True Beauty is the official debut album by Christian singer Mandisa. It was released on July 31, 2007 by Sparrow Records. True Beauty is a diverse mix of pop, R&B and gospel. It debuted at the top of Billboard magazine's Top Christian Albums chart and peaked at number 43 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. Mandisa worked with five producers and various songwriters.
The lead single "Only the World" became her first Top 10 hit on the Christian radio charts and was her only number one single on Billboard's Hot Single Sales chart. "God Speaking" and "Voice of a Savior" were her next further singles. "Oh, My Lord" features the Fisk Jubilee Singers, where Mandisa was once a member. She also covers the Mary Mary 2000 R&B gospel hit "Shackles (Praise You)." Mandisa performed "Shackles" on American Idol during its theme night of 21st century hits and was safe and made it into the Top 10. She was eliminated the following week coming in ninth place.
The title of the album, as well as the title song, was inspired from the comments about Mandisa's weight and size and it drew the ire of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), especially comments from American Idol judge Simon Cowell when she auditioned in 2006. Mandisa has since forgiven Cowell when he apologized about his comments. She co-wrote the title song with CCM singer - songwriter Cindy Morgan.
In 2008, Mandisa earned her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for True Beauty and was nominated for two Dove Awards for New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Track listing
1. Only the World (Matthew West, Sam Mizell) -3:23
2. True Beauty (Mandisa Lynn Hundley, Cindy Morgan, Drew Ramsey) -3:23
3. God Speaking (Ronnie Freeman) -4:55
4. Voice of a Savior (Matthew West, Sam Mizell) -4:47
5. Love Somebody (featuring tobyMac and Diverse City) (Mandisa Lynn Hundley,
Toby McKeehan, Cary Barlowe, Jamie Moore, Aaron Rice) -3:48
6. Unrestrained (Calvin Nowell, Tony Sutherland) -4:31
7. Shackles (Praise You) (Erica and Tina Atkins, Warren Campbell) -3:29
8. (Never Gonna) Steal My Joy (Matthew West, Sam Mizell) -3:14
9. Oh, My Lord (featuring The Fisk Jubilee Singers) -3:17
10. Only You (Mandisa Lynn Hundley, Shaun Shankel) -3:26
11. He Will Come (Cindy Morgan) -7:14
Production credits
Brown Bannister -producer (tracks 3, 6 and 11)
Doubledutch -producers (tracks 4, 5 and 8)
Drew and Shannon -producers (tracks 2 and 9)
Shaun Shankel -producer (tracks 1 and 10)
Christopher Stephens -producers (track 7)
Radio singles
2008 "God Speaking" -#18 R&R Christian AC, #26 Billboard Hot Christian Songs,
2008 "Voice of a Savior" -#5 R&R Christian Inspo, #30 Billboard Christian AC
Next release: Christmas Joy EP (2007)
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