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JFH Music Review



Mandisa
True Beauty



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 42 minutes, 56 seconds
Street Date: July 31, 2007


The high-profile, hit television show American Idol has launched the careers of several popular vocalists in the past few years, including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Clay Aiken. Mandisa, a former finalist on Idol, will no doubt have her own success story to share one day as well. But what sets this talented vocalist apart from many of her predecessors is her decision to release an overtly Christian record, on a Christian label no less. But make no mistake, Mandisa's powerful pipes and well-produced debut album could have her ready to once again take on the world at large.

True Beauty gets off on the right note with Mandisa's new hit single "Only the World." Full of optimism and joy, this singer refuses to let anything superficial bring her down. Her positive energy continues to flow through True Beauty's eleven songs. The title track has a similar vibe to the opening tune with its bouncy rhythm and R&B pop flair. Mandisa even revisits her version of MaryMary's charismatic "Shackles (Praise You)" (for those of you who may have missed it, Mandisa performed this song live on Idol). "Love Somebody" has the funkiest groove found here, featuring tobyMac chiming in with his signature rap/spoken word style. Even though much of True Beauty is fun and upbeat, Mandisa utilizes several stunning ballads to capture her spine-chilling vocals. The show stopping "Voice of a Savior" exhibits the potential to become a heavy-hitter on Christian radio. Other gorgeous ballads such as "God Speaking" and "Only You" are just as powerful as "Voice of a Savior" and nicely complete True Beauty.

This album is undeniably a strong debut disc. Nevertheless, it still leaves many opportunities for this budding young artist to grow into a seasoned, well-rounded performer. While all of the songs from True Beauty are smoothly produced and nicely crafted, many of them seem to fit into the comfortable "Christian pop" mold, occasionally being anything but original. Alongside that, some of the lyrics and themes of True Beauty seem somewhat redundant, bringing to mind the work countless other artists who also fall into the Christian pop/adult contemporary category.

American Idol was merely the beginning of Mandisa's career. As she continues to grow and search out her own musical path, Mandisa will quickly be on her way to being one of the industry's leading ladies. But until then, True Beauty will likely satisfy the ears of most listeners.

- Review date: 7/28/07, written by Lauren Summerford



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. Record Label: Sparrow Records
. Album length: 11 tracks: 42 minutes, 56 seconds
. Street Date: July 31, 2007
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Only The World
  2. True Beauty
  3. God Speaking
  4. Voice of a Savior
  5. Love Somebody
  6. Unrestrained
  7. Shackles (Praise You)
  8. (Never Gonna) Steal My Joy
  9. Oh My Lord
  10. Only You
  11. He Will Come
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This Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
AOH Music BEHOLD (Acoustic Live), Vol. 1 (independent)
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Vince Gill 50 Years From Home: I Gave You Everything I Had - EP [UMG]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]
Megan Woods The Truth EP [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
Elevation Worship Jesus Be The Name - Single [Provident]
F'rael God's Wheel (ft. TRYBISHOP) - Single [Syntax]
Brandon Lake When A Cowboy Prays (Amazon Music Songline) - Single [Provident]
LEON Undefeated - Single [El Rescate Music]
No Vain Glory UNLEADED - Single [Syntax]
Park 7 The Hope Is On The Way - Single (independent)
Rave Jesus & Gracie Binion Need Your Love - Single [Provident]
REFVGE, Cyfë II & WAY? U P W A R D S ft. Bianca Silver & Josh LeCroy - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes In Harmony & MAYIA My Sister - Single [Syntax]
Rock City Worship Gravestone - Single [Capitol CMG]
Anton Scholl Born To Love You - Single [Near Kingdom]
Nathan Sheridan Don't Lose Hope - Single [WieRok]
SNT. VINCENT Feast of the Saints - Single [Syntax]
Vertical Kings Faith In Stereo - Single [Covenant]
Vic Lucas, Essence Natay & Ashleey Barnes Let it Rain - Single [Syntax]
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)
Aaron Williams Abide (feat. CAIN) - Single [Integrity]

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, October 24, 2025
ALBUMS
John Allan untitled EP [Centricity]
Dan Bremnes The Villain - EP [Curb]
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]
God Behind Bars Music Live From Angola Prison Vol. 1 [Provident]
Fepeste This World Ain't Mine to Change [Velvet Blue]
gio. FINE BY ME [Capitol CMG]
Brandon Lake Amazon Music Songline [Provident]
Tyson Motsenbocker Modern Worries [Tooth & Nail]
Smalltown Poets St. Augustine (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Rediscovery [Bethel]

SINGLES
29:11 Worship, Zion Rempel You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Joe L Barnes Grief, Joy, Gratitude - Single [Provident]
Chad Cory, Zacardi Cortez My First Love (Remix) - Single [DREAM]
Leanna Crawford Beginning Of Your Grace - Single [Provident]
darthy Juniper Tree - Single [WieRok]
Emerson Day Midnight Hour - Single [Fair Trade]
Good Weather Forecast lows2highs - Single [DREAM]
Grace + Max Rich - Single [WieRok]
Mercy Tribe Music The King is in the Room (feat. Ayiesha Woods) - Single (independent)
Mountains in the Sea You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Seph Schlueter Already On The Way (feat. Benjamin William Hastings) - Single [Provident]
Tomb Slayer The Christmas Lamb (feat. Khristian Dentley & Sarah Whittemore) - Single [Tomb Slayer]
The Undertaking! All Smiles - Single (independent)

VINYL
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]


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