It's Christmas (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Stephen Leiweke, Tom Hemby (guitar); Jerry McPherson, Adam Lester (electric guitar); David Davidson (strings); Sam Levine (flute); Michael W. Smith (piano); Shane Keister (Fender Rhodes piano); David Hamilton (Hammond b-3 organ, synthesizer); Joe Powell, James Gregory, Matt Pierson (bass instrument); Paul Leim, Dan Needham (drum); Eric Darkened, Eric Darken (percussion); Anthony Evans (background vocals); Sam Mizell, Carl Marsh.

Programmer: Sam Mizell.

Arranger: Carl Marsh.

Former AMERICAN IDOL finalist Mandisa returns with her second album, a gospel-themed set of Christmas songs. Split fairly evenly between holiday standards like "Silent Night" and original material like a pair of duets with fellow CCM artists Matthew West and Michael W. Smith, IT'S CHRISTMAS showcases Mandisa's powerful, belting voice as well as her devout grace.

Every powerful note from the former Idol makes you wonder where all the big-voiced singers have gone. Mandisa again delivers with grace, elegance, and darn it, a little pep! A whirlwind of styles and sounds accompany her every note, from classic Motown to orchestrated pop to eye-wetting balladry. The disc has only one misstep among its many gems. Her attempt at a diva-esque rendition of "Feliz Navidad" is as awkward a fit as her take on Shania Twain that got her booted off American Idol. This being the only unnatural fit, however, it's easily forgiven since it has more to do with the voice not matching the genre than it does with a lack of power or showmanship. With Mandisa, big notes almost always pay off, and these holiday renditions are no exception. ~ Jared Johnson minimize