Pastime Paradise

"Pastime Paradise" is a song by American musician Stevie Wonder, from the 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life.[1] The song was one of the first to use a synthesizer (the Yamaha GX-1) to sound like a full string section.[3] Built initially from synth tracks rather than from a drummer setting the basic rhythm, the song is augmented with rhythm performances from Ray Maldonado, Bobbye Hall, and Wonder, and a persistent "chinging" bell pattern by Hare Krishna musicians. A gospel choir from West Angeles Church of God and Hare Krishna chanting group culminate in a multicultural finale.[4]

"Pastime Paradise"
Song by Stevie Wonder
from the album Songs in the Key of Life[1]
Released1976
GenreSoul, pop, proto-rap
Length3:27
LabelMotown
Songwriter(s)Stevie Wonder
Producer(s)Stevie Wonder
Music video
"Pastime Paradise" on YouTube
"Pastime Paradise"
Single by Sunlightsquare
from the album Urban Latin Soul[2]
GenreSoul, Latin
Length4:31
Songwriter(s)Stevie Wonder

Meaning

Steve Lodder writes listeners may understand the song two ways. One way is the comparison and contrast of the difference between the negative attitude of someone with a flawed past, and the positive outlook of someone who wishes for a perfect future in this life or the next. The other way is a description of how me-first materialism and laziness cannot compare to a strong work ethic which brings the great reward of Heaven.[5]

Covers and sampling

Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" (and its parody, "Amish Paradise" by Weird Al Yankovic), Mary J. Blige's "Time", Basta (Noggano)'s "Russian Paradise", Blue's "Curtain Falls" and Scarface's "Crack" each sample the song.[6] Patti Smith, Panache Culture, Sherri Winston, Karl Latham, Youngblood Brass Band, Chick Corea, Sunlightsquare, Ray Barretto, and Charlie's Roots have recorded covers of the song.[7]

References
  1. "Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key Of Life". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  2. "Sunlightsquare – Urban Latin Soul". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  3. "Pastime Paradise". AllMusic.com.
  4. Buskin, Richard (December 2007). "Classic Tracks: Stevie Wonder 'Pastime Paradise'". Sound on Sound.
  5. "Stevie Wonder: A Musical Guide to the Classical Albums".
  6. "Pastime Paradise". AllMusic.com.
  7. "Pastime Paradise by Stevie Wonder". SecondHandSongs.com.
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