WONDERMENT

Jean Rosenbluth’s negative review of Stevie Wonder’s new CD, “Conversation Peace” leaves me wondering (Record Rack, March 19). Why is the often violent, sexist and drug-reference laced work by “contemporary” artists such as Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg consistently met with critical acclaim while Wonder--who incorporates positive themes and tough moral questions into his grooves--is given a bad rap? It seems Wonder’s appeal for sanity presents an unsensational, media-unfriendly, wake-up call that isn’t “hip” or “fresh,” only real.

MARK QUIGLEY

Los Angeles