Showing posts with label cd review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cd review. Show all posts

Sunday, July 10, 2011

CD Review - Kidz Bop 20

This book has a bit of everything that any kid today would love to have. My daughters love to listen to some of the stations that play top 40 and very popular music for the day. I hate to say that at times listening to the radio stations that the girls do sometimes drives me batty because they only play the same music, but this CD on the other hand allows us to hear some of my daughter's favorite songs without having to worry about repetition.

I also liked the fact that they changed a few of the lyrics to be more kid-friendly as I always worry about my daughters listening to the station that they like as the material is not always appropriate. This CD takes this and allows parents to rest assured that they can have appropriate music that is popular and allows kids to still enjoy the music without lyrics that may not be appropriate for their ears.

All-in-all this is a great CD that I would highly recommend!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Paul McCartney's Classic Recordings "McCartney" and "McCartney ll" Arrive for Father's Day!

MPL and the Concord Music Group are pleased to announce McCartney and McCartney II as the next releases in the Paul McCartney Archive Collection on June 14th, 2011. Heralded as one of the most beloved solo debuts of all time, McCartney, the smash # 1 album, originally released April of 1970, yielded the timeless tracks “Every Night” and “Junk” along with the immortal classic “Maybe I’m Amazed.” McCartney II originally issued in May of 1980 was McCartney’s return to solo work after nine years touring and having released several massively successful albums with Wings. Reaching #1 in the UK, and #3 in the U.S., the album produced enduring classics such as “Coming Up,” “Waterfalls,” & “Temporary Secretary.”

Paul McCartney personally supervised all aspects of these two reissues. The remastering work was done at Abbey Road using the same team who recently remastered the complete Beatles’ catalogue.

Both McCartney and McCartney II will be available in a variety of formats.

McCartney will be made available as a 2-disc (2 CD) Special Edition featuring the original remastered album plus seven bonus audio tracks including the previously unreleased outtakes “Suicide” and “Don’t Cry Baby” plus a rare live 1979 recording of “Maybe I’m Amazed”. For collectors, the reissue will also be made available as a lavishly packaged 3 disc (2 CD, 1 DVD) Deluxe Edition which includes an exclusive bonus DVD featuring rare and previously unseen footage, an extraordinary 128-page hard bound book containing many exclusive and unpublished photos by Paul and Linda McCartney, original album artwork, downloadable hi-res audio versions of the remastered album and bonus audio tracks, an illustrated history of the making of the album, and expanded track by track information for the two audio discs as well as detailed historical information on the film content.

McCartney II will also be made available as a 2-disc  (2 CD) Special Edition featuring the original remastered album plus eight bonus tracks including B-Sides and alternative versions.  The bonus audio CD includes the #1 hit “Coming Up (Live At Glasgow, 1979)” and holiday perennial “Wonderful Christmastime.”

The lovingly packaged 4 disc (3 CD, 1 DVD) Deluxe Edition of McCartney II not only includes an exclusive bonus DVD featuring rare and previously unseen footage (including performances of ‘Coming Up’ and the new video for the unreleased track ‘Blue Sway’) but includes an additional seven rare bonus audio tracks exclusive to this edition. Additionally, the McCartney II deluxe edition contains an extraordinary 128-page hard bound book featuring many previously unpublished photos by Linda McCartney, original album and single artwork, downloadable hi-res audio versions of the remastered album, an illustrated history of the making of the album, and expanded track by track information for all three audio discs plus detailed historical information on the film content.

Both original remastered albums and bonus audio content will also be issued as 2 disc 180gm audiophile vinyl editions which will come with an MP3 download of all included audio. Lastly, the special and deluxe versions of McCartney and McCartney II will be made available digitally worldwide.

The musical achievement of McCartney and McCartney II are noted in the annals of music history as they serve as bookends to the historic first chapter of McCartney’s solo career.

