Song#: 0440
Date: 12/13/1980
Debut: 79
Peak: 11
Weeks: 19
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: Wonder's album "Hotter Than July" got off to a good start when the reggae-influenced track "Master Blaster (Jammin')" hit #5. This follow-up single just barely missed the Top 10 (oh, those pesky #11 peaks!) but it did reach #4 on the AC chart. "Hotter Than July" was Wonder's first album to be eligible for platinum certification, which it did get awarded after the success of these singles.
ReduxReview: Once again I'll state that Wonder is a genius. However, I just don't understand this song at all. The pedal steel guitar, his weird vocals in the verses, and the country-meets R&B/AC thing is just too strange. I really don't know what he was trying to achieve here and for me it doesn't work. Is he mocking country music? Is he experimenting and trying to get in on the "Urban Cowboy" movement that was happening at the time? Whatever the though process or inspiration, knowing it probably wouldn't change my mind about not liking the tune.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: Although "Hotter Than July" only yielded three chart singles included one Top 10, in the UK the album became his most successful. The LP peaked at #2 and spawned four Top 10 hits including this single which reached #10.
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