The industry calls Marvin Sapp’s upcoming album, Here I Am (in stores tomorrow, March 16th), the “follow-up” to his record-breaking release, Thirsty.  And, chronologically, I suppose that’s accurate.

Musically, however, I’m glad that Marvin Sapp doesn’t simply pick up where he left off.  Instead, he delivers a great body of work that both solidifies his standing as a top vocalist in gospel and demonstrates what I perceive to be a better understanding of his own musical calling.

With Aaron Lindsey at the helm of production, Here I Am offers 12 cohesive tracks with great vocal performances and musicianship.  Almost as invigorating as Sapp’s lead vocals on the project are the background vocals, produced by Myron Butler, which are so well-arranged that I initially found myself listening to most songs once for the lead, and once to hear the nuances of the vocalists.

The album opens with the catchy “I Came,” which does a great job of setting the tone for the entire project– “I don’t know what you came here for, but I came to praise, so help me praise Him.”  Next, the project moves seamlessly to “Keep Holding On,” one of those melodically complex tunes that some might not “get,” but that will be a bona fide JAM for others.  It’s followed by the downright churchy “Fresh Wind,” with musicianship and a vamp that screams “Sunday morning service.”

Other stand-out tracks include “Comfort Zone,” with its challenging message of moving beyond what we’re used to, and “Wait,” on which Sapp’s range apparently knows no upper limit.  The incredibly catchy ”Praise You Forever,” features hints of a tastefully auto-tuned Sapp set to a CCM-styled rock anthem.

At a point, the theme (and tempo) of the project shifts a bit.  From “He Has His Hands On You,” to “Don’t Count Me Out,” followed by the already-unstoppable single “The Best In Me,” Marvin Sapp taps into some of our deepest fears and insecurities, exposes them, and counters them with God’s healing truth.

A cynic might call the theme formulaic, harkening to the heartstring tugs we felt on the last album’s record-breaking “Never Would Have Made It.”  I simply see it as an indication that Sapp is stepping deeper into his purpose in music.  For it is here, in the encouraging songs that remind God’s children of His love for us, that Sapp shines and the world takes notice.  There’s something endearing– perhaps even more believable– about these proclamations when he’s making them.

In any case, it’s clear that Marvin Sapp is effective in this lane and that his gift is broadly blessing a generation of God’s people.  The fact that I enjoy mostly every track of his newest offering, Here I Am, is simply a big bonus.

Click here to pre-order the album.  You’ll be incredibly blessed.