Laura Story's Blessings - A Review

This sophomore album of Laura Story is of a reflective melodious beauty. The music she composes is a delightful balance between smooth praise & worship and more contemporary muses. Even if one may not be familiar with her name, they will recognize the songs that she writes, like "Indescribable" made popular by Chris Tomlin.
    Laura admits, “Everyone wants to be a mature and equipped follower, but would I have signed up had I known what it would take? God has grown us up, deepened our faith, our awareness of our great need for him as a savior, daily. We knew it before, but we didn’t see it. This is a good place to be.”
    Blessings reflects that hopeful place. A worship project at heart with constant threads of pop energy and singer/songwriter warmth, the album was recorded in Georgia at Chris Tomlin’s studio and produced by Nathan Nockels (Passion). Story penned most of the ten songs herself but partnered with co-writers including Brenton Brown and Third Day’s Mac Powell.
    Laura's songs refect her faith, just as her bio reflects a man who lived many years ago. Her first single, "Blessings," off this album is a great example of that faith and life. 

                   

What if your blessings come through raindrops? What if your healing come through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you’re near?

What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?

These words hold so much the power of faith that no matter what storms may come in life, they have a meaning for your life. There is an old Chinese story that says something along these lines. Many years ago, in a time where China could still have more than one child, there was a man who had only one son. The man and the son worked hard together, but the man was advanced in years, so most of the work was left to the son. One day, the son was working in the field when an accident happened that left him with a broken leg. The family was devastated for now how will they survive, and what kind of future will this young man have? The next day, however, some soldiers came to the town and collected all the young able-bodied men to be the builders of the great wall of China. Those workers were never seen again. However, the son was not taken. The accident that broke his body saved his life. Stories like this are so common. Yet when it happens to us, do we have the faith in God to see us through?

April 19, 2011 - New Releases

The new releases of today consists of Abandon, Gaithers, Time Hughes, Gail Homes, Mark Schultz, and some great various collections. Check them out in more detail below!
2011 April 19 Releases

What If We Were Real by Mandisa - A Review

This third studio album of Mandisa is another solid project that one can expect from the amazing vocal talents of Mandisa. I see Mandisa's first album, True Beauty, as one that does reflect more on the issues of image. This not surprising containing it was one of the reasons for her falling out of American Idol. Her second album, Freedom, is a declaration of a new Mandisa, and how she came so far not by herself. God has delievered her through so many trials in His loving arms. What If We Were Real is an album that encourages the listener to live life today, and if you can't find the strength inside then look to the One who is strength.
     The album, What If We Were Real, begins with the first single "Stronger."

The rest of the great collection contains the songs like "What If We Were Real," "Say Goodbye," "These Days," "The Truth About Me," and "Lifeline." Well most of these songs are from the first half of the album, but these songs were the ones that I thought featured her great vocals with meaningful lyrics. Or you could say that these were my personal favorite songs on the album. The one exemption from the beginning songs is the song "Lifeline." "Lifeline" is actually the last song on the album, and it does a great job ending the album with the lasting thought that God is the only lifeline that we can cling to.

April 12, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases for Jonny Diaz, Laura Story, and New Life Worship!
New Releases April 12, 2011

April 04, 2011 - New Releases

Today Mandisa, Derek Webb, Rebecca St. James, Brandon Bee, FM Static, X2011, and more were released. See below for more details!
2011 April 05 Releases

Coming this week to Baker Book House - ICRIS and friends!

Check out West Michigan's Christian rap artist, ICRIS as he does an acoustic set here at Baker Book House. Hear his amazing redemption story of how God can bring healing and a purpose to anyone. ICRIS's music is more of an outreach ministry to those both young and old. He isn't afraid to talk about the hard issues of life that many ignore or don't know how to help or relate to those struggling against darkness. Since ICRIS lived in darkness, he can relate and be the light of Christ with people. Music is said to be the language of the soul. Where words fail, the music carries true. I can always feel the Spirit move when I see ICRIS live.


So if you like good rap music and an amazing message, then I shall you see on Saturday!


Icris Print

March 29, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the releases for March 29, 2011 of Mary Mary, Emery, and more!
20110329_new_releases

Hello Fear - Kirk Franklin - A Review

This has to be one the best albums that I have heard yet this year. The music was well made, well produced, and well written. This album when I listen to it seems to flow from one song to another and at the end, the sense is one of completion.

