Part-Time Lover

Stevie Wonder's 1985 single 'Part-Time Lover' emerged as the lead track from his twentieth studio album, In Square Circle, released on January 1, 1985, under Motown Records. The song blends rhythm and blues with polished pop, a sound that defined mid-1980s synth-driven R&B. Wonder composed and produced the track himself, drawing inspiration from the Supremes' 'You Can't Hurry Love' and 'My World Is Empty Without You' for its melodic backbone.

The narrative follows a man conducting a secret affair, communicating through coded phone calls and hidden meetings, only to discover that his wife is involved in a similar dalliance. This twist ending, delivered with Wonder's characteristic vocal charm, turned the song into a radio staple and a conversation piece. Backing vocals were provided by a notable roster: Luther Vandross, Syreeta Wright (Wonder's former wife), and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, adding depth to the track's rich vocal arrangement.

Commercially, 'Part-Time Lover' achieved a rare feat by topping the Billboard Hot 100, R&B, dance, and adult contemporary charts simultaneously, a first for any artist at the time. It reached number one on the Hot 100 on November 2, 1985, ending a 22-year drought for Wonder at that summit. The song also peaked at number three on the UK singles chart, helped by a memorable appearance on Top of the Pops. Wonder earned a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the track.

Beyond its initial success, the song has proven durable. Postmodern Jukebox released a 1930s speakeasy jazz cover, while Jonathan Bree and Princess Chelsea offered a reinterpretation in late 2025. A San Diego cocktail lounge and record store named Part Time Lover opened in 2022, styled as a hi-fi listening bar, and gained attention when actress Christina Hendricks DJ'd there in 2026. The song's opening line, 'Call up, ring once, hang up the phone,' remains instantly recognizable, cementing its place in the pop canon. [edit]