Stevie Wonder surprised the world when he released four new tracks from the recording sessions of his magnum opus album “Songs in the Key of Life.” Considering 50 years have passed since the album’s original release in 1976, this throwback EP is a soulful and refreshing return to form amidst the competitive noise that is the modern music industry.

With online streaming platforms like Spotify replacing radio as a means of listening to music, artists have had to rely more on their songs going viral on social media to establish a real audience than by simply making quality music. While Wonder could have easily leveraged his renowned career to promote the EP online, this release marking a significant milestone in his legacy has gone relatively under the radar across his official social media accounts, with Wonder only advertising the anniversary EP in one-off posts or videos. However, this lack of elaborate marketing has inadvertently recentered the listener’s attention on the raw skill and talent present in his work, allowing it to fully speak for itself. Moreover, in an age when established artists “selling out” is less and less shamed by fans, Wonder’s new release ties to his older work but in a way that actually adds something to the original message and listening experience of his iconic album.

The first track, “It’s Easier” is a classic funky bop, in which Wonder sees a “love doctor” about his failed romantic relationship, that makes you want to dance any heartbreak away. The beautiful scat-filled bridge and euphonic key change in its final extended chorus with lively ad-libs coalesces in a total earworm. What follows is “My Life Story of Love,” featuring a calm but intricate bossa nova-esque instrumentation that feels like sitting on the beach sipping a tropical beverage. The harmonized background vocals are especially satisfying in this rhythmic jam.

“I Can See The Sun In Late December” embodies the mix of jazz and R&B that Wonder’s name is synonymous with, offering optimistic lyrics that complement the upbeat melody. Its keyboard solo in tandem with Wonder’s vocalizations is an immaculate combo. Against the prior three tracks, “I’m Into Livin’” stands out as a unique blend of soul, jazz, and funk that heavily uses a synthesizer to create that iconic groove to Wonder’s sound. This electronic quality extends to the backing vocals which ring out in your ear alongside its catchy melody, with the saxophone and keys solo carrying the bridge to a satisfying end.

Suffice it to say, Wonder’s latest EP is an upbeat and compelling set of songs that sounds so distinctively of the past while, at the same time, being timeless. Even if Wonder’s specific blend of genres is not what you usually listen to, you should put it on in the background and see how long you can go without feeling the urge to dance.