A Decent Effort
Posted October 22, 2008
By lordrings87,
Mandisa..... Vocally Gifted, Genre Challenged. Her first album "True Beauty" was an eclectic mix of music that was fun... experimental... unique. So with her second full length album "It's Christmas" the bar was raised higher. But rather than the thought "Musical Genius" coming to mind, the term "Sophmore Slump" does. And better to get it over with on a Christmas album than on an all Original album.
The Album opens with the Promising "What Christmas Means To Me" with an upbeat traditional Pop sound that is fun and energetic, but is followed by "Feliz Navidad (with Joy to the World)" which is akward at best. The album quickly takes a turn for the better on "Christmas Makes Me Cry" a moving duet with co-writer Matthew West. But again turns back to bland, with a medley of "Silver Bells, Carol of the Bells and Caroling, Caroling". With Painful transitions between the songs and renditions that pale in comparison with fellow female artists like BarlowGirl and Amy Grant. The album stays on this track until Michael W. Smith steps in and saves the day with a track from His Christmas album released last year. The song is titled "Christmas Day" and is a lovely song full of memories and sounds of Christmas past and the hope of more to come.
The eclectic mix of styles ranging from Pop to Funk to traditional Gospel, sometimes in the same song, isn't experimental this time around... but annoying and frustrating.
Now we all root for everyones favorite Mandisa... but dont be suprised if this album causes your inner Simon to emerge.
~BrianH View All Music And Book Reviews By lordrings87 | View lordrings87's Profile
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