for the album, in the category of Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

"Part-Time Lover" The song featured R&B singer Luther Vandross singing the ad-libs and backing vocals, in addition to Syreeta Wright and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, and Fire. It peaked at #1 Hot 100, R&B, and AC.

"Go Home" made #10, #2 R&B, #1 AC and Club.

"Overjoyed" again was a #1 AC hit. It also made #24 and #8 R&B.

"Land of La La" made #86 and #19 R&B.