II I   McCartney & McCartney II mark the second and third releases from the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, an ambitious reissue program that encompasses 41 years of cherished, classic material from the most successful songwriter and recording artist in music history.  In November of 2010, the inaugural title in the Archive Collection, Paul McCartney & Wings’ 1973 classic Band on the Run was released to worldwide acclaim.


MCCARTNEY TRACKLIST:

CD 1 – Remastered Album
1.   The Lovely Linda                                                                  
2.   That Would Be Something                                                                              
3.    Valentine Day                                                            
4.    Every Night                                                               
5.    Hot As Sun / Glasses                                                 
6.     Junk                                                                
7.     Man We Was Lonely                                                  
8.     Oo You                                              
9.     Momma Miss America
10.   Teddy Boy
11     Singalong Junk           
12.    Maybe I’m Amazed
13.    Kreen-Akrore 


CD 2 – Bonus Audio Tracks
1.    Suicide [Out-take]
2.     Maybe I’m Amazed [From One Hand Clapping]
3.     Every Night [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
4.     Hot As Sun [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
5.     Maybe I’m Amazed [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
6.     Don’t Cry Baby [Out-take]
7.     Women Kind (Demo) [Mono]


DVD – Bonus Film
     1.   The Album Story                                           
     2.    The Beach                  
     3.    Maybe I’m Amazed Music Video                                                                 
     4.    Suicide [from One Hand Clapping]                                                  
     5.    Every Night [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
     6.    Hot As Sun [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
     7.    Junk [MTV Unplugged]
     8.    That Would Be Something [MTV Unplugged]

MCCARTNEY II TRACKLIST:

CD 1 – Remastered Album
1.    Coming Up                                                    
2.    Temporary Secretary                                                              
3.    On The Way                                                  
4.    Waterfalls                                                      
5.    Nobody Knows                                             
6.    Front Parlour                                                               
7.    Summer’s Day Song                                                   
8.     Frozen Jap                             
9.     Bogey Music
10.   Darkroom
11    One Of These Days

CD 2 – Bonus Audio 1
1.    Blue Sway [With Richard Niles Orchestration]
2.    Coming Up [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
3.     Check My Machine [Edit]
4.     Bogey Wobble
5.     Secret Friend 
6.     Mr H Atom / You Know I’ll Get you Baby
7.      Wonderful Christmastime [Edited Version]
8.      All You Horse Riders / Blue Sway


CD 3- Bonus Audio 2 (DELUXE 3 CD – 1 DVD EDITION ONLY)
  1.    Coming Up [Full Length Version]
  2.    Front Parlour [Full Length Version]
  3.     Frozen Jap [Full Length Version]
  4.     Darkroom [Full Length Version]
  5.     Check My Machine [Full Length Version]
  6.     Wonderful Christmastime [Full Length Version]
  7.     Summer’s Day Song [Original without vocals]
  8.      Waterfalls [DJ Edit]

DVD – Bonus Film
     1.      Meet Paul McCartney                                                
     2.      Coming Up Music Video                               
     3.      Waterfalls Music Video                                                                                 
     4.      Wonderful Christmastime Music Video                                                                    
     5.       Coming Up [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]          
     6.       Coming Up’ [taken from a rehearsal session at Lower Gate Farm, 1979]
     7.       Making the Coming Up Music Video
     8.       Blue Sway 



My Thoughts on the DVDs
If you are a fan of Paul McCartney, these CD's are for you. They are an amazing collection of the greatest hits of McCartney from both past and more recent. The sound quality on these CDs are wonderful, and you can listen for hours and rock out to McCartney and his band. So if you are looking for an amazing CD Set for that Dad who is a McCartney fan...look not further than these!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Friday, June 3, 2011

Name Your Tune Personalized CDs Volume 2 is Released just in Time for Summer Road Trips


With families preparing for road trips this summer travel season, they’ll be looking to make their time in the car more fun (and dare we suggest, more bearable). Name Your Tune personalized CDs for kids offer a fun, easy and creative way to keeps kids entertained. Instead of questions from the backseat like "are we there yet?", they’re going to be asking "can I hear my songs again?" Name Your Tune even offers having multiple names on one cd, so that the kids don’t have to argue about which cd to play; one cd can entertain all of the siblings. Celeb parents have already attested to the fun they're having in the car with their Name Your Tune CDs.  

