"A Time to Love" is the twenty-third studio album by the phenomenal American singer, songwriter, and musician, Stevie Wonder. Released on October 18, 2005, by Motown Records, it was his first new studio album since 1995's "Conversation Peace".
Employing a distinctly contemporary R&B aesthetic, "A Time to Love" features an array of musical collaborations. Guest artists on the album include India.Arie, Prince, and En Vogue, among others. Moreover, Wonder's daughter Aisha Morris also appeared on the tracks, showcasing the singer's musical ties and influences.
This much-awaited album is laden with social, political, and humanitarian messages, which is in line with Wonder's legacy. That's evident in the lyrics of songs like "Shelter in the Rain" and "So What the Fuss", where the artist tackles issues from hurricane effect recovery to racial harmony.
"One Man's Dream," a track on the album, was used in the Tokyo Disneyland show "One Man's Dream II: The Magic Lives On!," further showcasing the global reach and influence of Wonder's music. Meanwhile, the title track, "A Time to Love," won the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, underlining the critical acclaim the album received.
Although it took ten years to create, "A Time to Love" proved to be worth the wait. The album debuted at number 5 on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 90,000 copies in its first week. It further achieved commercial success, receiving Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 units in the USA. However, despite the success, the album remains Stevie Wonder's last to date.
Overall, "A Time to Love" is a strong testament to Stevie Wonder's enduring power as an artist and his ability to tap into contemporary trends while still preserving his unique musical identity.