      This Kirk Franklin album is a little different from all his previous album. The album begins without an upbeat, foot tapping song or an engaging story, but the beginning song "Hello Fear" has a lot of heart and describes the entire album. Kirk Franklin has shared his experience of his fight against fear. The album reflects on the struggle that many of us go through. Kirk Franklin changed the way we experience gospel music back in the earlier 1990's, when he mixed in the hip hop sounds with gospel music. I was expecting to hear something along those lines of intensely upbeat praise music. I was happily wrong and right, because the upbeat song "Today" that possess what one would expect from Kirk Franklin is on the same album of the lyically reflective song "Everybody Hurts." This album is more reflective and smooth R & B much of the time, but maintains the unique sound that is Kirk Franklin.
      When I first heard this album, I just wanted to share it with everybody that I saw. His song "I Smile" is one of reasons. It is really interesting to me because he describes bad things happen in an upbeat rhythm.  The song that tells us that even when bad things happen, we should still smile because of Jesus's joy in our hearts. I love how almost all the songs describe a silver liner in life that is the joy of Christ Jesus.
       Also on this live recorded album (and by "live" I mean that it was real backup singers and real instruments used), there are other artists featured of Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Rance Allen, Marvin Winans, John P. Kee, Isaac Carrie, and Mali Music. I love how Kirk Franklin was able to have the gospel legends and the new, talented Mali Music together on the same album. This is a multi-generational reaching type of worshipful album.

           Please enjoy the first single from this album below and I hope that you enjoy the rest of the album as much as I did.

March 22, 2011 - New Releases

Here are today's new releases of David Phelps, Caemon's Call, Kirk Franklin, Shawn McDonald, introducing Ryan Stevenson, and more below!
20110322_new_releases

A Shine of Rainbows - A Movie Review

A Shine of Rainbows gives life to a wonderful story of belonging, home, and family.
      Tomas, a shy eight-year-old orphan, is adopted by Maire McDonald, a beautiful woman bursting with life. She brings him home to Corrie, a remote island off the coast of Ireland, where he meets Alec, her reticent husband, who cannot hide his disappointment. 
       Maire shares with Tomas the classic and whimsical folklore of the island, the secret of the seals, and other wonders; mainly, that you can find hope anywhere if you really look. In this rugged and enchanting world, Tomas thrives and Alec begins to see in Tomas what Maire always has. But when tragedy strikes, Tomas is faced with his greatest challenge. He'll lose everything unless he can find and share the hope that's inside of him.
      What makes this movie great is the use of colors. The colors are a hint to the emotions of the shot. When there is many bright and vibrant colors, the emotions of happiness or light heartedness are present. When there is darker hues, the emotions are sad or more subdued. The movie is well done with excellent acting, gorgeous transitions, and the plot was well thought out. And for those who have a hard time with other accents, don't worry the Irish accents used are very easy to understand. It was a movie that brought laughter, smiles, and tears. I know that many will enjoy this movie as much as I did.

March 15, 2011 - New Releases

Here are today's new releases of Arkansas Mass Choir, VaShawn Mitchell, Tribute to George Younce by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, The Color Morale, and more!
20110315_new_releases

Make Your Move Concert - A Review

Last night, Sunshine Community Church rocked out the Make Your Move Tour with Travis Moore, Tenth Avenue North, and Third Day.
      Travis Moore is new to the stage, but not new to music as a songwriter for many well-know songs. He rocked out with his great guitar playing and his catchy lyrics. Any drawbacks, I would have to say was with his last song, "Jesus Rode the Subway," that I had some issues with the lyrics. Now this is a purely bias reason as I am someone who uses public transportation and it annoys me when assumptions are made to the types of people who use public transportation. However, the meaning was clear that God loves everyone even those who others turn away from.

1.       Tenth Avenue North gave an expected awesome performance. They rocked out with their worshipful songs, playing the songs form their new album The Light Meets the Dark as well as "By Your Side" and "Love is Here." The audience was treated to a new song, "You Don't Owe Me Anything." It was another meaniful song  of theirs that points to a God who cares inspite of us sinners. Many times last night, they were called men of God by others and I would have to agree. Any drawbacks was the sense of rushed between songs, but maybe this is because I have recently enjoyed their new project release, Tenth Avenue North Live: Inside and Inbetween. The DVD provides music videos, concert videos, and anointed song parables.

