A Staff Album Review

Positive grace-filled messages of hope

By KevinDavis_NRT | Released On August 27, 2013 | Published September 17, 2026 | Last Edited By: KevinDavis_NRT

Mandisa continues to be a voice of encouragement and truth to women facing life's challenges. She returns with her new album Overcomer on August 27th. Featuring the new single “Overcomer,” the album's theme centers on the idea that there is hope in the midst of life’s battles. That theme is a continuation of the empowering message from her hit song “Stronger.” I've been married for 19 years and have 3 young daughters and this entire album really ministers to me and my family. I’ve seen how women in particular tend to beat themselves up about mistakes and feeling overwhelmed by life.

The opening songs, "Overcomer" and “Back To You” 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 biblical and worshipful chorus of "Overcomer"—"You're an overcomer / Stay in the fight ‘til the final round / You're not going under / ‘Cause God is holding you right now / You might be down for a moment / Feeling like it's hopeless / That's when He reminds You / That you're an overcomer." The song is such a great reminder that there is hope in Jesus, who tells us in John 16:33 (NIV): “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Amen to that!

"The Distance," "Press On" and “What Scars Are For” are all very vulnerable songs about accepting God's grace and forgiveness in the face of self-doubt. Stand out moments of this very solid album include the ultra-catchy dance tempo songs, “Face 2 Face” and "At All Times." These are relevant and catchy songs in any music format. I don't listen to much electronic dance 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. One of Mandisa’s strengths in addition to her soothing and strong vocals are her infectious and engaging lyrics.

I love the joyfulness of “Joy Unspeakable,” which is another fun and worshipful song, with Mandisa belting out a super-infectious song with an electronic/dub-step/pop arrangement, and more prayerful and sincere lyrics. As God’s children, it brings comfort to think of Him smiling down on us dancing before the Lord with a joy unspeakable. That’s what Mandisa is all about, loving God with all of her heart, expressed in one catchy song after another.

A song that stops me in my tracks is the evangelistic Gospel message song, “Dear John,” co-written with Plumb. Thank you, Mandisa for including such a bold message on this album. The album ends with another personal declaration and prayer, "Where You Begin." Lord, thank You for amazing Christian music artists like Mandisa who love You and want to glorify Your Name through their songs. Thank You for giving Mandisa the gift of singing so that she can give her offerings of praise and worship “Back to You.”

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, appearances on Good Morning America, 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 and empowerment only comes from her relationship with God. You'll won't be able to help but dance and sing along with the stand-out songs, "Overcomer,” “Back To You,” “Face 2 Face,” “Press On” and the ultra-catchy, “Joy Unspeakable.” This album is all about knowing for a fact the Truth of 1 John 4:4 (NKJV): “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Song to download now: “Overcomer” – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/overcomer-single/id667534695