You might think Characters is a bummer listen if you judged it on its ponderous lead track “You Will Know,” a ballad of the most pious order that basically says everyone on the margins (well, actually in this case just drug addicts and lonely single parents) can find some solace through prayer. But once that smoke is cleared, Characters is actually a pretty satisfying workout with a relatively exercised Stevie, who seems ready to take on everything from apartheid to Ronald Reagan and Oliver North. Then Michael Jackson shows up for a ferocious duet and you’re reminded anew why Stevie Wonder working at even half-speed is still better than almost everything else.