      Third Day came out with a bang as they rocked this concert in their 20 or so year as a band. Band members like bass player, Mac Powell and his heartfelt devotional talk, would come out on stage and speak to the audience. This interaction presented a sense of community between the vocalists and the listeners. This sense was even stronger when the band played among the seats in the center aisle. All night Third Day had been playing songs from their two newest albums and favorite songs of the past. So when they opened it up to request a funny thing happened that made the concert perfect. In one of the songs, Mac Powell had forgotten song of the words to the song. It reaffirmed that some songs are not dependent on the artist but are timeless in the hearts of the listeners. The audience was treated with a sneak peek to a new movie "8 Days in Utopia" where "Born Again" will be heard. This movie will be good, so look forward to seeing it in theaters this summer. Any drawbacks would be the time spent in the middle of the aisle where not everyone could see, but I guess if one is going to put that much effort into moving locations to make it worth while as they did.

       It was a great night that had incited an enchore performance of Third Day coming back out for two more songs. YAY!

Rising Stars is stellar! - A Review

So I sat down to watch this movie pretty skeptical about it, and I was pleasantly impressed with it. Lately, I have seen many movies that I have just found lacking something. Some have had a great story ideas, but either the transitions were cliche, the acting just not there, or the delivery is awful. In many cases one can overlook the lacking production, but thankfully here I did not have to as this movie was filled with talent both in front and behind the camera. 
      Imagine a singing competition and a film competition all in one TV show. The beginning introduces the three finalists in the singing and three finalists in the film categories. The finalists travel to a fine arts school, where the film finalists will create a music video of the singing finalists. Sounds musically exciting right? Well, the teen finalist come from diverse backgrounds, and all possess different personalities. These differences invite some challenges for the kids to overcome in order to win as they have to work together. And if we can more drama, there is this producer who will do anything to succeed. Just how far will these kids go to succeed? For what reasons do these kids want to succeed? This is another great movie about how life is not just about destinations, but also the journey of how we got there.
      Though this movie is not a movie about God, it is one that asks some important questions of how we live this life. This would be a great movie to share with those would normally be turned off by any movie labeled as "Christian". This is a positive movie for the whole family to enjoy as I have done with mine!

Here for You is Passionate!

     I have to say that I simply love the Passion Conference that happens every year. In some way it reaffirms the thought of a powerful God moving and active today. I mean how else could a gathering of so many Followers of Christ be able to come together and make such beautiful noise together.
     This musical experience begins with a great song by Chris Tomlin called "We Are Here For You." It is the kind of song that compels one get up and worship. By saying that we are here for the LORD, it gives purpose in everything we do. Life isn't all about us; it is about HIM. The next song, "Symphony," continues on this thought of life all about God with the entire creation glorifying its Creator.
     The Passion Conference is not just with Chris Tomlin but also features gifted musicians of Christy Nockels, David Crowder Band, Matt Redman, Kristian Stanfill, and featured in the song "Shadows" with David Crowder Band is Lecrae!
     As with Passion's Awakening released last year, don't be surprised to be soon singing these anointed songs in your church's worship! One might wonder if Here for You is as good as what Awakening was. I would have to say that that is a tricky question, because Here for You is the next step in this journey that we call life. Personally if I could combine the two projects on one compilation, because I would say that they are both that good.
     At the heart of it all, Passion exists to see a generation stake their lives on what matters most - the fame of the One who rescues and restores and our opportunity to amplify His name in everything we do. 
     CHECK OUT THIS PREVIEW TO THIS NEWEST PASSIONATE MUSIC

March 8, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases for today!
20110308_new_releases

March 1, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases for March 1, 2011 of Francesca Battistelli, WOW #1s, and more!
20110301_new_releases

February 15, 2011 - New Releases

New Releases for Hillsong and more...
20110215 New Releases

February 8, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases of Gaither Homecoming, Josh Wilson, Hawk Nelson, and more!
Feb 8 2011 New Releases

February 1, 2011 - New Releases

These are the new releases for today of RED, Parachute Band, Canton Jones, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, and others!
Feb 1 2011 New Releases

January 25, 2011 - New Releases

These are the new releases for January 25, 2011 of the Rance Allen Group, Luminate, Andrea Crouch, Deitrick Haddon, I am Empire, and the movie "Like Dandelion Dust"
Jan 25 2011 New Releases

