Customer Reviews

Somethin' 'Bout Love

5 star:		(87)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Fred Hammond is one of the most gifted songwriters/arrangers/musicians on the planet. His songs never fail to uplift and inspire, nor do they ever get old.

I applaud Fred for trying something different with the praise and worship vibe of his previous project, but Somethin' 'Bout Love finds him in his true element of classic and contemporary soul/R&B arrangements, with plenty of melodies to help The Message stick with you. This set is a true extension of the musical ideas and themes found on the original Pages Of Life.

Any missteps here? If one had to nitpick, it could be argued that the Stevie Wonder tune Love's In Need has already been covered to death; but even then, Fred's arrangement manages to breathe life into that old soldier.

But again, that's nitpicking.

This is Fred's best project since the original Pages Of Life...and that's saying something, since no one has yet topped that one in artistic continuity -- including Minister Hammond himself. But Somethin' 'Bout Love comes mighty close to at least equalling that masterpiece, and belongs in your spiritual and/or mainstream music collection. It really is a wonderful piece of work that will stand the test of time.

I have butterflies in my stomach because there are so many great things that I want to say about this Album. This album is awesome. It's a very different sound for Fred. Different from some of the churchy sounds we're used to hearing from him. And I can really appreciate hearing more of Fred on the album and less choir because he has a beautiful voice. The lyrics are phenomenal. The words on every track will speak to your soul. All I could do was shake my head and say YEAH! say THAT! The words truly ministered to my heart and when you really sit down and listen and contemplate on their meaning...they will bring you to tears...that's how POWERFUL the lyrics are....extraordinary writing! Also what I really love about this album is that it has a strong R&B feel to it, some of the songs are really funky-with that Musigq Soulchild vibe, some have that smooth R&B feel...reminds me of Glenn Lewis vibes and Eric Bennet. Not too much....just enough to move your spirit. The slower songs are true worships songs...they make your want to stretch out on the floor and throw yourself in the Lords hands....If you have a true RELATIONSHIP with God and you KNOW him...you will understand what I mean. The mid-tempo beats are what I call summer-ride with your top down grooves. They make you want to not your head and just ride, while singing the words....

Now my favorites are...

Praise belongs to you--Very, Very Funky! This is my most favorite mid-tempo song on the album. The vocals are tight!
Your mama could groove to this one if she likes funk and soul.

Loved on Me--another funky groove that your mama could groove to. This one and the one I just mentioned are very appropriate to bump in the car when riding or to bump at a barbecue or a party, very groovy song.

A Closer Walk--Very, Very, Intimate song. Love song to the Lord is what I call it. I could light candles, lay a pillow on the floor, get on my knees, and just worship God to this song. A Get to know God song. Just release your burdens on him song. This one is a favorite.

Your love is--My Absolute Favorite song on the album. Strong R&B Feel...reminds me of a Keith Sweat beat. The words are awesome. This song brought me to tears in my Car! That's how powerful it is. Raise your hands and cry out to HIM song....yell, Deliver Me Lord! Your ways are beyond what I can comprehend or think, you've done so much for me, more than I could ever repay song. Lord thankyou for saving me song...If you have a RELATIONSHIP with God...you will understand...!

Make time for Love--Another light your candles and meditate on his goodness song. It makes you think about love and our relationship with HIM, and also our relationships with others. Make you want to stop and just tell someone how much you love and appreciate them song. Awesome song for MARRIED couple that need some reconciling in their lives.

I hope this review is helpful. This CD is a MUST HAVE...If you truly wish to KNOW God, and his ways, and you yearn for a DEEPER understanding of HIM...go get this CD! it's escecially for you :) And if you appreciate GOOD music, lyrics and sound...NOT MESS, this album is for you. I can appreciate an album that you can play from beginning to end without skipping a single track...Bravo Fred..you've done it again. :) You will change lives with this one!

Flawless, reverent, perpetual praise. I own all of Fred Hammond's CDs and they are all good.... but I tell you, "Somethin' 'Bout Love" sets an even more superior standard of excellence for praise and worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to encourage us in our daily lives. From the introlude, "I Know It Was the Blood" to the last song, "Your Name Is Jesus," you will be blessed by music that soothes your soul and witnesses to your spirit. How can you hold back the tears when your hear the lyric, "... at the mention of your name, every circumstance must change!"?

I am going through a tremendously difficult season in my life right now and this CD has been a lullabye and a comfort for me since I purchased it about three (3) weeks ago. Literally, I play it ALL the time with my head phones on, except when I am in the shower or at work. I play it continually throughout the night. I have played this CD so much (EASILY more than 100 times) that I need to order another one!

