Marvin Sapp

By Monica Watkins, contributing writer, gmclife.com 

In 2007, Marvin Sapp single-handedly redrew the boundaries of Gospel music with the first single from Thirsty, “Never Would Have Made It." The song, which Sapp once considered omitting from the project, soared up the music charts as if propelled by rocket boosters, giving life to the melody and lyrics that are still ringing true with millions of listeners.

Nearly three years later, Sapp returns to center stage with the highly anticipated follow up, Here I Am. Fans will easily share their affection for “Never Would Have Made It” with the new lead single, “The Best in Me."  Once again, Sapp captures a universal spirit with this tune, showcasing his gift for understanding the heart’s cry of his listeners. 

The vibe of the lead single and the live recording format are evidence that Sapp sipped just a little from the cup of “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it." However, one would be ill-advised to assume Here I Am is more of the same. Quite the contrary, the project is far from a carbon copy of its chart-breaking predecessor. It dares to dance a little more with contemporary Gospel sounds, boasting more than one musically unexpected element. 

There is no easing into this one. Sapp charges into the project and declares his purpose, singing I don’t know what you came here for...I came to praise! “I Came” is an up-tempo, get-up-on-your-feet tune that blazes a solid trail for the remaining tracks to follow. The project borrows sounds from the decade of disco and classic R&B on gems like “Keep Holding On” and “Wait," while ballads like “He Has His Hands On You” and “Don’t Count Me Out” offer a warm embrace for a weary soul. Although it makes its appearance later on the project, the anthemic sound of the title track is worth the wait.

Here I Am is far more than just a solid follow up to the impact Thirsty made. It's a picture-perfect offering from a veteran artist who is hitting the mark even outside his musical comfort zone. With a little rock flavor sprinkled in for the contemporary Christian music fans and a taste of tradition for the “mothers” of the church, Sapp's latest project will once again be met with thunderous applause.

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