Imagine(Featuring Billy Preston and Gerald Albright)
With his silky smooth, straight-from-the-heart soulful style, Howard Hewett is gifted with one of the most instantly recognizable voices in contemporary music: with the 2007 release of his Groove Records' debut IF ONLY,... more » his loyal worldwide audiences will be reminded of just why Howard Hewett has endured, sustained and maintained a solid career as a solo artist for over two decades. IF ONLY also represents a reunion of sorts for Howard who serves as executive producer on the album with Ralph Johnson, one of the founding members of Supergroup Earth, Wind & Fire. Howard's many fans will be thrilled that he's taken his time to release a new album, with such standout tracks as "Enough" which is already top 20 charter and climbing .The soon to be released follow up single, "I'll Be Right Here," and the title track, "If Only" is a further testament to Howard Hewett's enduring artistry and a reminder that when it comes to great music, good things truly do come to those who wait!« less
With his silky smooth, straight-from-the-heart soulful style, Howard Hewett is gifted with one of the most instantly recognizable voices in contemporary music: with the 2007 release of his Groove Records' debut IF ONLY, his loyal worldwide audiences will be reminded of just why Howard Hewett has endured, sustained and maintained a solid career as a solo artist for over two decades. IF ONLY also represents a reunion of sorts for Howard who serves as executive producer on the album with Ralph Johnson, one of the founding members of Supergroup Earth, Wind & Fire. Howard's many fans will be thrilled that he's taken his time to release a new album, with such standout tracks as "Enough" which is already top 20 charter and climbing .The soon to be released follow up single, "I'll Be Right Here," and the title track, "If Only" is a further testament to Howard Hewett's enduring artistry and a reminder that when it comes to great music, good things truly do come to those who wait!
CD Reviews
IF ONLY there were words to truly express what I feel while
Sunshine | Collegeville, Pa. USA | 05/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the man with a golden voice comes this incredible masterpiece! Just listen! This album is filled with ballads, eloquently written and produced, with smooth lyrics and melodies that capture the heart and pierce the soul. The style and poetic nature of these songs are all about inclusion, love, and positive growth. If you are not able to identify with this CD, check your pulse...You may be flat-lining.
The things that have always stood out while listening to Howard's music are the arrangement of the songs, as well as Howard's vocal pitch. His vocal quality, intonation and clarity are complimented by the music, perfectly. He glides over notes with his strong, rich voice...There is no comparison.
My personal favorites? Wow...That's a tough one...Right now, I'm completely absorbing "To Please U", "Can U Feel Me", "Make Me Say Ooohhh", "Is This True Love", and "Don't You Wonder 2". This is one of those rare CDs that will touch you through and through, from start to finish.
Allow this CD to permeate your soul...That's what it was designed to do. Definitely a must have for your music collection."
Hearfelt and beautiful.
pp777 | New York, NY | 06/29/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ex Shalamar vocalist, Howard Hewett will please his legion of fans with this Soul set that fuses Howard's relaxed vocal style with Smooth Soul. Several cuts grab the headlines including the stunningly beautiful "Can U Feel Me" and the title song.
Ballads like "Is This True Love" ooze emotion where Howard is joined by Gerald Albright on sax.
And if you love ballads check out the searing slowie "Don't U Wonder 2". Old school style numbers like "I Wanna Know" maintain a mid-tempo groove.
Hewett has never sounded better.
Give this record a spin, it is worth it!"
Simply Amazing
Enigma | New York City | 06/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First, the poster named Sunshine hit the nail on the head in describing this masterpiece. This has to be one of the most comprehensive CDs that I've listened to in a long time. Howard hit a homerun, scored a touchdown, and won a championship with this album. I purchased it the day after it came out and have been listening to it everyday since. I also have it in my MP3/4 player.
It is so hard to narrow down my favorites, but I will go with "If Only", "To Please U", "Can U Feel Me", "Is This True Love", "I Wanna Know", "How Do I Love You". The whole CD is beautiful. I also love how he gives glory and how he, in a mature way, sings about love, because love is where it's at. He also did a nice rendition with Gerald Albright on "Imagine". I just cannot stop gushing over this CD. It is modern, but signature Howard Hewett and the vocals are still impeccable."
A must-have for HH fans
S. Peters | 08/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"howard's voice is as brilliant as ever -- clear and strong. the musical arrangements are plush and rich like the songs of old (none of that sampling here). and his songs will set the tone for love on any romantic night. it's a must-have for dedicated fans and newcomers."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1