Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the late '70s, Howard Smith was part of the scene surrounding Andrae Crouch. He worked and befriended the Winans, sang on Andrae's albums and signed to Light Records for this contemporary gospel album released in 1985. Nominated for a Grammy, 'Totally Committed' highlights the sweet soul voice of Mr Howard and is packed with a pile of solidly written songs and a pleasant production that mixes good arrangements with plenty of nicely developed vocal ideas as Smith interplays with various backing singers. Highlights include the funkier opening cut "Perfect Love" which settles onto a fine groove. Equally groovy is the single "I Wanna Get To Know You" which is driven along by some strong bass work. The closing title track finishes things off with a soulful prayerful ballad of commitment to God. Some of these tracks have travelled pretty well from the mid '80s and overall, this is a pretty good indication of the state of American gospel in that era. It's well crafted, well produced and whilst not doing anything radical, still has the power to minister.

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