Album Review: Freedom, Mandisa

Out from the American Idol shadows and into the forefront of modern gospel is Mandisa with her latest endeavor, Freedom. Freedom’s first single, “My Deliverer” introduces us to this album as it’s a nice combination of pop, R&B, soul and rock with the chunky grooves, cranked up melodies and her voracious alto that soars out like an angel praising God as this track is almost like a party anthem, but is still suitable for a contemporary service. “How Much” continued this runaway train of soft tones and chirping harmony from her backing vocalists as this cut is quite inspirational showering us with love.

“Definition Of Me” brings out somewhat of a cool hip-hop vibe with the stutter-stop bass and springy guitars accented by clapping drums shoving this excellent message of how the inside is more prevalent than the outside of what’s true to yourself. She strips it down on “Leave It In The Valley” breaking it into this smooth stylish ensemble of rhythm and faded instrumentations. Mandisa goes traditional at first before getting loose and free with “Broken Hallelujah” as it’s stark and outspoken with the lightning-fast piano and organ accompaniments with attributes of a full choir bursting out at the seams telling the truth about redemption from the darkness and coming to the light.

She brought an uplifting fun song on here with “Dance, Dance, Dance” as it was saucy and made you want to shake it all over. “He Is With You” rounds out this wondrous album given by a great performer as this one was beautiful and breathtaking in its vocals and composition. Mandisa’s sophomore effort, Freedom gave us everything and more from the pretty to the sad to immaculate and hopefully a third disc is on its way soon.