Marvin Sapp Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
Grand Rapids, MI, native Marvin Sapp, a former member of the gospel group the Commissioned, insists he is a preacher who sings rather than a singer who preaches, but regardless of his sense of self-identity in such matters, it is his strong and soulful vocals that make his albums work far more than the praise & worship themes and lyrics he favors. What he says, obviously, comes into play for his many fans on the contemporary gospel scene, but he's not conveying concepts that are exactly startling revelations in this field. No, it's that voice that carries the day: a strong, husky, impassioned, and -- above all else -- undeniably soulful vehicle that blasts through these busy arrangements like an alto sax. The songs themselves are fairly interchangeable, with a backup choir and full trap kit mixed high in most of them, giving each the feel of tremendous energy. Toss in Sapp's assertive vocals, and you've got some rockin' preaching going on, but in the end, it's really how Sapp says things more than what he says that is left in one's memory. He may be a preacher who sings, but it's the singing that truly resonates. Put another way, if you're a plumber who sings on the job, you're a singing plumber. That all changes, however, when you go out and record albums in which your singing is the central calling card. Then you're a singer, even if what you sing about is clogs and drains. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Former Commissioned lead vocalist Marvin Sapp calls himself "a preacher who loves to sing." And he does the latter very well on this live set. This offering includes a nice mixture of traditional and light contemporary songs which augment Sapp's silky-smooth vocals. Sapp displays his love for true praise & worship through tracks like "Follow Me" and "I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You." "I Love to Praise Him" has a strong traditional flavor. The title track, "I Believe," incorporates shades of funk and old-school R&B. This project finds Sapp bringing all of the goods to the table. ~ Tim Smith, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
For his third solo album, Nothing Else Matters, Marvin Sapp brings in some of the biggest-name producers in contemporary gospel, the best-known being Cedric Caldwell. Thankfully, the big lineup isn't a case of too many cooks spoiling the soup, but rather gives Sapp a variety of up-to-date backgrounds over which to weave his exultant, soulful vocals. Another fine effort which will appeal to Sapp's growing fan base. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