Lecrae - Rehab: The Overdose

This second half of Rehab entitled the Overdose is a continuation of the first half of Rehab that was just released 3 months ago and has sold over 75,000 units to date. Lecrae is appearing on the 2011 Dove Awards & now is nominated for a Grammy for Rehab. Due to some misunderstandings and icy snow, we now have The Overdose in our store! 
The album like Rehab is an amazing, powerful collection of songs. What is powerful about them is that they deal with issues that no one wants to talk about and Jesus's power is shown in the mist of those issues. One of the songs is entitled "Anger Management." Have you ever just been so mad that you don't care what happened? Have you been caught up in a rage? I have. Well this song is treated as a anger management class. It has the person acknowledging the anger, then moving on to the consequences of that anger, then to what that anger means in separation from God, and then finally towards a healing. This message is full of meaning and comfort for those with rage. "Blow Your High" is about what is suggests; however the next lyrics are "but you really are getting low." There exists chemicals that effect the central nervous system directly. This in turn effects ones mood and/or how one views the world around them. These chemicals are manipulators in the body. "Your body is feeling right, but your soul is going left."  The chemical effect may have an enriching feel; however, Jesus is being rejected. He enriches our lives. This song challenges the user. The CD goes on to ask the question of how you are living your life. The question that comes after is why or for whom are you living your life. What are you chasing after? Who are you overdosed on?

"Around every corner is the lure to consume.

A Desire to be satisfied.

Unfortunately no human being has found anything under the sun that brings satisfaction.

So we consume more, and more, and more.

Eventually we overdose.

However, there is hope if christianity is our rehab.

In Jesus satisfaction can be found. 

Grace, love, peace and hope can be found...and there is always more.

Consume more of Jesus.

Overdose."

26th Annual Stellar Awards

On Saturday  January 15, the 26th Annual Stellar Awards took place. It was an evening of great gospel talent and praise. If you missed the award show and don't want to spend a long time searching online for videos, the Stellar Award ceremonies will be broadcast locally at noon Feb. 20 on WZZM-TV (Channel 13), and on the Gospel Music Channel at 7 p.m., March 6.

Artist of the Year - Marvin Sapp

Song of the Year - "Close to You" Bebe & CeCe Winans (Still)

Male Vocalist of the Year - Byron Cage

Female Vocalist of the Year - Karen Clark Sheard

Group/Duo of the Year - James Fortune & FIYA

New Artist of the Year - Kristina Halloway

CD of the Year - Marvin Sapp - Here I Am

Choir of the Year - Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Traditional Group - Mighty Clouds of Joy

Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year - Trip Lee - Between Two Worlds

Praise & Worship CD of the Year - Darwin Hobbs - Darwin Hobbs Live: Champion

Contemporary Male Artist of the Year - James Fortune

Traditional Male Artist of the Year - Marvin Sapp

Contemporary Female Artist of the Year - CeCe Winans

Traditional Female Artist of the Year - Lucinda Moore

Contemporary CD of the Year - James Fortune & FIYA - Encore

Traditional CD of the Year - Marvin Sapp - Here I Am

Contemporary Choir of the Year - Myron Butler & Levi

Traditional Choir of the Year - Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden

I am very excited for this third album of Brandon Heath's. It is always impressive when a artist can tour, write, compose, and record all at once, but in so doing so, he achieves a sound and a theme that would otherwise not exist. In this record, Brandon reflects on the meaning of everything as God's love for us. What is really interesting about the song "Leaving Eden" is that he says that we are leaving paradise behind, evident by the news, but then we are also going somewhere. He chooses the path going towards God as he says in the bridge of how he longs for "home". What I love about these songs on this album is that something as common as water is taken and shown God's glory through it. Brandon entitles the song as "Only Water," but water is a unique compound that makes life possible on Earth, is present at any given time in three stable physical phases, and is turned into wine as a start to Jesus' ministry on Earth. "Your Love" is the first song on this record to grab my attention. There are many questions in this life. How do we love someone more than just saying "I love you." What are we looking for in this life? What really matters in this life? What do we hope for? The answer is His love.

January 18, 2011 - New Releases

New Releases for January 18, 2011 of Brandon Heath and John P. Kee!
January 18 Page 1

January 11, 2011 - New Releases

New Releases Jan 2011

These are our Bestsellers for the entire year of 2010!

