Search - Mandisa :: Freedom

Mandisa's "Freedom" Sings

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 03/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Not Guilty, He is With You, Broken Hallelujah



Despite shedding more than 70ib of weight, Mandisa has not rescinded as far as her convictions go. While many a lesser artist would be content in expressing his or her faith through generic love songs where God is sidelined as the generic "he," "Freedom" brims with bold affirmations of God, His Grace and all-out praises. If there's a theme that runs right through this American idol alum's new CD, it's the celebration of our emancipation expressed via the work of Christ. Each song deftly expounds on such a glorious theme from various vantage points. What perhaps is paragon of this disc is that every song here is steeped with not only Christ-centered lyrics, but they are of strong melodic constructions; song that you would remember long after the music stops. Such credit needs to go to producers Brown Bannister and Chris Stevens who have enlisted some of the best songwriters from the current contemporary Christian music scene including Matthew West, Tony Wood, Sam Mizell and Aaron Rice.



Without any bells and whistles, "Not Guilty" is a heartfelt ballad where Mandisa sings of our atonement in Christ without reservation. Starting off on a whimper before exploding into a melissmatic crescendo, "Not Guilty" truly shows what a gift Mandisa is to music. Just as visceral is "Broken Hallelujah," another gorgeous ballad which is a prayer of praise to God despite our failings. Listen especially to how Mandisa nuances each note with earnestness creating truly a sonic sermon that goes right to the heart. While current single "He is With You" is an apt prophecy to our times. Offering hope to victims of domestic desertion and those suffering the current economic down turn, "He is With You" offers Christ's abiding presence that soothes the soul like a healing balm.



The uptempoes in no way pale in comparisons to their slower counterparts. Lead single "My Deliverer" is buoyant funk piece with a rattling bass line over an exuberant melody, this has hit stamp all over it. Matthew West's co-penned "How Much" is straight ahead pop effort that should also light up radio lines. While many of us are easily seduced by values of our culture, "The Definition of Me" puts an end to such idolatry when Mandisa affirms invariably that her identity is found in the truth of God. This is a Godly anthem that ought to re-sound in the hearts of every believer. Gospel fans get their fix with the gritty "Leave it in the Valley" -- a soaring plea to entrust our futures in God. "Dance, Dance, Dance," on the other hand, has a 70s rock and roll vibe to it without sounding archaic.



As far as contemporary Christian music releases go, "Freedom" is in a class of its own. Most rewarding though is that though each song explores the theme of Godly freedom in its various facets, they are distinctive enough without giving the listener any soporific moments. Further, Mandisa is not only in tip top position vocally, she sings each note as if they are ministry moments; moments to spread the grace of God in its most splendid arrays."

Mandisa's New Album

buggybaby34446 | Homosassa FL | 05/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have both of her albums "True Beauty" and "Freedom" I like Freedom alot better. Very powerful and very moving. Something that I needed lately! INSPERATIONAL!"