This 2013 album slipped by me last year, but better late than never. Marvin's a gospel singer and worship leader who was part of the group Commissioned before going solo, but he keeps the old gang around for a couple of songs on this collection. This is a solid collection of modern r'nb performances, the majority of which are on original songs, kicking off with the title tune and "Feels Real Good," both of which are uptempo celebrations of the holiday. The ballad "Home For Christmas" features a guest appearance by r'nb singer Joe, and Commissioned comes in on the original "Honor the King" and the classic "What Child Is This," both dramatic slow-tempo celebrations of the religious aspects of the holiday. "Joseph's Song," another original, is the Nativity story from Joseph's viewpoint in a slow-jam tempo, "Holy" continues the slow jamming, and "Love at Christmas" is more of a standard r'nb ballad. "Thank You" is a funk workout featuring the Sapp Kids, and things wrap up with "old school" soul on "Don't Get It Twisted," emphasizing the true meaning of Christmas. Although Marvin's a gospel performer, the album nicely balances the sacred and the secular, and there's plenty of uptempo moments to get your Christmas party started.
Leave a comment