It features lush keyboard work from George Duke and precision rhythm from session greats like Paul Jackson Jr. and Tris Imboden.
The production is a masterclass in mid-80s sophisticated soul—clean, polished, and layered with synthesizers that provide a "mystical" atmosphere without overshadowing the human element. Thematic Depth
It moves past the "walls of mystery" typical of new romance into a territory of "serious love" and lifelong prayer. Download File Howard Hewett - I'm For Real The ...
Critics and fans alike view "I'm For Real" as the high-water mark of his solo career. While some contemporary reviewers on Facebook have argued that portions of the parent album, I Commit To Love , leaned into safe, "bland" arrangements of the era, the title track is universally exempted as an "unknown classic" and a "timeless R&B classic". I'm for Real - song and lyrics by Howard Hewett - Spotify
The track benefits from a stellar musical pedigree, produced by Hewett himself alongside jazz fusion legend Stanley Clarke . It features lush keyboard work from George Duke
Lyrically, the song is a direct pledge of fidelity, designed to "ease the mind" of a partner wary of "guessing games".
This vulnerability resonated deeply with audiences, propelling the single to #2 on the Billboard R&B charts and establishing it as a staple for weddings and anniversaries. Legacy and Critical Reception Thematic Depth It moves past the "walls of
Howard Hewett 's 1986 solo debut, is more than just a transition from his days as the frontman of Shalamar ; it is a definitive statement of artistic identity that cemented his place as a premier balladeer of the Quiet Storm era. The Vocal Performance