Commissioned Albums (15)
What The Critics Say
Gospel vocal powerhouse Commissioned get compiled yet again, this time with an eye on their "Praise & Worship" material and their years on Verity/Zomba -- minus the inclusion of "Unworthy," which comes from 1984 album I'm Going On, originally released by Light. The collection is a fine introduction to the R&B-driven gospel act, and while the 1999 release The Best of Commissioned is a better value at 16 tracks, it didn't have "Unworthy" or the four live cuts included here, pulled from the energetic 2002 release The Commissioned Reunion: Live. If you already have the live album, this is a nice way to finish off the Verity years, since it collects many of the softer numbers that didn't get live showcases. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'Songs of Fred Hammond'
Release Date 9/20/2005
Tracks 11
Label Artemis
See Album Tracklist and Review
'The Commissioned Reunion: Live'
Release Date 4/23/2002
Tracks 27
Label Verity
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
One of modern gospel's most influential and emotionally piercing vocal powerhouse groups got back together in October 2001 at Detroit's Straight Gate Church, with spectacular results that could suck even a hardened skeptic into God's kingdom without protest. The joy is contagious, the brassy rock-soul arrangements tight and explosive, and the vocals by such now-solo stars like Fred Hammond (who produced and arranged the music and vocals on the project) and Marvin Sapp are deep, hip, and spiritual gold. Hammond and Michael Brooks split the bulk of the songwriting, making even overused title concepts like "You've Got a Friend" and "Back in the Saddle" exciting in execution, as the crowd roars and praises along. There are a few softer moments, like the disc one closer "Lay Your Troubles Down," where the group sounds like a larger version of Take 6. Hammond's Radical for Christ and Kirk Franklin's groups rule the roost in modern male gospel, but it's clear that the Commissioned's earlier efforts made all of that possible. Wild, crazy, and fun, without taking the focus off the source of it all. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Time and Seasons is another fine, soulful effort from Commissioned, now featuring new members Marcus Cole and Chris Poole in addition to Mitchell Jones and Karl Reid. It does contain a re-recording of "Ordinary Just Won't Do," but the new material is up to the group's standards. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This R&B/urban CCM spectacle has tight harmonies. ~ Bil Carpenter, All Music Guide
