Hello ladies and gents! Another Sunday and another portion of
Positive Reviews coming! In today’s chapter I’ve decided to go in
more R&B/Soul/Urban style. Once again I turned to blind luck and
picked an album that was telling me absolutely nothing.
I commit to Love is a first solo album of Howard Hewett. His
career started in late 70's, when he joined a Grammy winners Shalamar.
It was a take to rise for Howard as he established his voice well in
earlier mentioned genres. When in 1985 this cult band split, young
vocalist started his solo career. Only one year later his first album
saw the daylight and very quickly won hearts of millions. Many of the
song that appeared on the album went very high on different charts, a
whole album went Platinum.
This information gave me the idea that once again I chose right. I
was very curious of what gem hides in these files I was about to
stream from one of the music services.
First song on the record - “Stay” - started with a drum machine
beat and some synths playing along. I could easily feel upcoming a
slow dance floor hit. Voice of Howard explains itself why he was
successful on the international level. The way he sings brings
memories of the best from that decade (like Billy Ocean), but also
has his own, unique character. What I like especially about his voice
is that it sounds strong and soft in the same time. “I’m for
Real” is a ballad that intrigued a great sound of saxophone (later
in his career, Howard will bound his voice with more jazz musicians).
Also this song has a perfect recipe for a catchy bud lovely song,
that was used heavily in 90's (what comes to my mind? Simply Red).
More lively “Last Forever” spiced up a bit, bringing more dance
flavour to the table. Easy to remember lyrics, music that perfectly
accompaniment Howard’s voice. Everything is perfectly polished.
Tittle song is an another ballad that continue a stride of a great
tunes on this album. So far all songs can be easily put on a playlist
for everyone who loves 80's and romantic songs. Not to be surprised,
but next song, “In a Crazy Way”, is a cool and stylish, synth
filled, dance song. What is a worth mentioning, delicate but catchy
guitar riff, stole my attention in this track and kept me close to
the song. It was definitely a funky element I appreciated. “Love
Don’t Want Wait” breaks that dance/ballad pattern. Song has some
Michael Jackson’s vibes, which was a nice accent. Once again
production was perfect. Frankly all songs on the album deserve a lot
of attention for everyone who cares a lot about mixing and mastering.
“I Got 2 Go” is a hybrid between patterns I mentioned earlier.
Most notable element in this particular track is a female back vocals
that turn chorus and verses in a dreamy flight. I was still kept
extremely interested in the record. “Eye On You” will take you
once again back on the dance floor (if in some strange way, you
decided to leave it). Another catchy chorus and MJ’s style kept me
smile. “Let’s Try It All over Again” is a ballad that I believe
opens the door for many R&B artist from 90's. Last song on
Howard’s solo album is a gospel song “Say Amen”. To my surprise
this song was not only high on gospel charts but also urban ones,
showing that with a right amount of talent you are about to success
everywhere.
Conclusion: I love this album. All songs present high level of
musicianship and filled my time in a right way. This album will win
over everyone who loves 80's music or early R&B. If you’re not
sure about if this album will fit your needs, I can assure you. It
will! I want to say thank you to my hunch that once again led me to a
masterpiece. Hopefully streak will continue!
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