Some Exciting News To Look Forward To In August

We are little over a week left until August, and since there are so many exciting things happening, here is a preview to coming events...

August 2 - The HIT inspiring movie, SOUL SURFER, finally comes out on DVD
August 5 @ 7pm - Baker Book House is hosting a movie night and showing SOUL SURFER. This is going to                      
                              be an awesome FREE event with popcorn!
August 10 - Marks the beginning of UNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL and is also the FREE DAY
August 11-13 - UNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL in Muskegon, Mi also Baker Book House will be there!
August 15 - Hillsong United is playing at Van Andel Arena
August 16 - Grace Card releases on DVD
And much more, so check the What's Happening on the right side to see!

10000 Reasons - Matt Redman - A Review

Matt Redman is passionate as he leads the listener in a worship experience. The album begins right away with energy. "We are Free" is a song that invites the listener not to remain still with foot tapping beats and awesome melodies. His talent of singing and song writing is displayed as he successfully joins the concept of contemporary and classic worship music. The song "Holy" is an excellent example of this with a classical piano piece dominate throughout the song, and then the contemporary drums, sweet bass guitar, and electric guitars for a full chorus sound. The title song "10000 Reasons" with the swell and ebb of musical melody is a simple song yet profound in its Biblical lyrics.

Redman and friends create songs can be both emotionally based, like a praise chorus and theologically or intellectually based like a hymn. Evidence that proves this is answered by the single question, in what type or denomination do we find people singing his songs? The answer is all, traditional and contemporary; Baptist and Pentecostal; small and large. In my opinion, God has given him an amazing talent to lead others in worship. Also I believe that this is one of his best albums that he has ever made. It has a quality to it that I can't find the words to describe, but maybe because it interacts with the listener so much that description becomes more relative then definitive. 
This album is for any fans of Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, and Jesus Culture.

July 19, 2011 - New Releases

Today's new releases include Richard Smallwood's Promise, the reunited Burlap to Cashmere's Burlap to Cashmere, and more!
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Matthew West's "More" wakes up the crew of Atlantis

The STS-135 Flight Day 5 wakeup call was "More" by Matthew West played for Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. This is so amazing to have such a glorifying song to our Creator. Just think, this song played on Earth and outside of our atmosphere. So Cool!

July 12, 2011 - New Releases

Here are new releases from Fernando Ortega, Ambassador, new comer Dara Maclean, and more check out below!
*To note the Kierra Sheard release has been postponed for a later release date.
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Taking Chance Review

Dear Readers,

I am not sure you will ever see a review like this on this site again. Of course I can't say for sure because one never knows, but right now there isn't another like it. At least on this blog.

Taking Chance is actually a DVD not a book. I know, shocking, I actually do other things besides read. :-D It isn't one I expected to like, but it is one I recommend all the time here at the store and one day I thought I should write a review of it.

Our brave young men and woman have for hundreds of years have been willing to sacrifice themselves for our freedom. In recent years this has become something that is constantly on the news. Whether because a local person was killed or because there are people out there that believe they can capitalize from someone else's sadness, the news has made sure we always know what is going on. I hate to admit it, maybe am even ashamed to admit it, but in some ways it makes me not appreciate it as much as I should. This movie changed that.

Chance is a young PFC (private first class) fighting in Iraq when he is killed in a fire fight. Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl, played by Kevin Bacon, hears about it and volunteers to escort Chance home. This is the story of that trip home. It is the story of how Chance's story affects Michael, but also how the different people he meets along the way show respect and gratitude towards a fallen hero.

This movie is a wonderful look at the heart of America and the people who live there. It is a moving story of one man's rediscovery of why he loves his country.

There are no big secrets in this movie so I am not worried about giving anything away by talking about this scene. There is a scene filmed at one of the airports on the way home. Chance's body is being off loaded from the plane. Michael is standing by getting ready to salute and the men and women working in that area of the airport realize what is going on and stop what they are doing to stand quietly by the airplane while the body is being moved. They don't say anything they just stand there very respectfully watching. It was an very very amazing scene. There are several others like it in the film, but I don't want to mention them all as I want you to be able get the full impact of the movie.

