AlexdeParis said:

You forgot the Detroit hit "My Eyes Don't Cry" from "Characters". A great upbeat, funky dance track.

I have "Hottter than July" and it's a solid upbeat album. How can you not love "Happy Birhday".

Check out my review of this classic album:

4 Stars: After Stevie released the confused experimental record, "Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants", he returned to his R&B roots and released "Hotter Than July". This is the true follow-up to his 1976 double-album masterpiece, "Songs In The Key Of Life". "Hotter Than July" is a very straightforward pop record because of its 80's production and sound. It's a more glossy production. The opening, "Did I Hear You Say You Love Me", is an upbeat dance number with energetic synthesizer and guitar hooks. "All I Do" is one of the best songs on this album. It's a funk/disco-type track with a oh-so-fly beat. "Rocket Love" is probably my favorite song on this disc. It's a sexy ballad with Stevie talking about a woman any man would be incensed by, who would depart too soon with his love. The song, itself, has a variety of synthesizers and drum machines being played throughout the song. It's just a classic. Next, there's "I Aint Gonna Stand For It", which is a country/pop-type tune with laid-back slide guitar hooks. "As If You Read My Mind" is one of my personal favorites on here. The song has a tropical vibe in it. The drum beats have a reggae feel in them. "Master Blaster (Jammin')" is a reggae tune in the sprit of and in tribute to Bob Marley. "Do Like You" is a funky ode to Stevie's son, who dreams of being a dancer. "Cash In Your Face" is the only downside on this album. The rhythms are not-so even, but the song is worth a listen. It has a message of housing and job discrimination. It really takes me back to the Innervisions period, where he was at his political peak. "Lately" is just a classic. It's a lovely ballad that has him playing a piano and bass synthesizer, I think. It's probably the best composition Stevie has done. "Happy Birthday" is a celebration of the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King. The song makes you celebrate life. It was really a vocal plea for making Dr. King's birthday recognized as a national holiday. It's an exciting song. Overall, "Hotter Than July" is a consistent and great album. I consider this as his best album from the 80's-era. The synthesizers are a little dated, but the rhythms are top notch. They vary so much that it is a wonder that they are all inside the mind of one man and that they can all be delivered from a genius. All I can say is that it's a great follow-up to Songs In The Key Of Life. "Hotter Than July" is quite a sheer of artistic brilliance. This is truly a disc that you will play over and over again.

All i do and Rocket Love are my Jams

listen close and hear a young Michael Jackson doing the background vocals on All i do

silverchild said:

goat2004 said:

I know exactly what you mean!

whodknee said:

Ok, aside from what I said about JTTSLOP in the review, I like JTTSLOP, even though it is confusing that he would release this album right after a classic album like Songs In The Key. I think the thing that makes JTTSLOP is its uniqueness and how different it is...that's probably why I like it!!!!

banks said:

I think he is even credited on the album for that.

My only complaint is that "All I Do" was better when cut by Tammi Terrell in the mid 1960's.

VoicesCarry said:

was it really ?
i'd like to hear that

banks said:

I agree actually.

silverchild said:

It's cool. He was probably just following his muse like any artist worth a damn would. There might not be many great individual songs on that album but it's certainly one of the best albums I've ever heard... and, yes the uniqueness is part of its appeal.

100MPH said:

I forgot about Do I Do. That song is the shizznit! Love it!

Having never heard it before, I tried to listen to the first three songs and couldn't get over how dated the production values were. Then again, as a somewhat new fan of Stevie's, maybe I'm just too spoiled at the moment on all I've heard of his classic '70s work.. the magnificent, organic feel of it.

squiddyren said:

I can't even fathom what's outdated about songs like "All I Do" and "Rocket Love." I'm at a loss.

AlexdeParis said:

Believe me, I'm probably going to have to listen again. For my ears, A LOT of music sounds so much better the second or third time.

DorothyParkerWasCool said:

They're my favorites from Hotter Than July as well.

The track that dancerella is looking for is most likely "Love Light in Flight" from the Woman in Red soundtrack: nice track, and very electro-influenced.

To appreciate Stevie's true powers, you really have to get into his 70's catalogue. As someone else mentioned, I'm somewhat surprised to hear that so many people think Hotter Than July was Stevie's best album. It was solid, but his 70's period albums were far more consistent overall IMO.

I just finished the whole thing. I was right: The material sounded miles better when given a second chance; the standouts for me were the ones whatsgoingon mentioned: "All I Do", "Master Blaster (Jammin')", and the gorgeous "Lately" (). Pretty damn good album overall.

HOWEVER, I still don't think it stacks up to his '70s genius: Too inconsistent, lightweight, and cozy with disco/light funk-influenced motifs when placed alongside those records. But hey, every artist has their prime and I think Stevie did well after exhausting all that creativity during those years. We can't keep expecting brilliance. Same goes for our man, P.

I'll probably put this on my to-buy list.

squiddyren said:

Well, that's always been the general consensus. There are some days when I prefer it over Music of My Mind (the only one of the Big 5 that falls just short of perfect for me), but it could never be any higher. Talking Book is always #4 IMO and the three Grammy winners take turns as my favorite.
[Edited 7/8/06 17:53pm]

todd305 said:

Hotter Than July was the beginning of the end for me with Stevie's catalog. It's a solid album, but very spotty at times. And it just didn't have the monumental weight and mind-blowing genius of his 70s streak. Hotter is a damn good album in its own right but compared to his other work it doesn't hold up as well.

I forgot to add that this lp was my introduction to The Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King, racism and discrimination, etc, etc. The song "Happy Birthday" along with the photos of Dr. King and the movement aroused curiosity in my then 6 year old mind. So mama sat her little man down and explained our history to me, and the importance of Dr. King. Hmmmm...