Part Time Lover - Stevie Wonder (1985) 11/1/23

Considering his legendary status as a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, it's hard to believe that today's Great Song of 1985 was Stevie Wonder's last #1 hit!

Yes, it's been almost 40 years since "Part Time Lover" (from his "In Square Circle" album) made history by becoming the very first song to simultaneously top four different Billboard charts: Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, Rhythm & Blues, and Dance.

It also went to #1 in Canada, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain!

By its title, you can guess that "Part Time Lover" is a "cheatin' song, but there's also a twist, and Stevie employed a gaggle of famous singers to help sell it with jazzy background vocals--including Luther Vandross ,Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, and his ex-wife, Syreeta Wright.

(Note: The song was was designed to sound like a classic Motown tune, and I think Stevie nailed it.)

Stevie's had quite a few hits since then, and has yet to return to #1...but that certainly doesn't take away from the fact that he is still a legend and always will be.

"Part Time Lover" was a Great Song of 1985, and joins a very looong list of Great Songs by Stevie Wonder! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpDM6ygsb20

Tomorrow: A "Jewel" of a song.