Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

This release proves once again Fred's place within gospel music's elite is well deserved. Producer/arranger and musician Hammond gives a contemporary soulful sheen to the 16 full-length tracks here, whilst also hinting at his roots with a few additional "interludes" of live, traditional gospel choruses. Most of the tunes are self-penned alongside co-writers and musically are built around Hammond's undeniably impressive bass-playing and programming. Vocally he brings to mind Stevie Wonder's later catalogue at times, a reference point not lost on Fred as one of the best tracks here is a version of Wonder's "Love's In Need". Other standouts include "Lord We Need Your Love" which features Pastor Marvin L Winans Sr and Brian McKnight, and the gentle "How Do You Love That Way", with some powerful imagery of God's amazing grace. A few offerings are forgettable or tend to meander somewhat (case in point, "A Closer Walk") and this tendency is not helped by Hammond's inclination to riff all over each song from the word go, rather than establish the melody and develop his vocals from there. However this is a small point and I have no doubt that 'Somethin' 'Bout Love' will be warmly received by Hammond fans and followers of the contemporary gospel scene alike.

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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