The Stevie Wonder's Song Rocket Love: Meaning and Analysis

Introduction

Blind from birth, Stevie Wonder is considered one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, the most by a solo artist, and one Academy Award (Grammy.com, n.d.).

The Meaning and Analysis of "Rocket Love"

"You took me riding in your rocket, gave me a star but at a half a mile from Heaven, you dropped me back down to this cold, cold world." "Rocket Love" by Stevie Wonder is a sad but brilliant love song. The ballad was written by Stevie Wonder and recorded at his Wonderland Studio in Los Angeles in 1979 (Wonder, 1980). It was featured on Wonder’s nineteenth album, “Hotter than July”, originally released on Motown's Tamla label in September 1980 (Wonder, 1980). The symbolism in the lyrics, combined with the piano and strings, creates music that is both poignant and beautiful. The song begins by taking you through the highs of love and then slams you back to reality. Despite being over thirty-five years old and not Wonder’s most popular song, "Rocket Love" has been sampled by several artists today, showcasing its enduring influence.

The Historical Impact of "Hotter Than July"

"Hotter Than July" was a historic album featuring songs like "Master Blaster (Jammin')", a creative reggae homage to the one and only Bob Marley, and the "Happy Birthday" song dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. and the King Holiday. "All I Do", originally written for the late Tammi Terrell, is also on the album. Stevie recorded the song with Michael Jackson, Eddie LeVert, and Betty Wright singing background. The album was certified platinum and reached number three on the US Billboard chart. It was his most successful album in the UK, peaking at number two and producing four top ten singles (Billboard, 1982). It was nominated for Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the American Music Awards in 1982.

The Emotional Depth of "Rocket Love"

In “Rocket Love”, Stevie reminisces about a relationship that has turned sour. He lovingly describes a woman as “sensitive and warm” and metaphorically explains “riding in her rocket” during the height of their relationship. Just when things were starting to feel like “heaven”, she leaves Stevie, making him feel like he’s been dropped back down to this “cold, cold world”. He does an excellent job painting vivid pictures of the woman’s love and beauty: “A female Shakespeare of your time. With looks to blow Picasso's mind”, as well as her heartbreaking coldness. Not only do the lyrics convey these feelings, but so does the music. The song starts off slow with a melody played by Stevie on the synthesizer/piano, and it quickly becomes more intense with the addition of strings arranged by Motown’s Paul Riser and played by Ben Bridges. All elements of Stevie Wonder’s “Rocket Love” have been sampled sixteen times between 1995 and 2019. Several artists have done covers/remakes of the song. Recently, Stevie Wonder performed 'Rocket Love' at Nipsey Hussle’s funeral, demonstrating the song's emotional resonance and timeless appeal.

Conclusion

Stevie Wonder's "Rocket Love" is more than just a song; it is a profound exploration of love's highs and lows, encapsulated in a musical masterpiece. The enduring legacy of "Rocket Love" and the "Hotter Than July" album highlights Stevie Wonder's genius and his lasting impact on the music world.

References

• Billboard. (1982). American Music Awards Nominees and Winners. Retrieved from [insert URL]
• Grammy.com. (n.d.). Stevie Wonder. Retrieved from [insert URL]
• Wonder, S. (1980). Hotter than July [Album]. Motown's Tamla.