Some albums are destined for a certain time. After several years of evolution and change in her life, there is a new sense of authority and urgency in Tamela's music now; she has lived these songs and is ready to share the strength and purpose she has found.
Propelled by the singer's strong, passionate vocals, and her newfound voice as a songwriter, each of the 12 tracks on Overcomer was conceived to bring healing and hope to a world resetting after a tumultuous chapter in its history. There is plenty to unpack from a lyrical standpoint, and Tamela is at the writing helm on most of the songs.
"I poured my experiences into the lyrics, putting my heart and soul into the words on this album," Tamela says. "It's me looking at my life and the things I was dealing with, trying to learn from those things, and doing what I can to overcome them."
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What You Need To Know Gospel artist Tamela Mann is a multidimensional woman. Gospel fans knew her as a band member of the Kirk Franklin and the Family, as well as the wife of her soul mate, gospel great David Mann.
Watching her over the years, many will know how she has constantly stepped out of her comfort zone by acting in Tyler Perry’s plays, movies, and TV shows. She and David starred in Mann and Wife. They also starred in It's a Mann's World, a reality show that included their children. Now, the couple star on the YouTube-based program Mann Tv, a show where the family has very real and honest discussions while having dinner.
Tamela was able to lose weight, survive double knee replacement surgery, and have a clothing line for plus-sized women. Even with that, she still sticks to her love which is to minister in song with her powerful voice. Now, she's back with her new release, Overcomer.
What it Sounds Like Overcomer is a further evolution of Tamela Mann as an artist and how she is willing to take more risks musically. This is her most complete album to date (and, yes, her powerhouse vocals are still intact). Take the title track for instance. It has a soulful rock feel to it, similar to “Free Your Mind'' by the '90s pop band En Vogue. Get ready to pump your fist as Tamela proclaims victory over life’s difficulties--even when everything seems lost. Tamela and gospel artist Kirk Franklin usually connect on ballads, but this time they hooked on the Caribbean/Afro Beat vibe, “Hello God.” Mainstream act Wyclef Jean adds his flavor, paying homage to his upbringing as a son of a Haitian preacher. This is a fun one, but yet so peaceful.
Spiritual Highlights The album is a testament to God’s power in Tamela’s life and how He has helped her through a very tough season. Many who hear this album will grab onto the Lord's messages sprinkled throughout--and even use several songs as motivation. Each song points to God and suggests fully relying on Him. Power songs “Source” and “He Did It For Me” are gracious, wonderfully produced, and masterfully sung by Tamela. Again, they put the focus on God’s greatness and his empowering nature to help people overcome the most difficult circumstances in their lives.
Best Songs I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the anthem “Overcomer” was one of the standout tracks on the album. Come to think of it, there's not one skippable song on the album. “Finished” is a pop ballad that has a big sound with the drums riding the toms, potent background vocals, and Tamela building her adlibs to a few good squalls. “Final Answer” is a beautiful song that brought tears to my eyes from the beginning to the driving vamp, “I will say yes/I will say yes/I will say yes/Yes Lord.” Tamela and the singers did not stop there. She drives it home as they sing, “Yes to Your Will/Yes to Your Way/Yes I will God/Yes.”
Final Word Tamela Mann went to a new level on Overcomer. Through her tough ordeals, she pressed through and brought forth her best album. So many highlights and wow moments. There's only one Tamela Mann and we're so glad that she's only getting better.
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