Name Your Tune’s founder Candace Alper said, “Whether it's the short drive to the grocery store, the 40 minute drive to the zoo, beach or theme park or the often dreaded long haul to your vacation destination, ‘Name Your Tune CDs’ will help get you there.”

Name Your Tune is a fun and fresh music compilation with two volumes that are made-to-order and personalized for each child. The child’s name is sung more than 80 times and is the feature part of every song, making each song an instant sing-along, feel-good hit. The tunes are familiar and much-loved classics that the entire family can enjoy together during this summer travel season! Everyone can sing along with the songs that are old and new all at the same time - classics like "Old MacDonald Had A Farm E-I-E-I-O" become "Little Hannah Had A Farm E-I-E-I-O."  Volume 2 includes Five Little Monkeys, Skinamarink, Mr. Sun and the ABCs. Available at NameYourTune.com, people have the option to purchase 1 cd for $20, or 2 cds for $36.

About Name Your Tune Inc.
NAME YOUR TUNE Volume 2 was released in November 2010 and between Volume 1 and Volume 2, there are more than 7000 names in these catalogues. It is one of the most popular children’s releases of a generation, winning broad appeal among preschoolers, parents, adults and grandparents. The award-winning CD is created by Executive Producer Candace Alper, an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year nominee, and a Top 3 Mompreneur of the Year. Name Your Tune’s Most Popular Names of the Year and Decade story was cited the world over by CNN, Jimmy Fallon, Yahoo.com, National Post, AP, CP and hundreds of websites.


My Take on the CD
This CD was so much fun making for my girls. When it did show up they were amazed to find their names right on the CD itself and they were even more amazed with the fact that their names were included in the CD a ton of times (I didn't count but the company does state it will be more than 80 times).

Beyond this, the music is fin and engaging and the girls simply loved it! My youngest, Diva-PJ was even more excited when she found out that one of her favorite songs, Five Little Monkeys (She loves Monkeys) was on this CD. Let's just say that we have been listening to that song a lot!

Anyway, if you are looking for a truly unique gift for a child that you love, look no further than this personalized musical tribute to your child, you will not be disappointed!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader 
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Kidz Bop Sings Monster Ballads

On May 17, KIDZ BOP the #1 music brand for kids ages 5-12 in the U.S., released the latest album in its best-selling audio series, KIDZ BOP Sings Monster Ballads. For the special release, KIDZ BOP has teamed up with legendary rocker and frontman, Bret Michaels, and his daughters Raine and Jorja Michaels to record a rockin’ new version of his power ballad classic, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” which is the lead track on the album. A portion of the proceeds from the album will go to benefit Bret’s Juvenile Diabetes Foundation by helping send several deserving kids to camp this summer. Bret, Raine and Jorja will also host the KIDZ BOP Sings Monster Ballads “Air Guitar Super Contest” running from May 2 – May 31 on KIDZ BOP’s leading safe social network and video sharing site, KIDZBOP.com

Bret Michaels commented, “The most awesome jobs I’ve ever had are being a Rockstar, Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice winner,  raising money for kids with Diabetes and, most importantly, being a good father, so rerecording ‘Every Rose has Its Thorn’ with Raine and Jorja for KIDZ BOP Sings Monster Ballads was, by far, one of the coolest ways ever to combine my love for music and family: Not only do I get to rock out with my two favorite girls, but a portion of the proceeds will go to the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It’s a great track for a great cause. KIDZ BOP Sings Monster Ballads is one party you definitely won’t want to miss: So bring your strongest voice, best air guitar and get ready to monster rock.”

