Pastime Paradise

"Pastime Paradise"
Song by Stevie Wonder
from the album Songs in the Key of Life
Released1976
GenreFunk[1]
Length3:27
LabelMotown
Songwriter(s)Stevie Wonder
Producer(s)Stevie Wonder
Licensed audio
"Pastime Paradise" on YouTube

"Pastime Paradise" is a song by American musician Stevie Wonder, recorded for his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. The song was one of the first to use a synthesizer (the Yamaha GX-1) to sound like a full string section.[2] Built initially from synth tracks rather than from a drummer setting the basic rhythm, the song is augmented with rhythm performances from Wonder, Ray Maldonado, and Bobbye Hall, 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.[3]

  1. ^ Molanphy, Chris (October 15, 2022). "Give Up the Funk Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  2. ^ "Pastime Paradise". AllMusic.
  3. ^ Buskin, Richard (December 2007). "Classic Tracks: Stevie Wonder 'Pastime Paradise'". Sound on Sound.