Freedom

Mandisa | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 24, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sparrow Records
• ASIN: B001LK1LAG
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,041 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

CD Freedom by Hundley Mandisa

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandisa's "Freedom" Sings, March 24, 2009

By 

Timothy Yap "thy4568" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Freedom (Audio CD)

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Despite shedding more than 70ib of weight, Mandisa has not rescinded as far as her convictions go.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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TOTALLY AWESOME!!!, May 2, 2009

By 

Thomas Hyde (Corona, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Freedom (Audio CD)

You can often tell where an individual is in their relationship with the Lord, by what they say and the way they say it. You may not like her musical style, but listening to the words, you begin to realize that she is in a LOVE relationship with the Lord. The Holy Spirit that resides in her begins to interact with the Holy Spirit residing in you. Before you know it, you're both praising the Lord, you just can't help it!

I don't know if she realizes, or will ever realize, how big of an impact her ministry is having on the Saints worldwide. If I could, I would buy this album and the previous one "True Beauty" for everyone I know.

I pray, and I hope everyone else is praying, that the Lord will guide, protect, and keep her from succumbing to the temptations of the evil one. In this selfish, pleasure driven world, it's a rare treat to be able to spend your time and resources on something that glorifies the Creator of ALL THINGS! And feel good about it!

I'm already looking forward to the next one. There is a next one, right? When is it scheduled for release? In the words of one of my favorite preachers, Dr. Frederick G. Sampson - "Come On Now!"

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandisa's New Album, May 19, 2009

By 

buggybaby34446 (Homosassa FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Freedom (Audio CD)

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!