As part of the Super Contest, kids can upload videos of themselves to KIDZBOP.com to show Bret Michaels their most rockin’ air guitar riffs and vote for the performers they think have what it takes to be the next Rock Superstar. The winner will receive a “Back Stage with Bret Michaels VIP Pass” monster prize package, including a trip to see one of Bret’s upcoming concerts with a parent or guardian, special meet & greet with Bret and a Jorja-Raine acoustic guitar, specially designed by Bret for his new Dean Guitars’ Signature Series. 

Since the first volume appeared more than 10 years ago, Monster Ballads has become a pop culture phenomenon! The popular music series has sold over 2 million copies and has been referenced in movies, books, music and TV shows.  Now, Monster Ballads fans can share the power ballad experience with their kids (big hair and all)!  For the first time ever, the #1 power ballad series is meeting the #1 kids’ music brand, KIDZ BOP—for KIDZ BOP Sings Monster BalladsKIDZ BOP Sings Monster Ballads includes 16 hair band classics from the 80s and 90s—‘sung by kids for kids,’ including: 

Every Rose Has Its Thorn                                                                             
(Featuring Bret Michaels on guitar with Raine and Jorja Michaels)
Heaven                                                                                                          The Flame
Don’t Know What You Got Til Its Gone                                                          Is This Love
Home Sweet Home                                                                                        Patience
I Remember You                                                                                            When I See You Smile
Forever                                                                                                           Wind Of Change
High Enough                                                                                                   Love Of A Lifetime
Wait    
                                                                                                                                                Carrie
Love Song


My Take on the DVDTalk about a blast from the past. This CD has captured some of the greatest Ballads that you could think of over the last 10-15 years and has put them all together on one CD and has pulled a great singer along with his kids together to help with the singing of one of the songs.

My kids always love Kidz Bop CD's as they think it's great to hear kids singing cool songs. I let my kids hear some of the original ballads and then the Kids Bop CD and they thought it was too cool that kids could remake these songs.

I have to agree and say that Kids Bop is doing a great job at encouraging young talent to continue to thrive and love music and I have to commend them on that! Keep up the great work!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Monday, May 16, 2011

Star Rock for Kids lets Your Child be the Rock Star!

About the CD
Star Rock for Kids! and eOne Music Distribution announced recently the launch of their premiere CD featuring children and teens from ages 5-17 singing hits from past decades to today’s hottest songs. Curator of talent and Founder/CEO Lisa Damiani wanted to create a platform to give all children the equal opportunity to express their creativity regardless of economical or geographical challenges. As a top vocal coach in NYC and 1989 Star Search Winner for Best Teen Vocalist, Damiani hopes that Star Rock for Kids! will encourage both introverted and extroverted children to pursue their dreams. Star Rock for Kids! premiere CD is available immediately for purchase online at www.StarRockForKids.com and will be sold nationwide at major retailers including Target and Walmart beginning June 16th.

“I wanted to create Star Rock for Kids! not as a talent competition, but as a way for children to gain confidence and express their creativity,” said Founder/CEO of Star Rock for Kids!, Lisa Damiani. “With decades of experience in the music industry, I’ve seen the way music can positively influence kids’ lives and help bring even the most introverted ones out of their shells. This is a life-changing, inspirational gift. Star Rock for Kids! provides a platform for children and teens to submit their vocal recordings in a private way so the fear of rejection is completely eliminated. We’re not necessarily only picking the “best” vocals to include on the CD’s, but take into consideration the persistence and perseverance of each individual in our selection process.”

Each CD contains an application to be filled out and submitted and invites kids to create a two-minute demo showcasing their vocal and performance abilities for the chance to become the next “Star Rock Kid” and visit the Star Rock Recording Studios in New York City to be part of the next CD. 

