Another quality album from Pastor Marvin Sapp Posted June 27, 2022 By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know
Pastor Marvin Sapp does not stop. He recently finished his work on Fred Hammond's Festival of Praise tour, while continuing to pastor at the Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas. Not to mention that Pastor Sapp recently dropped his new album Substance. Substance is his first release on his own label, Elev8 Music & Entertainment, a vehicle Pastor Sapp will no doubtedly use to spread his music and ministry to the masses. On the project, he again hooks up with gospel artists Aaron Lindsay and Myron Butler for music and vocal production respectively. Things would not be right if Stan Jones was not involved in the writting of part of the album.
What it Sounds Like
The sound is vintage Marvin Sapp in the studio without being stale and "overcooked." Themes of encouragement and uplifting others are sprinkled throughout: the dance-summer jam, "Relax," is a good example. In a period where mental health issues ravaged many people, including Christians, "Relax" is a fitting song to include on the album. Pastor Marvin goes old school with the bluesy/quartet, "Serve the Lord" and smooths it out with the R&B song, "Rearrange You." The latter brings quality in the tag where it says, "I'll change you walk/I'll change the way you talk/I'll change you/Rearrange you."
Spiritual Highlights
Substance is an amalgamation of songs to keep believers in Christ encouraged and a testament to everything that He's done. So many people are on edge and even struggling with their faith. However, Pastor Marvin reminds us of the landmarks in life where God was truly involved. Insert, "You Kept Me," a mainstay power ballad for playlists and a definite hit for Pastor Marvin's concerts. Being "kept" by God has a new meaning after all that was endured from 2021 until now. This song speaks of God keeping not only Pastor Marvin himself but his family and friends.
Best Song
It's the 25th anniversary of Gracy and Mercy, an album that many people believe solidified Pastor Marvin as a solo artist. On Substance, the artist remixed two of Grace and Mercy's biggest hits. "Not the Time Not the Place" was one of Pastor Marvin's early hits (I really enjoy the mellow urban makeover). The background vocals are so crisp and clean on the song, as well as for the other remixed hit, "Grace and Mercy."
Substance is Marvin Sapp's 15th album. And, on it, he doesn't veer away from who he is and has been an artist. Yet, the album will be one that is enjoyed by many fans--and for obvious reasons.
