Customer Reviews

What If We Were Real

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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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.

If you do not know the difference between being "Religious" and "Spiritual" this review probably will mean little to you; as you can be religious about anything, however, true spiritually depends upon a relationship. If you are looking for food to nourish your soul, look no further than Mandisa's album, "What If It Were Real". You will be hard pressed to hear more edifying sermons that will bless the soul than what is presented within the messages of the powerfully anointed and uplifting (both in lyrics and performance) songs found within "What If It Were Real".

Far too many churches teach of a vengeful God: one just waiting to meat out punishment (a "Whack-a-Sinner God - similar to the arcade game "Whack-a-Mole"). Our enemy, the father of lies, deceives so many into believing that they are alone and unworthy of Yahweh's (God's) love, mercy, provision and power. However, My Father is seeking His precious and beloved lost children in order to restore them to His Family and Kingdom.

I highly recommend the purchase of not one, but at least two of these albums so you may have one on hand and one to share with those you find in need.

May Yahweh abundantly and continuly bless Mandiesa and the writers of these powerful and anointed songs, not only in her/their amazing talant, but also for her/their steadfast conviction and dedication to providing substance over "fluff" for the encouragement the Body of Christ.

This album is amazing. I love the edge she put to every song. This album is much different than "Freedom"...and better. My picks are: "Say Goodbye", "Good Morning" and the title track. But every song is amazing on here.

This young lady has got some amazing vocal chops! In this, her most recent album to date, Mandisa takes it up a notch. What separates Mandisa from most other pop/R&B vocalists of today is her musicianship. She doesn't indulge in long, meaningless vocal vamp runs designed to show off one's ability to perform vocal gymnastics (see: Beyonce, et. al.). She hits her notes with both power and grace, but most of all, her vocal phrasing seems flawless. I can almost guarantee that her voice will give you goosebumps at some point in this album.

The songwriting and lyrics are also head and shoulders above the competition. Her songs are very real, vulnerable, practical, and encouraging. When was the last time you heard a song mention one's hatred for sit-ups, then turn that around and proclaim that nonetheless we can celebrate our difficult days? First track to last, this album is fun to listen to, musically current, excellently produced, and inspirational. If you've been a fan of Mandisa so far, this album will be a sure-fire hit for you. If you've yet to check out her work, this would be a highly recommended place to start.

Grade: A = Highly recommended.

I cannot even express in words how powerful this CD really has been in my life. I listen to it every single day when I'm walking and it has gotten me from walking just next door and back all the way up to 4 miles. It gives me the hope and strength I need to refocus on what is most important. Every single song has a message. I would highly encourage you to visit Mandisa's official youtube page so you can watch videos she has made explaining the message behind each song. I can't even pick a favorite b/c each one is beautiful and meaningful in its own way. If you are struggling in your life then I believe you will find hope here. It is much more than just a music CD. It is something that will speak to your heart and renew your spirit. When I saw this go on sale today, I immediately gifted it to a friend who is going through her own personal struggle right now. This CD will take you on a journey and the more you listen to it, the more it will spur you on towards understanding God's love for you. I feel very grateful that I stumbled upon this CD although in reality I believe God led me to it at the right time when I really needed something to uplift me as I began my weight loss journey. I made a video of my weight loss journey using Mandisa's song "Waiting for Tomorrow" as the theme song. Mandisa actually saw the video and not only did she personally respond to it with an encouraging message but she posted it to her facebook page. I think that says a lot about who she is as a person. I believe she genuinely cares about making an impact in the world for God. If you want to see my video just go to my profile with the link to my blog and scroll down to "100 Pounds lost" blog entry.

This CD just jumps out of the radio from start to finish. With an amazing, powerful voice Mandisa is a testament to living the life that we all want to spiritually. I was also very impressed by the lyrics and the story behind the CD and how hard she worked to get this CD off and into our hands. She is a great role model for young girls to look up to!

With songs like "Stronger" and " The Truth About Me" Mandisa bears her soul to the listener and allows you to understand that even in the toughest times God is still there supporting us!

"Good Morning" is one of my favorite songs. I have enjoyed Toby Mac in the past and this duet was perfectly matched.

Overall, this is a great new album, but more than that, it is a great addition to Christian Contemporary Music today. The messages shared in this album are so important for all to hear! Go and check it out today!

Delivery was exactly as stated. I was looking for the Good Morning song from Mandisa and love the song. But there are so many other songs on this cd that I really enjoy.

I BOUGHT THIS CD AFTER LISTENING TO THE SHORT CLIPS YOU CAN GET RIGHT AFTER IT POPPED UP WITH THE GROUP " PEOPLE THAT BOUGHT THIS ALSO BOUGHT THIS " AFTER I BOUGHT A JACI VELASQUEZ CD ........ I LOVE IT !!!! ..... YOU GO MANDISA

I have always loved Mandisa's music and this CD has been amazingly encouraging. I think her lyrics are real and touch the heart of the listener.

I never write reviews but I loved this album from the first song to the last. Mandisa's words are sincere and uplifting. She gives praise to the Lord and does it in such a way that it will appeal to those who know the Lord already and those who don't. Everyone should hear this album. It's wonderful.