Marvin Sapp: ‘You Shall Live’ album review

Now ten albums into his solo career, Marvin Sapp sure has come a long way since being invited into the Commissioned fold by Fred Hammond. And even if You Shall Live took three years, it was well worth the wait thanks to the singer/songwriter/pastor’s superb craftsmanship that seems to have jumped up a notch ever since 2007’s gold selling Thirsty and its massive crossover hit “Never Would Have Made It” put Sapp on the international map. With its contagious bounce, instantly memorable chorus and lyrics of unceasing encouragement, lead single “Yes You Can” may very well follow in its footsteps while also setting the tone for today’s contemporary-gospel playing field as a whole. Outside of a pretty straightforward but pleasant rendition of “Old Rugged Cross,” everything else is original throughout You Shall Live, as Sapp illustrates that commanding proclamation time and time again across multiple tones. “Greater” grooves with a bountiful choir, “Praise Your Way Through” seems tailor-made for the church, while the ballad “Holy Spirit Overflow” frames the singer’s smooth voice with an eloquence that regularly encapsulates this spirited effort.