Even if you are not Christian, you will appreciate the masterful musicianship of Fred Hammond. There are not enough superlatives to describe him.

It sounds like Fred is getting in touch with his 'Inner Stevie' on some cuts. Its also nice to hear him getting back into the musical roots and move away from RFC and the 'praise and worship' style that he's become known for. Vocally he sounds rejuvenated and energized. This is probably some of his best lead singing since he left Commissioned. Not strained, melodic as ever, very relaxed but still confident. And true to form, the songwriting is rooted and ground in the Word. Very enjoyable CD.

I have several of Fred Hammonds CD's, even his platinum selling double CD, Pages of Life (if you don't have it I highly recommend it). I have cried to "No Weapon", love "Blessed" and am a huge commissioned fan. His last CD "Speak Those Things" really helped me through tough times. In saying all that, this CD "Somethin Bout Love" is my favorite of them all. It truly is the epitome of genuine Praise and Worship. It's magnificintly produced and potent with the word of God; this CD is sure to be a blessing! My favorites are tracks 6, 12, 7, 15, 17, 18, 19. Yes, that many favorites. Who has ever written a song about God being tenacious with His Love (track 17, beautiful song)! It takes such an anointed, gifted man of God to convey such a truth! I beg of you to purchase this CD it will truly convict you of the Love of Jesus Christ. If you have been trying to minister to someone and haven't been gaining any ground, buy this CD for them for Christmas and let Fred convict them of the Love of Christ. It will make you dance, cry, sing, and really move you to praise and worship. There truly is Somethin' 'Bout Love, so pick this one up and let the Love flow through your speakers into your spirit!!

Admittedly upon this album's first couple of spins I wasn't impressed but I think a reason being is that I had bought Tonex's Out The Box the day before. This CD contains sides of Fred I don't think we've seen before. It's a transition but don't worry not a total one! For example the normal backing singers hardly appear as well as people like Tommie Walker. People see this album as Fred's stab at neo-soul and they're right to an extent hence collaborating with the likes of Musiq and Ivan Barias. Lyrically I'd say he's a bit different. Before tracks would be like 'You are my...' etc. now I'd say he's a lil' deeper lyrically which is a characteristic of neo-soul. However I wouldn't put him in the same category as Lisa McClendon for example. There are elements of this CD that are reminiscent of POL3: the traditional churchsong interludes, but I'd say it's more POL1&2. You'll catch my drift if you get it... (which you should).

CELEBRATE (HE LIVES): You've prob heard this on the radio. It's a good song and Fred reminds us why he's king of the bass. He sang this live when he came to London in April and it was soo hot. Studio version feels a lil' different but it's a JAM. This song gets 5/5.
NOT JUST WHAT YOU SAY: Now this is kinda neo-soul and it's phat. You'll understand what I mean about lyrical difference here. I love this now.
PRAISE BELONGS TO YOU: It's not bad...but I'm not totally gone on it. This sounds like it could've belonged on POL1&2. Think of 'I will bless Holy Name.' I can imagine it being great live...it will be trust. I think it will grow on me.
LORD WE NEED YOUR LOVE: This is good and I think McKnight and Winans really compliment Fred on this one. It's a beautiful song and you can tell Warryn Campbell had a touch. Lyrically, you will feel they're writing/talking directly to you.
LOVED ON ME: This song is gonna be big I'm telling you. It's also produced by Warryn but it's not the sort of production he'd do for MaryMary I don't think.
A CLOSER WALK: Could be seen as another stab at neo-soul and it's cool. Nice slow song. The guitar solo is heavy!
I WILL FIND A WAY: Reminds me of 'He's not just a man' on POL3 - that type of song. Backing vocals (PamKenyon etc.) shine on this one.
LOVE'S IN NEED: People think that Musiq and Fred don't go well together. I think it's alright. My only criticism is production wise. It's starts of beautiful with a nice acoustic guitar but the beat ends up overpowering. Reminds me of 'Without Love' by Fred and CeCe (Alabaster Box).
YOUR LOVE IS: Definitely should have been on POL1/2. It's nice and I love it now...didn't at first.
THAT'S WHY: Teaming up with Musiq's producers here. It's not a bad track - growing on me. Definitely neo-soul.
IT JUST GETS SWEETER: I honestly don't think I've listened to this all the way through. Can't seem to get into it yet. Very up-tempo, seems alright first verse and chorus.
WHAT CAN I GIVE: It's alright - I think he could give us better though. More RnB than neo-soul.

