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High-Energy Party | Posted September 24, 2012
Remixed-Get Movin', the latest release from former American Idol contestant and Christian pop diva Mandisa, is a welcome escape from the standard versions of the songs that are played on your local CCM station. It contains remixes of 5 previously released songs spanning her three previous full length albums.
First up on this high-energy EP is the Capital Kings Remix of "Good Morning." This single is from the 2011 release, What If We Were Real. This remix has enough bass and hard hitting drums to wish all your neighbors a good morning as you turn it on high and pull out of your driveway. If you liked the previous version, you will love this even more.
Up next is another remix from What If We Were Real. The Movin' Remix of "Stronger" definitely comes with a stronger attitude than the original. The lyrics don't change but the message seems to morph with the new energy added to the song.
The Switch Remix of "Only the World" follows on, taking us back to Mandisa's debut album, True Beauty. The remix is a nice change from what is still played on CCM radio. The message holds true of the song. Some of the added effects on the song with the cheering crowds are somewhat overdone and will detract if you're listening closely, but you'll be too busy with it cranked up and bobbing your head.
One of the first songs Mandisa ever sang to the general public shows up next. A cover of Mary Mary's "Shackles" takes us back to that night on American Idol when Simon Cowell called her performance "a bit indulgent." For one of the first times on a mainstream television hit a Christian was professing their faith rather than standing behind a mask of performance. This is a great cover of a great song and the remix is a nice flashback. The effect of chains dragging is again a bit much but, I can forgive a bit of indulgence.
The album closes with the RawlsCO Latin Remix of "My Deliverer." This of course is from Mandisa's sophomore release Freedom. The Latin vibe is really nice on this and if you don't find yourself doing a little meringue dance while listening than you need to get your pulse checked.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is a nice bit of fun. It is a good summary of Mandisa's greatest radio songs and I was actually excited listening to it. I'm not the biggest fan of the first efforts that have almost been overplayed on Christian radio stations, but these remixes put some new life into the songs.
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Mandisa: Get Movin' Review | Posted August 14, 2012
Over the past few years, American Idol finalist Mandisa has been making a name for herself with her three Sparrow Records albums. With her greatest release to date, What If We Were Real?, Mandisa explored the struggles we as humans face, and delivered several chart-topping singles, "Stronger" and her latest, "Good Morning" featuring TobyMac.
Now that the album has been out for a while and has been dove-nominated, Mandisa is back with her first ever remixed EP, titled Get Movin'. The EP, exclusive to digital download sites, features five of Mandisa's radio hits remixed in an exercise-friendly way. They are songs that are great for listening to while hitting the tread mill or when going for a run down the road.
"Good Morning" is easily the best remixed track off the EP. It has an Owl City sentiment to it, with it's strong electronic dance pop. Mandisa's vocals are untouched for this track, but TobyMac's vocals are affected a bit by the change. I was unsettled about the strange beat added over Toby's rap, especially because it didn't match the melody of the track. Overall, however, this was a fantastic remake, and most likely better than the original radio single.
With "Stronger," while the overall dance pop remake fits the track, Mandisa's sped up vocals are a little annoying. If they had kept her vocals intact, it definitely would have been much better. This was my least favorite off the EP for that reason.
"Only the World" and "Shackles," both from her True Beauty release, are given the "Switch Remix" subtitle, sounding much more powerful, fun, and bubbly. "Shackles" is a little bit too fast, in my opinion, but will definitely make for a great exercise track, nevertheless!
"My Deliverer" already had a slight Latino beat, so making it much more strong with Latino piano works great. I thoroughly enjoyed this remake, and it fits Mandisa's style very well. It ends the Get Movin' EP in a way that will make the listener want to listen to it all over again.
Conclusion:
So if you are a Mandisa fan and are thinking about checking out this EP, you will probably be thrilled with it. It would be a solid sixteen-minute workout filled with great, dance pop tracks that glorify the Lord! There are a few quirks, but fans of the electronic genre will most likely find this to be a great offering from one of Christian music's most beloved female vocalists.
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