Album Review: Marvin Sapp – ‘Christmas Card’
Artist: Marvin Sapp
Album: Christmas Card
Street Date: 10/22/13
Record Label: RCA Inspiration
Genre: Urban/R&B
iPod Pick: Home For Christmas (Feat. Joe)
Christmas albums tend to fall into a particular genre no matter what genre the artist grooves in before making the album. In fact Christmas album from very alternative artists like She and Him get to make it into the mainstream market for Christmas. What I love about Marvin Sapp’s ‘Christmas Card’ is that strong R&B flavor. It’s first R&B and urban before it’s a Christmas record and I totally love that.
In fact, It feels like Marvin gets to spread his full R&B wings on this record deviating more from the very hardcore gospel sound we are accustomed to. Songs like ‘Feel Real Good’, Christmas Card, Dance (Christmas Step) would do good for a nice Christmas house party. Though cheesy lyrics such as ‘dance, Christmas might just be your only chance’ appear on the later. You will experience creative songwriting and storytelling on the title track as Marvin sings ‘Times are hard, all I can get you is a Christmas card.
‘Home for Christmas’ with veteran R&B and love songsmith Joe is priceless! It’s got this amazing RnB tune plus vocal that would almost make you keep the song on your playlist for 2014 way beyond Christmas. On ‘Don’t Get It Twisted’Marvin reminds us that there is no Christmas without Christ.
I must say I find it inspiring and uplifting to have Marvin release such a refreshing, upbeat and happy record just a few years after the passing away of his wife Pastor Malinda Sapp.
Though identifiable takes on classic carols (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, What Child Is This?) make their way onto this record, this is a ‘breathe of fresh air’ Christmas record we will be loving for many more years to come. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Download ‘Christmas Card’ here!
