ChristianMusicDaily

Powerhouse vocalist Mandisa, a bright light from the top 10 of the famous TV singing competition juggernaut that is American Idol, has made an exceptional album entitled True Beauty. Mandisa’s inner light shined through on Idol, and thankfully her producers helped capture her confident, positive spirit on True Beauty. A strong and skilled vocalist, Mandisa manages to evoke the sound and style of talents like CeCe Winans, Nicole C. Mullen, En Vogue, and India.Arie on her refreshingly eclectic debut. True Beauty is definitely above average and worth buying.

The title track, “True Beauty,” is a clever lyrical take on a subject so many young people, especially girls, struggle with everyday: looks. Mandisa lets her audience know that you don’t have to have blonde hair and fake tans to look beautiful, but, rather, beauty comes from within and is a reflection of one’s connection with Christ.

“Voice Of A Savior” asserts that we all have a void that needs filling. After naming numerous things people use to fill that void, Mandisa testifies that it’s in the arms of Jesus where her void was filled, asking the listener, “How about you?”

The joy of the Lord is Mandisa’s strength, and her upbeat anthem, “Steal My Joy,” will have you singing along, declaring that the world can’t steal your joy.

"Oh My Lord” starts out with the chain gang sound while Mandisa sings about being weighed down. Then it breaks into a triumphant, joyful handclap chorus celebrating the freedom Jesus brings.

TobyMac makes a cameo on “Love Somebody,” a groovy dance jam. And if you’re a fan of Mary Mary, Mandisa covers their huge hit, “Shackles,” remaining quite true to the original version, tweaking it just a bit with a live-sounding, horn-infused funk sound.

Mandisa’s True Beauty is a feel-good CD worth buying.