A Time to Love cover

A Time to Love

Stevie Wonder · 2005

77 min · 15 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms that showcase Wonder's enduring artistry and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

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    So What the Fuss — This track features an infectious groove and socially conscious lyrics that reflect Wonder's commitment to addressing contemporary issues. It also highlights guest appearances by other artists, showcasing a collaborative spirit.
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    If Your Love Cannot Be Moved Start here — Opening with a heartfelt declaration, this song encapsulates the album’s emotional core, blending classic soul elements with modern production techniques.
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    Moon Blue — This dreamy ballad showcases Wonder's lyrical prowess and vocal range, creating an ethereal atmosphere that stands out among the album's more upbeat tracks.
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    Passionate Raindrops — With its lush instrumentation and romantic themes, this song exemplifies Wonder's mastery of blending emotion with melody, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the cohesion and distinctiveness of Wonder's earlier work.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate rich instrumental arrangements, including strings and horns, which complement Wonder's vocal delivery.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • heartfelt ballads for reflection
  • soulful melodies for intimate moments
  • slow-burning tracks with depth
  • late-night listening with warmth
  • uplifting themes of love

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of fast-paced energy
  • prefer standalone hits over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in Wonder's later career.
Themes
social commentary funk· love's resilience· romantic yearning
Career context
By the time 'A Time to Love' was released in 2005, Stevie Wonder was already an established icon in music, having achieved critical acclaim since his early career in the 1960s. This album marked his first studio release in over a decade, following the commercial success of 'Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants' in 1979 and serving as a return to the music scene after significant personal and professional developments.
Stylistic neighbors
Marvin Gaye· Prince· Curtis Mayfield

Tracklist

  • 1 If Your Love Cannot Be Moved Start here 6:11
  • 2 Sweetest Somebody I Know 4:31
  • 3 Moon Blue 6:44
  • 4 From the Bottom of My Heart 5:11
  • 5 Please Don't Hurt My Baby 4:40
  • 6 How Will I Know 3:39
  • 7 My Love Is on Fire 6:16
  • 8 Passionate Raindrops 4:50
  • 9 Tell Your Heart I Love You 4:30
  • 10 True Love 3:32
  • 11 Shelter in the Rain 4:19
  • 12 So What the Fuss 5:04
  • 13 Can't Imagine Love Without You 3:45
  • 14 Positivity 5:07
  • 15 A Time to Love 9:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata