Howard Hewett - I Commit To Love 1986

From Howard Hewett's sametitled DebutAlbum as a Soloartist after he left Shalamar
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Biography by Ron Wynn Allmusicguide

Among the great pure vocalists of the urban contemporary era, Howard Hewett has seldom found material worthy of his tremendous skills. He grew up in Akron, Ohio, and relocated to Los Angeles. Hewett danced on Soul Train, and became one-third of Shalamar with Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley in 1979. They had several big hits before Hewett departed for a solo career in 1985. He signed with Elektra, and his second single, "I'm for Real," was a number two R&B hit in 1986. The follow-up single, "Stay," also made the Top Ten, while "I Commit to Love" in 1987 reached number 12. Hewitt remained on Elektra through the '80s and into the '90s, earning another hit with "Strange Relationshp" in 1988, and cutting duets with Dionne Warwick and Anita Baker. He's also been busy as a writer, producer, and session vocalist. Hewett co-wrote and produced "Frustration" for LaToya Jackson in 1984, and sang on her LP Heart Don't Lie. He did lead vocals on LPs by Stanley Clarke and George Duke in 1984 and 1986, a duet with Stacy Lattisaw on "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and sang with Firefox in 1986, as well as doing backgrounds on a Donna Summer release.

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Review by Craig Lytle

Howard Hewett made a smooth transition from being a member of the trio Shalamar to becoming a bona fide solo artist. His first single to hit the Billboard R&B charts was the romantically enchanting "I'm for Real." Too fast to be a ballad and not fast enough to be a jam, Hewett still captivated radio and his audience with this moderate number. The Ohio native glides from his lacerating tenor to his striking falsetto highs supported by cogent backing vocals. The classic piece peaked at number two on the charts. The single "Stay" has a crossover appeal, but it never made a dent in the pop charts. It is not half as impressive as "I'm for Real." However, it did manage to show at number eight on the Billboard R&B charts. "I Commit to Love" falls short as well. It too is saturated with pop seasonings. Nonetheless, it tipped in at number 12 on the Billboard R&B charts. The final release was the inspirational selection "Say Amen," which is Hewett's personal testimony of being given a second chance after his battle with life's various vices. It has become an anthem for many. Inside ten weeks, it peaked at number 54. The shortcoming on this album is the material. As Hewett can deliver on the vocals, the songs do nothing for his talent as they lack excitement and mesmerizing melodies; the two elements commonly associated with his great voice.
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Source allmusicguide

Category:

Music

Tags:

• HowardHewett
• HowardHewitt
• Shalamar
• 80's
• Soul
• R&B
• JodyWatley
• ArchieGe

[bishopC3P0]

This song and "stay" are awesome tunes from the master of soul.

[cheetie72]

Oooooooooh! memories like a MF. I was 14 yrs old when this cut came out and I'm still bumpin' this shit because music from the last 10-13 yrs has lost that deep african-spiritualness that you hear coming from Howard Hewitt. What the fuck happen to Authentic Black Soul music. Lawd(lord) somebody tell me!

[MsChicago63]

This is stil my jamm!! Classic music, all the music back in 1986 was the JAMM!!!!

[duranimal7]

Gives me goose bumps.

[Satisfyyou41]

This was the shit back in the day and still is.You really got too listen to the words and understand the real meaning,yet know the essence of realness and a perfectly written and performed song.........People lets get back to real relationships like this....COUNTRYBOY4LIFE.......­...Holla at me 562-528-1855

[719kai719]

I have always liked this song.It brings back good memories for me! Summer 87!

[visionkingdom]

All man dis was My shit back then.I use to rock dis jam in my toyota cressida fully loaded wit da ground effect kit on it.And da black BBS rims.All man wut fuckin fun I had then.Livin carefree wit ur homeboys.Coolin wit da girls and listenen to jam by Howard use to set everything off for Me

[MrRick5690]

@kiadad2207 I'm listening to it again, but this time i am here with my sons

[kiadad2207]

@MrRick5690 worth the wait eh !

[kiadad2207]

different class.

[MrRick5690]

I've looking for this song for 20 years ...THANKS

[sneaky0girl]

real music doesn't belong to any generation, it belongs to those who have the ear for it