Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Go Tell Somebody (Limited Edition – Remastered) - Commissioned

Timeless truths make this still relevant today

Go Tell Somebody (Limited Edition – Remastered)
Artist: Commissioned
Label: Retroactive Records
Length: 8 tracks/37:47 minutes

Listening to Go Tell Somebody by Commissioned helps to rectify a deficiency in my knowledge of Christian music. Having been raised on pop and rock, my early exposure to gospel music did not go much beyond hearing Andre Crouch & the Disciples. That was in the late 1970’s.

In 1982, six guys from Detroit, including gospel luminary Fred Hammond, formed Commissioned. The group recorded 11 albums between 1984 and 2002. Among the lineup changes along the way was the addition of another widely-recognized gospel artist, Marvin Sapp, in 1991.

Go Tell Somebody (1986) was the group’s second release on Light Records, which reached number two on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums list. It fuses R&B, traditional gospel, 80’s pop, and a little funk and inspirational, with passionate vocals and smooth harmonizing.

The stated purpose of the recording is to uplift listeners and let them know that no weapon formed against them will prosper. The group succeeds admirably with lyrics that reflect a mature Christian perspective that is uncommonly bold and informed by Scripture. “Who Do Men Say I Am” has a grand, epic vibe ending with references from Isaiah 53. “Go Tell Somebody” encourages continually thinking about the lost. “Love Isn’t Love” features smooth as silk vocals reminding us that we have not loved until we have helped someone else.

The solid, spiritual truths surpass much of what you hear today. This will especially appeal to those who like music with substance.

Even with the remastering, the music sounds a little dated, which is to be expected on a recording more than 20 years old. Overall, it holds up well in part because the R&B/gospel style may be more timeless than pop and rock. The arrangements and production are also excellent.

The catchy music and the timeless truths make this still relevant today.

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