Stevie Wonder's songs make quite the statement about the iconic R&B singer-songwriter's optimistic take on the world.

"I Just Called to Say I Love You," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours," "For Once in My Life" and "Isn't She Lovely" are among his many tunes that speak to his positive outlook on life and love.

Wonder also has been one to lend his voice to the causes he supports, whether it's writing "Happy Birthday" as part of the successful effort to have a national holiday declared for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., or taking part in charity singles such as "We Are the World" for hunger relief and "That's What Friends Are For" for AIDS. By others' accounts, and his own, Wonder, at 59, continues in fine voice - and spirits.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, who appears Friday, Oct. 30, at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, earned stellar reviews for recent shows at the Foxwoods Resort Casino's MGM Grand Theater in Connecticut and at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort in New York.

"Wonder's catalog of juicy R&B favorites sounded as ageless as his voice," wrote Thomas Kintner in the Hartford Courant.

More than 45 years after bursting on the music scene as a 13-year-old with his first Motown hit, "Fingertips, Pt. 2," Wonder says he's still motivated to perform.

"I think no different than a doctor that has to work on patients or a teacher that has to work with students or a baker that has to bake his bread," Wonder says in an interview with The Post-Standard of Syracuse, N.Y. "If that's what we do, when we have the desire to do it and the ability to do it, it's a joy. The great thing about me and music is ... not only is it something that's an occupation, but it's something that I love doing. I love it still."

Wonder has scored nine No. 1 singles, among nearly 50 songs to land in the Top 40; earned 22 Grammys; and received many other honors, including an Academy Award for Best Song for "I Just Called to Say I Love You," and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In February, he added to his trophy case with the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize, for which he was feted at the White House by President Barack Obama. The tribute came just a few weeks after Wonder, an Obama supporter, performed at the pre-inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial and at the Neighborhood Ball. This year also has brought its share of sadness to Wonder, who was among the artists to publicly mourn the loss of Michael Jackson.

Wonder, who performed at Jackson's memorial service in Los Angeles, hopes for the best as the new film, "This Is It," and other projects associated with the King of Pop are released.

"I just wish for anything that has Michael's name on it (to be) successful," Wonder told The Post-Standard.

"Me, as do many of his fans, we want to see, want to hear anything and everything that we can. Truth be known, we sure wish that he was still here. It's such a tragedy. It's a heartbreak."

Where his own career is concerned, Wonder, who has been blind since birth, doesn't take his success - or his talent - for granted. His current recording project, "The Gospel Inspired by Lula," is an inspirational record in honor of his mother, who died three years ago.

"I'm thankful that of all the people in the world, I'm blessed enough to have this opportunity to sing, to play, to write, to perform with a great group of musicians in front of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of people, and to be seen by millions around the world," he told The Post-Standard.

"God chose me to be one of those people. The fact that I'm able to reach people and hopefully encourage and inspire them, that's a great feeling."

Stevie Wonder

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31

WHERE: Event Center, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

HOW MUCH: Tickets, priced at $85, $125 and $150, are available at the Borgata box office or through ComcastTix at 800-298-4200 or www.theborgata.com

WEB SITE: www.steviewonder.net

Stevie Wonder setlist

"I Can't Help It"

"As If You Read My Mind"

"Master Blaster (Jammin')"

"Did I Hear You Say You Love Me"

"All I Do"

"Michelle"

"Knocks Me Off My Feet"

"Higher Ground"

"All Blues"

"Giant Steps"

"Spain"

"Our Love Is Here to Stay"

"Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing"

"Overjoyed"

"I'm Going to Laugh You Right Out of My Life"

"My Cherie Amour"

"Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours"

"Uptight (Everything's Alright)"

"For Once in My Life"

"Do I Do"

"I Just Called to Say I Love You"

"These Three Words"

"Sir Duke/I Wish/Isn't She Lovely"

"Superstition"

"As"