COMMISSION - ORDINARY JUST WON'T DO: 20th Anniversary Edition (*NEW-CD, 2009, Retroactive)
Release Date: November 10, 2009
Catalog Number: RAR7886
UPC: 845121012071
Style: Black Gospel/Pop
Tracks: 10
Time: 42:16
Lyrics: No
Packaging: 4 panel digipak
ABOUT THE ALBUM
There is certainly nothing ordinary about Commissioned. As pioneers in contemporary gospel music, and way ahead of their time, the 6-man Detroit-based group soared high on Ordinary Just Won’t Do. First released in 1989, the album reached #4 on Billboard. Propelled by strong song-writing, gloriously sweet harmonic jams and a street-edge, Commissioned simply nailed it for thousands upon thousands of youth across the country. With the vocals of Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Karl Reid and Mitchell Jones paving the way and supported by instrumental genius of Michael Brooks and Michael Williams, the group spread the gospel with a sound that remains unparalleled.
This 20th Anniversary Edition reissue comes packaged in a full color digipak with enhanced original artwork and is properly remastered for a high quality audio experience! Stan North, Managing Editor of GOSPELflava . com contributes liner notes exclusive to this release.
KEY SELLING POINTS
**Full promotional/magazine campaign
**Classic album reissued in full color digipak
**Classic out-of-print and in-demand album now an affordable, high quality reissue
**Exclusive linter notes by Stan North, Managing Editor of GOSPELflava . com
**Band toured internationally for a decade
TRACKS
01. Back In The Saddle
02. Ordinary Just Won't Do
03. If My People
04. Heart Of Mine
05. A Life That Shows
06. No More Loneliness
07. There's No Excuse
08. It Was You
09. Here I Am (More Than A Conqueror)
10. There's No Excuse (Reprise)
Commissioned - Ordinary Just Won't Do 20th Anniversary Edition
Reviewed by Ian Hayter for CROSS RHYTHMS MUSIC
Around 20 years ago, in the multi-ethnic church where I was then working in North London, a bunch of young people introduced me to the music of The Winans and a six-man group from Detroit who seemed to be producing a sound like nothing I'd ever really heard before. I started buying their albums and went to see them in Birmingham Town Hall, where their live performance was superb. They were Commissioned - Michael Williams and Michael Brooks provided the instrumental genius and Karl Reid, Keith Staten, Mitchell Jones and the now-legendary Fred Hammond poured their heart and soul into the tightly arranged vocals. Their sound has never really been imitated successfully and this 1989 album captures the excitement and innovation of their approach, which still sounds great over 20 years on. On its original release it reached number four on the Billboard charts and contains not only the wonderful title track, but also such uplifting and challenging cuts as "There's No Excuse", "A Life That Shows" and "Here I Am (More Than A Conqueror)". If there's a criticism of this re-release it's nothing to do with the music, but with the packaging, which would have been an ideal opportunity for an informative booklet and some kind of appreciation of their influence on the gospel music scene over the past couple of decades. For that perhaps trifling reason I've knocked a star off the rating, but if you just want the music, go and buy this album as soon as you can.
PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH REVIEW
Ordinary Just Won’t Do: 20th Anniversary Edition (Remastered)
Artist: Commissioned
Label: Retroactive Records
Length: 10 tracks/42:15 minutes
The group Commissioned epitomizes style and substance. There is nothing ordinary about Ordinary Just Won’t Do. It’s classy right down to the album cover and CD label.
I can’t help wondering, if their smooth and intricate vocal harmonies, and their winsome combination of R&B, pop, funk and inspirational, made them forerunners for gospel artists that have followed, and have, like them, enjoyed crossover appeal. This CD reached #4 on Billboards’ Top Gospel Albums list.
From within, the group gave birth to the solo careers of two members who have become familiar names in gospel music: Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp. That’s not to take away anything from the others who helped produce music that is recognized as being ahead of its time.
Ordinary Just Won’t Do, originally released in 1989, is the second Commissioned recording reissued by Retroactive Records. This sounds a little more sophisticated and mature then Go Tell Somebody, which was first issued in 1986. With the remastering, and the progress in recording during the three-year period between the two releases, this is nearly on par sonically with what you hear today.
Aside from a welcome variety of styles, slick production, excellent arrangements and songwriting, like the previous reissue it’s the strong spiritual content that stands out. What we so often hear today seems watered-down in comparison. The title song, a ballad, and perhaps the most outstanding track, is a prime example. On it the group unashamedly proclaims that Jesus alone is the answer to our problems: “Only Jesus Christ can supply your need.” Commissioned is bold with the truth.
Their lyrics alternate between challenge and comfort. One song can be like a pillow for a weary head while the next is a summons to live the life.
They inspire faith toward that end by continually drawing upon Scriptural truths, and yet it does not come across as preachy. “If My People,” which is derived from 2 Chronicles 7:14, is not the inspirational ballad one might expect from the subject matter. A funky groove complements the exhortation to get it together so that God can bless us. “Back in the Saddle” makes use of a forceful rap, solid drumming and another infectious groove to encourage keeping on.
We need these spiritual affirmations, which are often missing from modern music. Twenty years later this is still fresh and inspiring. Both reissues are worthwhile investments for those who enjoy gospel music.
Michael Dalton
February 12, 2010
You might also like