YOUR LOVE IS A WONDER: This is a cool jam I like it a lot and I can't help break ma neck to it. There's like just this couple of bars that reminds me of 'I Can't Live Without You.' You'll know it when you hear it.
HOW DO YOU LOVE THAT WAY: Yeah this is buff. Full stop/Period.
MAKE TIME FOR LOVE: It's nice - can't remember it properly though!
YOUR NAME IS JESUS: Fred shows he can still write those worship songs - When You Praise stand aside! I'm jokin' but it's just as good.

Sprinkled with 20 second song bytes of old style, down home, hand clapping, toe tapping traditional tunes-"I know it was the blood", "I'm a soldier", this CD celebrates the love of God to us and our love for each other.



Opens with a laid back "Celebrate (He Lives)".

The absence of RFC is noticeable, but quickly forgotten by the time you sink into the 3rd cut, "Not Just What You Say". You'll stop and think. ...a brief rhythmic reminder of I Corinthians 13. Trust me. You will replay this several times before you move on.



"Loved on Me" will take you by surprise. Laid back, hand clapping beat, then bursts into reggae rhythm change. Don't get used to it because the rhythm and vocals quickly changes again to a style reminiscent of the old style gospel quartet groups. You know- Mighty clouds of Joy, Dixie Humming Birds style...all fellas singing falsetto. It's great! Pop, reggae, hip-hop elements, all in one song! Fred makes it work wonderfully.



My favorite cut, "Praise Belongs to You". I like to call it "My, oh my, oh my!" It bursts on the scene in funky jazz fusion without apology! "Sooo worthy, you're so worthy... dominion and glory, lion and a lamb so holy. Syncopated sassy vocals chanted over and over. Finger snapping, bass and beat forward and front. Mind exploding, banging background vocals are blowing; crazy fusion of voices and instruments all weaved wonderfully together, while Fred riffs over it all. What in the world's going on! -My, oh my, oh my! This one spins over and over in my player. It'll blow your mind. Not to be experienced anywhere else. Turn it up Loud and let it have its way with you! Downside...it's not long enough!





Not enough space to tell it all!

I REALLY REALLY like this cd. It takes me back to Fred old music days. I didn't care too much for his last cd. But this cd is musically very very good. He did an EXCELLENT job. I didn't care too much for the Stevie Wonder remake w/Musiq..for me, it just wasn't a good collaboration. My favorites are listed below, but I play the ENTIRE cd over and over, but you know we all have our favorites.:

Loved on Me--BOMB!! I listen to this over and over. LOVE IT because he breaks down to you about Jesus loving on you(us) and it is a FEEL GOOD song. I like the reggae beat added in. Addictive!

Celebrate--this song just rocks. You just feel it more and more
as the track plays.

I'll Find A Way--gives you a warm-fuzzy feeling.

Your Love Is--this song just makes me play it over and over.

Your Love Is A Wonder--at the beginning of this song he tells you to get up on your feet and the deeper you get into the track it does make you want to get up on your feet(you know, like you at church when the choir is singing and you stand up and clap your hands with them-smile)

Your Name Is Jesus--this is a great LOVE song about Jesus and you get caught up in this song quickly!!!

I usually have to listen to things more than once to find what I like. I didn't have the usual feeling of (THIS IS AWESOME!!!) about the entire CD as I did when I listened to Fred's other CDs. The music style is a departure (much more contemporary) compared to the last 2, but tracks like "I Will Find A Way" and "Sweeter" I feel will become new classics. "I Will Find A Way" is an awesome worship tune that reminds me of why Fred continues to be my favorite gospel artist. The vocals are dripping with fresh anointing and the lyrics will make you fall in love with Jesus all over again! If that's what you need too, this is a must-have to complete your Fred collection and to really get your praise and worship on!

I can listen to this CD all day everyday!!! I love Fred Hammond's music! PAGES OF LIFE (BOTH DISCS) AND PURPOSE BY DESIGN ABSOLUTELY CHANGED MY WORSHIP, MY VIEW OF GOD, MY LIFE.... SERIOUSLY. I WAS GOING THROUGH A SEEMINGLU LONELY TRANSITION OF PERMANENT GROWTH OUT OF WORLDLY THINGS AND ACTS AND INTO GOD. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THESE CDs, PLEASE GO TO GET THEM. YOU NEED THEM! There is absolutely nothing else like it in the world. He is so passionate about his love for Jesus that it makes you feel convicted that you are not just, or more passionate than he is. MY KIDS LOVE IT! They momeorize the lyrics and song on their own, at school, and when we dance in the living room!

Fred Hammond's music is always welcome in my ears. IT IS A GIFT FROM GOD! Where would the Gospel music industy be without him?