Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music on Amazon!

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



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Listen to the debut EP from the band Hopeful.!

 


. 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
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Listen to the debut EP from the band Hopeful.!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, March 26, 2024
ALBUMS
Brandon Lake Apple Music Nashville Sessions - EP [Provident]

This Thursday, March 28, 2024
ALBUMS
David And Nicole Binion The Revelation Of Jesus - EP [Integrity]
The Rocky Valentines Erase [Velvet Blue/Tooth & Nail]

This Friday, March 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Grungepunks The Fall Blues EP [Charon Collective]
Meadows Familiar with Pain [Facedown]

SINGLES
Joe L. Barnes Altar - Single [RCAI]
iNTELLECT It Ain’t My Fault - Single [Polished Arrow]
Spoken Worth Holy Week - Double Single (independent)
Gileah Taylor Summer Jubilee - Single [Velvet Blue]

VINYL
Battlecross Pursuit of Honor (Blood Moon Vinyl) [Back Breaker]
Battlecross Rise To Power (Silver Bullet Power Vinyl) [Back Breaker]
Battlecross War of Will (Amber Wave Vinyl) [Back Breaker]

Next Friday, April 5, 2024
ALBUMS
EmanuelDaProphet Fab5 [Capitol CMG]
Me'Kayla Prelude - EP [Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG]
We Are Messengers Where the Joy is [Curb]


For all release dates, click here!
 



Listen to the new album from Hope Beyond Suffering!




Listen to the new Album From Tim Juillet!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images