"Lately" by Stevie Wonder

Song#:  0561
Date:  04/11/1981
Debut:  86
Peak:  64
Weeks:  7
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  Wonder's third single from his "Hotter Than July" album peaked fairly low, but in the UK it reached #3. In the US, the song has grown in popularity over the years thanks to a remake (see below) and the fact that the song has been sung by six different "American Idol" contestants during the live shows over the many seasons.

ReduxReview:  This is a very pretty ballad from Wonder and I've always liked it. However, I can see where it may not have caught on at pop radio. It's a little too subdued and there is no real hook to it. A low-key tune like this that is kind of old-fashioned and jazzy in a way is not gonna storm the chart. No matter as it has lasted far beyond what the peak would indicate.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  The R&B group Jodeci recorded a version of the song that became their biggest pop hit. It reached #4 in 1993 and was their only Top 10 pop single. The song reached #1 R&B and went gold.

_________________________________________________________________________________