On this day August 24 1985, Part Time Lover by Stevie Wonder was released as the lead single from his album In Square Circle. This energetic track marked a major moment in Stevie Wonder’s 1980s career, combining polished production with his unmistakable vocal style and sharp lyrical wit. Built around a bouncing synth line and layered with bright backing vocals, the song tackled the idea of secret relationships and infidelity with a clever pop edge. Wonder played most of the instruments on the track himself, including the keyboards, bass synth, and drums, showcasing his unmatched musicianship.
Part Time Lover became a historic chart success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, R and B, Adult Contemporary, and Dance charts. It was the first song ever to top all four in the United States, proving that Wonder’s artistry remained just as powerful in the synthesizer driven world of the mid 1980s.
Its sound reflected the shift in R and B toward more electronic elements without losing the heart and storytelling that had always been central to Stevie’s music. The song became a global hit and earned praise for balancing commercial appeal with musical sophistication.
80s insight: Part Time Lover showed how a veteran artist could embrace the changing times without losing the soul of their sound.
Part Time Lover became a historic chart success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, R and B, Adult Contemporary, and Dance charts. It was the first song ever to top all four in the United States, proving that Wonder’s artistry remained just as powerful in the synthesizer driven world of the mid 1980s.
Its sound reflected the shift in R and B toward more electronic elements without losing the heart and storytelling that had always been central to Stevie’s music. The song became a global hit and earned praise for balancing commercial appeal with musical sophistication.
80s insight: Part Time Lover showed how a veteran artist could embrace the changing times without losing the soul of their sound.
