This record is one of my favorite Stevie Wonder offerings of all time. Stevie is a genius on this album and ‘In Square Circle’ brings out the singer in him to the core. The album is the twentieth studio album by the American singer-songwriter which was released in 1985.

The album features the hit singles we all grew up listening to like the most popular song on the album Part-Time Lover, followed by Go Home, Overjoyed, and Land of La La. The album won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 1986 Grammy Awards. Stevie is known to use the synthesizers and drum machine in most songs, be it the ballads or the peppy tunes. The brilliant use of synthesizers, as well as the other instruments and tempo changes as he sees fit, makes it abundantly clear you are listening to something special and unique. Not forgetting his musical instrument - the harmonica.

Stevie's reflection on Evangelists on the song Spiritual Walkers and people seeking greener pastures in Land of La La, are direct and hit a message home. Overjoyed is a terrific ballad and Stevie doesn’t disappoint here. The song was yet another hit in the catalog of Stevie, peaking at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart. It’s Wrong (Apartheid) has a good melody and is comparable to his earlier works which of course overlaps a bit here and there.

On Love You Too Much Stevie croons lovingly, "Honey you may feel like you love / But I, I love you too much", the soul icon flexes his powerful vocals over the frantic keys, sturdy drums, and dancing synths, making for a track that is equal parts enticing and delightful.

The pinnacle of In Square Circle is undoubtedly Part-Time Love, an up-tempo jam made to get your feet moving and your body swaying. Released as the lead single from the LP, Part-Time Lover is infectious and features superb songwriting and arrangement. The song was one of the biggest hits of Wonder's storied career, peaking at No. 1 on four different charts simultaneously and becoming the first song in history to achieve that feat. Another interesting fact is that the late Luther Vandross also appears on Part-Time Lover and can be heard humming at the end of Wonder's verses, as well as on the backing vocals. The song is timeless and by far the biggest song on the album.

A great album, enjoyable all the way. Give this one a few listens before rushing to judgment for Stevie is special and even today he still commands a great following for other top notch songs like I Just called to say I Love You.

Label: Motown

Format: Vinyl, LP, Gatefold case

Release date: 1985

Genre: Electronic / Funk, Soul

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira