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Fred Hammond – Love Unstoppable
From an instrumentalist who played with a famous gospel family; to a long tenure with a successful urban praise and worship band; and then an even longer span as an in-demand songwriter/producer/musician.In over two decades, Fred Hammond has been one of the main voices in the urban gospel landscape.He continues to set the bar as a multi-talented musician who has entered other avenues of music.Even as one of the busiest men in gospel – period, Hammond remains fervent about serving God with the highest degree of excellence, whether its ingrained in his songwriting or his resounding tenor voice.Through the several phases of Hammond’s career, he has earned many accolades including Dove & Stellar Awards, yet occasionally faced detractors about his philosophy of integrating gospel with edgier urban grooves and sophisticated soul ballads.The latter has never stopped Hammond from reaching out to different audiences for the cause of praise and worship.
Hammond first experienced professional life as a bass guitarist backing The Winans in the early eighties.Of course, being that he was influenced by this contemporary gospel groundbreaking family vocal quartet and urban legends like Stevie (Wonder), it was only natural that Hammond would further his mission as a gospel groundbreaker.Formed in 1985, the band Commissioned was comprised of Hammond and several friends.Like The Winans, their music pushed boundaries of how contemporary gospel would be reshaped through the years. Commissioned recorded for almost two decades, including a reunion in 2004.Hammond stayed with Commissioned for several albums until he broke away for solo pastures.In 1995, Radical for Christ, a choir comprised of fellow Detroit talents, backed Hammond for four recordings; all which made a large imprint in the urban praise and worship market.While a recording artist in his own right, he developed several young gospel guns including the family group The Singletons.When not in the studio, Hammond stepped into the movie world including the role of executive producer of The Gospel; and on the stage writing and directing the musical, Been There, Done That.
It’s been a long time since the RFC days, but Hammond remains faithful to his praise and worship.However for his latest disc, Love Unstoppable, he gambles a bit beyond his urbanized trademark sound.But one area Hammond’s fans can always count on is his raw energy as a vocalist and communicator – willing to exhort the masses when necessary.The disc opens with a touching prayer featuring both of Hammond’s children with BreeAnn Michelle and Darius Sean.“Awesome God,” “Happy” and “Take My Hand” are solid reminders of how Hammond kicks that eighties R&B vibe into the praise and worship territory. The subtle Caribbean flavor of “Find No Fault” adds a sweet texture to the atmosphere. On the traditional side in a loose sense, “I Know What He’s Done” accommodates with its bluesy overtones.“You Are Good” is an example of how Hammond can be potent in a quieter spirit of worship.Finally, the ‘ooo-ooo good’ award belongs to “They That Wait” with the equally infectious Pastor John P. Kee (they also collaborated on The Glory from Kee & The VIP Mass Choir’s Live in Miami disc).
There are a few disappointing moments on Love Unstoppable; including the “Best Thing That Ever Happened” that frankly echoes several pop/rock worship offerings today and the soft samba-driven “Thoughts of You,” where both lead and backing vocals are quite stilted.However, in the long run, Fred Hammond can be counted on to deliver in the urban gospel music clutch.
