Vinyl LP pressing. Following the nearly all-instrumental detour album Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants Hotter Than July was a return to classic form. Released in fall 1980 It was a top 3 pop album and # 1 R&B for more than three months led by the hit singles Master Blaster (Jammin ) Lately and I Ain t Gonna Stand For It and the now-classic album cut Happy Birthday a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Hotter than July was originally released on Motown s Tamla label on September 29 1980. It was certified platinum and reached #3 on the US Billboard chart. This was his most successful album in the UK peaking at #2 and producing four top ten singles. Hotter than July was nominated for Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the American Music Awards in 1982.