What makes Part-Time Lover by Stevie Wonder notable?

'Part-Time Lover' was a significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Its themes of infidelity resonated widely, contributing to discussions about relationships in the mid-1980s and solidifying Wonder's status as a contemporary pop icon. Released in 1985, 'Part-Time Lover' marked Stevie Wonder's return to the charts after a four-year hiatus since his last album, 'Hotter Than July'. This single was part of an ongoing evolution in his sound, blending pop sensibilities with his signature soulfulness during a period when he was redefining his artistic direction.

How many songs are on Part-Time Lover?

Part-Time Lover has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Part-Time Lover

Stevie Wonder · 1985

7 min · 2 tracks · blues

A smooth blend of funk and soul that explores the complexities of love and infidelity with catchy melodies and intricate rhythms.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Part‐Time Lover — This title track encapsulates the album's central theme with its infectious groove and clever lyrics exploring the duality of secret relationships.
→
Part‐Time Lover (instrumental) — The instrumental version highlights Wonder's mastery of melody and arrangement, allowing listeners to appreciate the song's rhythmic complexity without lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production, with a notable blend of funk and soul elements.

What we noticed

The title track features a call-and-response vocal arrangement, where Stevie Wonder's lead is complemented by backing harmonies that enhance the song's narrative.
The instrumental version strips away the vocals, highlighting the intricate bass line and rhythmic elements that drive the groove.
The song employs a syncopated rhythm throughout, creating a sense of tension that mirrors its lyrical themes of love and infidelity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Stevie Wonder's return to the charts and showcased his continued relevance.
Themes: secret relationships· 1980s romantic deception· nighttime rendezvous
Career context: Released in 1985, 'Part-Time Lover' marked Stevie Wonder's return to the charts after a four-year hiatus since his last album, 'Hotter Than July'. This single was part of an ongoing evolution in his sound, blending pop sensibilities with his signature soulfulness during a period when he was redefining his artistic direction.
Stylistic neighbors: Marvin Gaye· Prince· Curtis Mayfield