Tag: Commissioned

Commissioned was formed in 1982 in Detroit Michigan. The six original members were Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, Michael Brooks, and Michael Williams but by the time this first album was put out the members had adjusted slightly. If I had to classify them as a group I would say they are the soul version of the Imperials. This album was very well received and Light records made an excellent decision to release this one. My understanding is that the album was recorded without a record deal and was shopped around. Light Records would go on to release 4 more albums by the band before they moved on to Benson. The album itself is an excellent light soul album that was prefect for the time it was released.

Tracklist
1 – I’m Going On – 3:51
2 – ‘Tis So Sweet – 4:14
3 – I Can See Jesus – 4:40
4 – Unworthy – 4:34
5 – You’ve Got A Friend – 3:56
6 – The City – 3:55
7 – Giving My Problems (To You) – 4:26
8 – Surely We Need Him – 4:35

Credits
Fred Hammond – Vocals, Bass
Keith Staten – Vocals
Mitchell Jones – Vocals
Karl Reid – Vocals
Michael Brooks – Keyboards
Michael Williams – Drums
Scotti Jones – percussions

I’ll be honest I have never even heard of Commissioned before but again I believe I grew up in a Funk free zone. That said I found this album to be more easy listening than funk but it is classified as a funk album. This was the second album from Commissioned and I think they turned down the funk a little bit for this one. This album peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Top Gospel albums chart which is pretty good for a second album but it is indicative of the quality of this album. There are 7 more albums by these guys so expect to hear more of them.

Tracklist
1 – Victory – 4:59
2 – Love Isn’t Love – 5:13
3 – Go Tell Somebody – 4:43
4 – Cry On – 5:09
5 – Who Do Men Say I Am – 4:32
6 – Hide The Word – 4:51
7 – Learn To Pray – 4:01
8 – Running Back To You – 4:45

Credits
Fred Hammond – Vocals, Bass Guitar, Synclavier, Synthesizer
Keith Staten – Vocals
Mitchell Jones – Vocals
Karl Reid – Vocals
Michael Brooks – Keyboards, Piano, Horn Arrangements, Synthesizer, Synclavier, Roland Synthesizer, WX7 Wind Controller, Percussion
Michael Williams – Drums, Latin Percussion, Percussion
Eric Brice – Electric Guitar
Earl J. Wright – Keyboards, DX7, Moog Synthesizer, Synthesizer
Michael Wright – Electric Guitar
Michael J. Powell – Classical Guitar

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.