There aren’t many artists with as much staying power as Stevie Wonder. Ever since he took the record for the youngest person to get a number one when he was just 13; he has captivated the world with his music. So, it’s no surprise that – despite being well into his seventies – he is still releasing new songs. Guided by Wonder’s trademark pared-back style of melody, the hopeful new song ‘Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart’ is an ode to a better future.
It is a journey that starts by throwing back to the past. As soon as you press play you can feel the warm, honey-like sound of Stevie Wonder of old come trickling out. A slow melody unfurls, piano and harmonica drift through acoustic guitar and light percussion. Like the tides, the melody is fairly consistent in form; it represents the unity Wonder is hoping to ignite when we try to tackle the pressing issues in our world. Issues he gently introduces us to before the piano swells and the plea named as the title of that track is repeated. A cycle that is constant, a cycle not unlike that of the poverty, homelessness and division that Wonder is willing us to try to fix.
Naturally, the sole purpose of the lyrics in this song is to take up the baton set in motion by its backing track – a purpose they complete without fault. He deploys a timeless metaphor in “Will the light we share survive the dark” and really descriptive, emotive imagery in “We’ve been floating alone in a dark and bitter cold”. Both utilise the concepts of light and dark to present the troubles faced by humanity as forces that desire to extinguish our natural, good-natured light. An extended metaphor that leaves right at the end so Wonder can finish on an optimistic note saying how “It’s you and me / We hold the key” to helping the world, and by extension ourselves, through embracing love and ignoring those who say it will never change.
Even the lyric video follows the simple ethos, to focus on the words. Just a plain black background, behind bold lyrics. Beacons of hope obvious to the eye as well as the ear. That sums up this single really: a blend of words, a few tinkly bits and lots of meaning. This combination is what Mr Wonder hopes will fix all of our nation’s hearts.
Words By Matthew Carter
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