Contemporary & Rock:
1. Tonight - tobyMac
2. Until the Whole World Hears - Casting Crowns
3. WOW Hits 2011 - Various







Gospel:
1. Here I Am - Marvin Sapp
2. Freedom - Mandisa
3. WOW Gospel 2010 - Various






Praise & Worship:

1. And If Our God is for Us - Chris Tomlin
2. WOW Worship Purple - Various
3. See the Morning - Chris Tomlin








Southern Gospel:

1. Breathe Deep - Guy Penrod
2. Greatly Blessed - Gaither Vocal Band
3. Better Day - Gaither Vocal Band








Hard Rock:

1. Awake - Skillet
2. For Those Who Wait - Fireflight
3. Crash - Decyfer Down








Rap & Hip Hop:

1. Rehab - Lecrae
2. Between Two Worlds - Tripp Lee
3. Chase - Manafest

New Year's Resolutions: What Love Really Means

I was thinking about what to write about this week, so I asked a co-worker, Erin, what I should do. She told me that well it is a time for new year's resolutions, but then we joked around that those never pan out. I really never make resolutions because two days is the overall average that they last. Then today I was listening to some music and came upon "What Love Really Means" by J.J. Heller. Now, I have heard this song before, but this time when I heard it I thought of my sister, who I don't always get along with. The funny thing is that this past Christmas we had drawn each other's names, so she has been on my mind a lot this holiday season. We don't really talk or see each other much, except of what she writes on Facebook. We have a history of causing each other emotional pain. I love her, but at times I don't know how to. This song resonates with these thoughts. "I will love her for her, not for what she has done, or for what she will become." Who is she? She is Katie: my sister, who is a joy to my heart, daughter to my parents, an adopted daughter of God, who Jesus died for to bring her eternal life, a good friend, and someone whose favorite color is pink.
My new year's resolution is to love her as Christ loves and teaches us to love.
Katie, this song I dedicate to you...

Easter is April 24! Our Easter Choral are Out!

It might seem strange to some to announce Easter's date just after Christmas, but after Christmas there is only a short time before Easter arrives. In the world of choir and program directors, now is the time to begin to look for Easter music and programs. Baker Book House strives to help make this process easier by offering a Choral library where you can check out up to 5 pieces of music for one week.


Here is the new releases for this year...


Easter 2011 Choral Music

Concert: Tammy Trent - January 15, 2011

Tammy Trent will be at the Grand Rapids First Church, Saturday 15th at 7:00 PM for a concert.


      Beneath her youthful exterior and fresh-faced exuberance, Tammy is a focused recording artist, author and speaker who knows exactly what she wants to say.  She creates music that serves as a personal conduit for those seeking to worship God and also wants to remind others of God's desire to reach them.  Through her own personal journey of love and loss, Tammy continues to share that theme through her books, her music and her life. 
     Tammy's dedication to the ministry was recognized in November 2009 when the Christian Music Hall of Fame handed her the award for Inspirational Female Vocalist of the Year!
     Her ministry reaches all around the world, taking on such platforms as the Women of Faith and the Revolve Tour as a featured speaker and singer.  And in Tammy's own words, "I commit my resources to outreach, service and ministry to help others discover a real relationship with Jesus Christ and to fully understand His promises and the eternal."

December 28, 2010 - New Release

The Flame - Captured - Clear Sight Music - Infinity Music
     After 2 years the 2009 Grammy, Stellar, GMA Dove Award nominee, releases his next project on a new record label, owned by him and his wife Crystal, Clear Sight Music. This album speaks to the heart of those who have lived a life that is not how God wants us to live, so thats about everyone. The Flame's Captured is him pouring his heart out, and because of this, there is few other artists on this album. It is a softer Flame in this album without losing the power. With the song "All I Need", The Flame writes how God uses others in our life at time to draw us to Him, like Flame's wife, Crystal is honored in one verse. We are captured by God, and you will be captured by this powerful moving music. Cause, when we are captured, we haven't been so free. "Jesus you are my white flag, I surrender right now"



Level 3:16 - Level 3:16 - Cross Movement Rec. - Provident
     New group Level 3:16 enters the scene focused and determined as musicianaries (music-missionaries). Uniting this unique collection of young, energetic artists from all across the country is one common mission: to elevate their culture and generation to the next level of reality that goes beyond what is seen to what is unseen; that level begins with embracing the gospel message of the quintessential Bible verse John 3:16 as both the means and goal of life itself. 

     Offering an eclectic fusion of Hip Hop, R&B and urban gospel, Level 3:16 is comprised of 2 male emcees, 3 female vocalists and 1 female DJ. Skillfully combining melodic Hip Hop and hard-hitting beats with the musicality and 3-part harmonies of R&B, topped off with classic lyricism, a strong vocal blend and spoken word, the versatility of the band is inspiring and impressive. Their self-titled debut album will be released on Cross Movement Records through a strategic partnership with The Impact Movement, an organization focused on college-oriented ministry that develops students of African -descent into Christ-centered leaders.

Merry Christmas from Baker Book House

All of us here at Baker Book House would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!