Style: R&B-urban gospel; compare to Luther Vandross, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin
Top tracks: “I’m in Love with You,” “Amazing Love,” “I Will Lift Him Up”
Hammond tackles the nitty-gritty of Christian romance in a musical discourse on love in his latest 2-CD set. Devoting disc one to commenting on the strain and satisfaction of relationships, while purporting pure urban-gospel praise on disc two, the living legend melds R&B soul with high-powered gospel almost seamlessly—thanks to his top-rate musical leadership and vision. The short dramatizations interposed throughout deter from Hammond’s musical genius and a righteously hip track list. But forget the dramatics. Hammond’s slow jams, smooth grooves and lyrical straightforwardness make up the difference swimmingly.
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