Overcomer

On her fourth non-holiday release, Mandisa reaffirms her strengths while venturing into fresh territory with confidence. Since her 2007 debut, True Beauty, this Sacramento-raised American Idol alumna has fused gospel fire with pop/rock smoothness, emerging as a gifted composer and a compelling vocalist. Overcomer paints the singer’s faith in bold, shimmering colors, whether she’s diving into a God-powered dance party (“Back to You,” “Joy Unspeakable”), letting her inner diva loose in a smoldering inspirational ballad (“Where You Begin”), or reaching out to save a brother in darkness (“Dear John”). There are some arresting twists here, like the sweet acoustic soul of “Praying for You” or the chant-along gospel moves of “At All Times” (a collaboration with Israel Houghton). The title track’s message of hope and redemption during hard times is central to Overcomer’s content—this is an album about second chances, rather than harsh spiritual judgments. Accentuating the positive from first track to last, Mandisa turns her latest work into an affirmation of the Lord’s abiding love and forgiveness.