Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The main thing on my mind when approaching the new Commissioned album wasn't irreplaceable love but Irreplaceable Fred. Wasn't Commissioned without Fred Hammond going to be like Wings without Paul McCartney? Listening to this evidently not! Roaring back with a classy punchy, urban gospel stormer. Commissioned proved that downsizing doesn't mean a reduction in quality! New boy Montrel Darret makes his mark as a rapper and a singer on "Breakin' Away", a song that inspires escape from the chains, mental or physical, that hold us back. This is solid '90s gospel which will please long term devotees of the band with straight ahead lyrics, strong harmonies and a pile of punchy hooks to sink your dancing gear into! Then there's the slow grooves -"Until My Change Comes" is smooth and soulful with Mitchell Jones taking lead duties. The title cut and "I Can Love Again" really swing but my favourite is a ballad, "They Must Know" which is atmospheric featuring some beautiful piano work from veteran Tom Howard. If you felt that Fred's departure would mean the end of an era, you were probably right! But it hasn't meant an end to Commissioned's position in the premier league of purveyors of gospel.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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