Artist: Mandisa
Album: “Freedom”
Release Date: March 24, 2009
Label: Sparrow Records
Artist’s website: mandisa.sparrowrecords.com
Standout Tracks: “Not Guilty,” “Broken Hallelujah,” “He Is With You,”
Review:
Following the great success of her debut album in 2007, American Idol alum Mandisa is back with her sophomore release, Freedom. From start to finish, this album proves why America fell in love with her on the hit Fox reality show and, in my opinion, why this project far surpasses the much deserved critical acclaim of her first album, True Beauty.
This latest offering opens with the first single from the album sent to radio, My Deliverer. This pop-driven anthem praises the Lord for rescuing from all that held captive and makes the declaration of continual praise in return. This solid project opener is followed by How Much and He is With You, two other encouraging and uplifting tunes staying in the pop flavor established by her first album. The fourth cut, Definition of Me, seems to be an extremely personal song about her commitment to overcome the negative comments some have placed upon her, many concerning her weight. Her response: to continue praising God and work hard to shed one hundred pounds. She has already lost over eighty, and continues to chart her progress via video blogs on her website.
Other highlights include the fun urban/gospel songs Freedom Song and Dance Dance Dance. While these are all great pieces to this beautiful puzzle, the album’s two knockout songs are found in Not Guilty and Broken Hallelujah. Not Guilty is one of the best songs I have heard in recent years. Written by Mandisa, Sam Izell, and Matthew West, we hear the stunning lyrics from the perspective of Christ: I know you, I love you / I gave my life, to save you / Love paid the price for mercy / My verdict, Not guilty. Broken Hallelujah is another masterful track from the heart of a person who has been brought very low, yet still chooses to praise God even if all she has to bring before the Lord is a broken hallelujah.
This diverse collection of great songs is sure to not disappoint. After receiving such praise from fans on American Idol, I am grateful Mandisa did not choose to produce music solely for the secular markets as other Christians on “Idol.” I am sure it won’t be the last we hear from this rare vocal powerhouse with the giant heart. It better not be!
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