Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This leading US gospel artist has been known to perform an average of 30 weeks a year and has produced more than 80 album projects. However, in recent years a certain amount of controversy has surrounded the singer after the break up of his marriage. This album has also brought forth criticism as one wouldn't have expected a recently divorced Christian to be singing songs about romance. Anyway, this double CD is musically well up to par with Fred's best work. Disc one is a mix of contemporary love songs entwined with spoken word clips - a selection of relevant Scriptures and fragments of conversations about love which shed light on the songs themselves. Soul singer Frank McComb guests on the album and the funk he brings to "My Love Is Real" makes the track a particular standout. This floor-filler is beautifully contrasted with reflective ballads such as "Face It All" (a song that celebrates getting through the hard times) performed in a style not dissimilar to Luther Vandross. Disc two is a representation of what Hammond does best as he delivers head-nodding and soul-throbbing cuts to get you through any situation as well as praise songs of celebration like "I Feel Good". An album for the ups and downs of life and love.

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Always a trendsetter and ahead of the musical curve, Fred Hammond once again delivers in an innovative double album, with one disc of love songs and the other of pure Gospel!

Dubbed the architect of urban praise and worship, Fred's talents have taken him to success with stage plays, church tours and the establishment of Hammond Music.