Image of a Man – Marvin Winans, Jr. (tbgb review)

Image of a Man
Marvin Winans, Jr.
M2 Entertainment 2008 (release date: September 30, 2008)
www.m2entertainment.com

Marvin Winans Jr. is going places.

The son of gospel stars Marvin Winans Sr. and Vickie Winans (how can you not have talent when you have these two as parents?), Winans was a member of the young Winans Phase 2 group whose debut album, We Got Next, debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart in 1999. Also an accomplished songwriter and producer, Winans is now releasing Image of a Man on his own M2 Entertainment label September 30.

Image of a Man is what Top 40 RnB and hip hop would sound like if it had more imagination, creativity and relevance, and less mimicry. The 14 tracks on the CD possess memorable melodies, body-swaying beats, deft production and learned musicality. The lyrics illustrate a young person’s struggles with the vicissitudes of maturing from a teen to adulthood, but at the same time adults will emphathize with the daily challenges that turn one to prayer and greater self-understanding.

Winans says that the album “is really just an in-depth look at what a man is and what a man is supposed to be.” Indeed, songs such as “Steps 2 a Man” and “You Know Love” are intensely personal reflections on how individuals are fundamentally flawed and vulnerable, and how the ingredients for a stronger and more vibrant life are love and forgiveness…given and received.

The first single, “You Never Let Me Down” is a vocoder-drenched “feel good anthem” with definite crossover potential, and a TBGB favorite. “A Single Rose” and “Mistakes” demonstrate Winans’ skills at the keyboards. These latter two tracks are delicate and intricate without devolving into the ambience of smooth jazz.

Image of a Man might not sound like your grandmother’s gospel record collection, but that’s precisely the point: it’s music and messages for today’s generation, and yet those of us who enjoy traditional gospel can appreciate talent like Marvin Winans, Jr.

Four of Four Stars