Hewett is definitely one of my all time favourite vocalist with the sensitivity and ability to move people’s hearts that is just incredible! His voice is simply irresistible!Hewett is perhaps best known as one of the originally three members of the highly successful disco band Shalamar. They were one of Solars’ most pleasing and successful acts (together with The Whispers) with their typical bubble-gum kind of stylish and joyous disco. Shalamar's songs were mainly thanks to master mind producer Leon F. Sylvers III always very catchy and easy listening and Hewett’s voice was simply the strawberry on the sweet cake.
In 1986 he left the band for a solo career. Shalamar’s music was not sprinting on the charts as earlier and in a rapidly changing music environment he felt that it was time for a new era. He became engaged with Elektra and released the debut “I Commit To Love” on that label the same year.
Hewett wrote half of the music and the rest comprised various writers like producer Ed Grenga and friend Stanley Clarke. The album quality is far from solid though with just two really enchanting melodies positioning them far beyond everything else on the album. The rest mainly includes poor pop soul efforts. And that’s a common problem for Hewett all through his solo career to find good material that could match his outstanding voice. The musical genius Stanley Clarke penned the highly enchanting hit “I’m For Real” (#2 on the US R&B chart). This tune is one of my all time favourite, It's just beyond my understanding! What a mesmerizing melody and what an entrancing song! I can hear it over and over again, sing a long, and never ever get tired. My spirit is just in total bliss and music could hardly be much better than this! The second interesting track is the captivating ”I Got To Go”. These two really shows the glow of Hewett's personality. They are the wine in a the water (the rest of the album).
Hewett got some tremendous skills and even though that is proven all the way on only two occasions the album is more than well worth buying for these two alone.
Patrik Andersson
Patriks Soul Funk Special