“E One has its sights set on Star Rock for Kids! as the next musical phenomenon to hit the kids entertainment arena,” said Jim Cuomo, General Manager/Executive Vice President of eOne Music Distribution.  “Lisa Damiani has created a show-stopping CD series that provides a non-stop musical bonanza for kids of all ages, while it paves the way for the stars of tomorrow to become part of the Star Rock success story and take their own place in the spotlight.” eOne’s portfolio features some of the most successful and beloved names in children's entertainment, including Dan Zanes, Putumayo Kids, Sesame Street, Strawberry Shortcake and The Wiggles.

The first Star Rock for Kids! CD features 18 songs from all the decades including: S.O.S. (Rihanna), Holiday (Madonna), It’s a Beautiful Life (Ace of Base), Girlfriend (Avril Levigne), Makes Me Wonder (Maroon 5), You Make Me Feel So Young (Frank Sinatra), If I Can’t have You (Yvonne Elliman,), and L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole). Lisa Damiani and eOne plan on releasing two new Star Rock for Kids! CD’s per year. 

About Lisa Damiani and Star Rock for Kids!
Lisa Damiani is an award-winning singer and producer, the president of Damiani Records, New York City’s top children’s voice coach and the founder of Star Rock for Kids! After winning Star Search’s Best Teen Vocalist in 1989, Lisa recorded with some of the most famous Grammy award-winning song writers and producers in the music industry including Clivilles and Cole of C&C Music Factory, Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Celine Dion, Belinda Carlisle), Rick Nowels (Nelly Furtado, John Legend, Jewel) and Guy LaRoche. After a life threatening illness took her out of the “performance arena”, Lisa created Damiani Records to dedicate her career to the development and recording of young singing talent. She quickly became New York City’s top children’s voice coach, teaching over 50 kids aged 4-17 on a weekly basis. Star Rock for Kids! is a CD of fun and age-appropriate music that is perfectly “in tune” with the whole family. Beyond being a rockin’ CD series sung completely by kids, Star Rock for Kids! presents an exceptional opportunity for budding singers to show off their talent and realize their dream by becoming a “Star Rock Kid” and appearing on the next CD. 

My Take on the CDThink Star Search from circa the 1980's (If you can remember it), mix in high energy songs and your family will have an amazing blast of dancing and singing that will last for some time (at least that was what happened in my own home). Some of the songs were definitely ones that I had heard in the past, while others were somewhat new for me. This was a great collection of songs that brought together young artists from around the country. What was also interesting was the concept of using the CD as a audition for new artists. Lisa Damiani is starting her own Star Search concept, letting kids send in their own music to be considered for her next CD.... so who knows, your child may be the next star!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Thursday, April 21, 2011

CD Review - Ole & Play

About the CD
Isabella and Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures™ is an innovative Spanish language learning program for children in the Washington DC area that seeks to give students both linguistic and cultural fluency – providing them with advantages in our growing bilingual society. Founded by two accomplished Latina mothers who were looking for high-quality Spanish classes for their own young children, Isabella and Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures™ has grown into a dedicated team of language teaching professionals who have created a dynamic and effective curriculum - immersing children in high-caliber Spanish, while learning about the art, literature, music and culture of Spain and Latin America.

Upon entering the language program, every student is taught La Canción de Isabel and Fernando (“The Isabella & Ferdinand Song"). Produced by GRAMMY & Multiple LATIN GRAMMY award winner Andres Castro (music director for Latin superstar Carlos Vives) and sung by Latin Grammy-nominated Colombian vocalist Adriana Lucia, the song details the joys of learning Spanish, reinforces the ability to count to 10 and encourages students to write “like Gabriel García Márquez". Inspired by the high demand from families seeking copies of this theme and other original songs composed for Isabella & Ferdinand by its gifted music director, Fran Revert, the school has created the special children’s album “Olé and Play! Songs from Isabella and Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures.”

In order to share this wonderful teaching tool with parents and educators nationwide who are looking to further the bilingual interest and ability of their children, the thirteen-track “Olé and Play!” album will be released digitally on Tuesday, April 19th in advance celebration of Cervantes Day (April 23rd – the birthday of Miguel de Cervantes). Akin to the impact of Shakespeare on English, or Dante on Italian, the famed Spanish novelist/poet/playwright’s influence is so strong that Spanish is often referred to as la lengua de Cervantes (“the language of Cervantes”).

