Main Review
Mandisa continues to be a voice of encouragement and truth to women facing life’s challenges. She returns with her new
album What If We Were Real on April 5th. Featuring the new single “Stronger,” the album’s theme centers around the
masks that each of us wear every day. Mandisa shares that her new record is “all about taking the masks off, and really
letting the world see that we as Christians, It doesn’t mean we don’t go through difficult times, doesn’t mean that things
are always great in our lives. It simply means we have a relationship with the Savior who is able to bring us joy and peace
in the middle of our difficult times.” I’ve been married for 16 years and have 3 young daughters and this entire album
really ministers to me and my family. The opening songs, “Stronger” and “What If We Were Real” are very upbeat and
catchy songs and Mandisa is a surefire GMA Dove Award nominee for female vocalist. I can’t get enough of the worshipful
chorus of “Stronger,” “When the waves are taking you under, Hold on just a little bit longer, He knows that this is gonna
make you stronger, stronger, The pain ain't gonna last forever, And things can only get better.” “The Truth About Me” and
“Say Goodbye” are both very vulnerable songs about accepting God’s grace and forgiveness in the face of self-doubt.
Perhaps the stand-out moment of this very solid album happens next with the ultra-catchy song, “Good Morning,” which
features TobyMac. This is a surefire hit song in any music format. I don’t listen to much R&B-style music, as I’m more of a
rock, contemporary and worship music listener, however the beats on this album are so engaging, this album is already
in heavy rotation for me. “Good Morning” is so hook-filled and fun, I could literally daily listen to the fun chorus, “It’s a good
morning, wake up to a brand new day…You give me the strength that’s just what I need, I can feel the hope that’s rising
up in me.” The end of the song is just brilliant with Toby singing, “top of the morning to you, ‘disa” over the top of Mandisa’
s hooky chorus. If you’re looking for a new faith-based work-out song, look no further than this gem.
“Waiting For Tomorrow” is another fun and worshipful song, with Mandisa belting out, “thank You Jesus…I can’t live my
whole life wasting the grace that You’ve given, everyday’s a day to start over, why am I waiting for tomorrow?” “Temporary
Fills” is another highlight with the dance rock beat, and the inspiring chorus, “No more temporary fills, I want a love that’s
real, take everything I have and fill me up inside, I’m done looking for the quick fix, Jesus You are all I need.” That theme
continues with the gorgeous closing song, “Lifeline.” The album ends like it starts with another personal declaration and
prayer, “You are my lifeline, You are my rescue, The strength in my weakness, the light in my darkness, You are my safety,
lifter of my head…You are my lifeline.”
Closing Thoughts
Mandisa is a great role model for girls struggling with identity issues and has a great platform from her success on
American Idol and GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award nominations. This album is loaded with positive grace-filled
messages of hope from someone who has struggled with the pressures of life and understands that true happiness only
comes from her relationship with God. Don’t miss out on one of the most upbeat and fun albums of the year. You’ll won’t
be able to help but dance and sing along with the stand-out songs, “Stronger,” “The Truth About Me,” “Waiting For
Tomorrow,” “Temporary Fills” and the ultra-catchy, “Good Morning,” which features TobyMac.
Review Written By: Kevin Davis [kevin.davis@christianmusicreview.org] on 3/29/2011
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