Marvin Sapp brings himself out of the shadows of fellow artist
Bishop Marvin Sapp describes himself as, “not a singer who can preach, but a preacher who just happens to sing”and with his expressive vocal ability, constructs his albums to sound far more than the praise and worship themes with lyrics that most audiences are accustomed to. Although Sapp is known predominantly from his time with the renowned gospel group Commissioned, where he replaced the iconic Fred Hammond, he has brought forward one of the most unforgettable gospel albums yet.
The Thirsty album begins with drummer (Calvin Rodgers) and keyboardist (Aaron Lindsey) building tension, pairing a glissando with a one bar snare fill bringing the rest of the band in with a go-go percussion beat into “Magnify”.
Flowing into the following songs, with an Akai MPC2000 sampler and rhythm section prominent in the mix, giving each track a feel-good energy, with the addition of Sapp’s vocals, creating a stunning dynamic for the listener.
credit: allmusic.com
The album consists of 13 tracks, the first six are an uplifting message to the listener to take heed and “Possess The Land” as well as “Shout Unto God” even to “Praise Him In Advance”. Compared to the following six where Sapp sings as if he were speaking to God, expressing his heart’s desires in, “Never Would Have Made It”, “In The Garden” and the title track, “Thirsty”. Leaving the final track, “Rivers Flow”, which is more of a song of empowerment that I would also describe as one of the most musical in the album, utilising the orchestra to its full potential, together with the live band.
Myron Butler's direction of the backing vocalists further improve the album accompanying Marvin with flawless harmonies and phrasing in the contemporary gospel style. These characteristics are clear in songs “Worshipper In Me” and “Praise Him In Advance”.
Sapp veers out of the shadow of Fred Hammond with each of his ballads, though there is influence from Hammond’s Radical for Christ album, evidently shown in "Magnify" and "Possess the Land”.
Producer Aaron Lindsey created an orchestral album that helps to introduce us to Marvin Sapp, on his own terms. Furthermore, Thirsty is arguably the most compelling and inspiring gospel albums ever. According to Billboard, the album has sold over 712,000 copies, peaking at number 28 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number 1 on their Year-End, Top Gospel Albums chart.