In addition to the participation of Andres Castro and Adriana Lucia, “Olé and Play!” sees several other prominent young talents performing alongside the students of Isabella & Ferdinand. A certain standout is Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno. The Guatemalan-born artist won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2006 and has had songs featured on television shows such as CBS’ "The Ghost Whisperer,” ABC's "Lincoln Heights," MTV's "The Hills" and multiple programs on Nickelodeon. Moreno’s current Emmy nomination honors her composition of the theme song for NBC's "Parks and Recreation". Multiple songs on the album also feature Carlos Barroso from Madrid – first prize winner at the city’s Teen Pop festival and famed Festival de Benidorm. In keeping with the celebration of Cervantes Day, the school produced the special feature track "Don Quijote" with both Gaby Moreno and Carlos Barroso joining Isabella & Ferdinand students in an ode to the classic novel. Look for the YouTube video shortly. Visit Isabella & Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures at: http://www.isabellaandferdinand.com/
 

 
My Take on the CDThis CD was an amazing multi-cultural experience! My wife taught elementary spanish for many years so I am always a huge advocate for immersion of children early in learning of a foreign language. I loved the idea of this foreign language center and the CD itself. In listening to this CD, I have to say that it is a fun, light, toe-tapping adventure. Even if you do not speak spanish (yet) this CD will come to a better appreciation for the language and the music!

I loved the fact that (as you might notice in the video above) in the making of this CD, they utilized kids from the language school as well as professional artists. This partnership allows the listener to again hear the amazing power of being multi-lingual!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Mandisa releases new album "What if We Were Real"


About the CD
GRAMMY® nominee and American Idol Alum Mandisa has reached her goal of shedding an incredible 100 pounds, and five years to the day she left American Idol, April 5th, will unveil her third recording,  What If We Were Real.

The news of Mandisa’s weight loss arrived this week as her first single, “Stronger,” was released to digital retailers. To purchase the single, visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stronger-single/id416340994. Inspired by the belief that surviving hardship makes us more resilient, the tune sums up the past year of Mandisa’s life.

 "I can't think of a better time to have finally lost 100lbs," Mandisa remarked this week. "How appropriate that on the day my single "Stronger" is released, proclaiming that God is able to take us through the difficult times and bring us out stronger, He gives me a physical manifestation of that truth!"

With a goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Mandisa hired her own trainer and worked diligently to keep a very healthy diet to drop the pounds, learning how to cook and get creative on the road, where healthy meals aren't always easy to come by.

Immediately after weighing in, Mandisa went to her 23,000 plus Twitter followers to share the news. Her update caused such commotion on Twitter that the GRAMMY ® nominee was a trending topic in Nashville as The View’s Sherri Shepherd and others took to their Twitter accounts to send their congratulations. The support and feedback from Mandisa’s Twitter following was also among the inspiration for her new album, What If We Were Real. Recalling a moment where she bared her soul on Twitter, Mandisa said, “I had gained weight and was so frustrated at that moment that I said so on Twitter. I said, ‘I’m fed-up and over it.’ I was feeling embarrassed and ashamed. I realized that I had only talked about how great things were. I never let people in when they were not. It was then that I decided I’d talk about the bad things too—that I’d be real.”

Marked by its honesty and authenticity, What If We Were Real is a welcomed addition in the line up from Mandisa whose previous studio albums have conquered exploration of inner grace and personal emancipation. The 11 songs of joy, struggle, worship and redemption encourage shining the light on who we really are, including both the good and the bad. What If We Were Real was produced from a trio of talent including Chris Stevens (Carrie Underwood), Dan Muckala (Amy Grant) and Chance Scoggins (Natalie Grant).

My Take on the CD
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!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com