I will admit I didn't think that a movie could move me everytime I watch it, and I have seen this one here at the store several times now, and every time I almost come to tears at certain parts. In fact there is one scene I still refuse to watch because I would be sitting in the middle of the store crying and I don't really want to do that.

Yes I did time this review to release on 4th of July weekend. It would be the perfect time to watch this movie, of course anytime would be a great time to watch this movie. If you are not proud of your country once you get done watching it, then maybe you should watch it again.

Happy (watching)

Chris

June 21, 2011 - New Releases

Today, there are many releases of Praise&Worship, Contemporary, Hard Rock, and some Hip Hop. The artists are John Michael Talbot, These Hearts, Peter Furler, The Martins, Casey Darnell, Aaron Keyes, Stuart Townend, August Burns Red, Shonlock, and Ronnie Freeman.

*Disclaimer: Richard Smallwood moved to a street date of July 19!

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A Day Set Aside to Honour Fathers

      Studies have shown that having a father in one's life is a necessary element, even if they are 5 or 55. That necessary element has an impact that can be positive or negative.  Every person needs a father. Sadly for many, the only great father that they will ever have in their life is their Heavenly Father. 
     We all need a father who is more than just one in name. It is said that there are many fathers, but few "Daddys." Some men choose to be "fathers" to those that do not have one present in their lives. I salute all courageous fathers who step up to the plate and provide a positive impact in the lives of their children. What does a positive impact look like? Being a girl there is only so much that I can conclude, so I asked the father's of our store (on the spot I might add).
What does it mean to be a good father?

      "The predicable answer is that of a spiritual nature. Even though everyone says it, it is still important to leave a good spiritual legacy for our next generation to have. Also providing food, clothes, room and board is always essential in a safe environment." - Louis

     

      "To tell your children that you love them, and to tell them a lot" - Lanny

      

      "A father is something like a role model. To have a communication of love that is both vocal and seen in actions" - Greg

      

      "I would want my daughter to describe me as funny but there for me. To be dependable." - Josh (new father of a 9 month old)


      "I would protect my daughter and give her my support. Encouraging her when she faces the challenges of life." - Chase (new father of a 2 month old)

     
      The movie Courageous is coming to theaters September 30. It is a movie to inspire men and fathers especially to live with honor. This movie is one worth seeing, it will make you laugh and become slightly emotional.

Lastly, Thank You Dad for being a positive part of my life. Though miles may separate us this weekend, 

you are always in my heart.

Daniel Marsalese was Melodious!

Now I know that two weeks have passed since Daniel Marsalese can and did an acoustic set for our store. You would not believe the problems that I had with the video editing. To keep a long and emotional story short, there were problems with blonde moments, and then there were glorious, stress-relieving solutions.
      Daniel Marsalese is a talented musician who can play various instruments and can compose melodious sounding songs. Daniel played for us on his guitar and harmonica, while accompanying him was a talented cellist, Kayleigh. The song that they played was from his debut album, Pages of a Book. Needless to say my videos taken on my camera do not compare to the sound of a live performance. I encourage you if you ever get the chance to hear Daniel Marsalese live to do so. The impression that I get from Daniel is that he is not just playing music, but he is orchestrating a sound that is pleasing to the ear.


Now as a special treat here is another video...

All Things Bright and Beautiful by Owl City - A Review

Owl City is Adam Young...and friends


      With great song writing and bright composing, the music fits together "beautifully." What I have always enjoyed about Owl Cit is that it is electronica without sounding repetitive and is from "real" instruments like the violin, cello, vibraphone, and hand claps as performed on various songs. The songs have high and low rhythms that dance with the words sung.
      All Things Bright and Beautiful poses such a happy and "bright" sound; however, the subject matter is kinda melancholy and sober like the song "Galaxies." This song is a tribute to the tragedy of the Challenger explosion. This album is one of those occasions when just listening to the radio singles is a real shame. The track before "Galaxies" is called "January 28, 1986," and features a clip of the Ronald Reagon's speech to honor the crew of the Challenger. Now with the the album being called All Things Bright and Beautiful, but  most of the subject matter is of a tragic nature, one wonders if there is a deeper meaning to this pairing of title and song. Can tragedy be beautiful? Can humans cling to the hope of a brighter day after the dark of a passing storm? The song "Alligator Sky" is about two guys leaving behind a apocalyptic Earth for a new life elsewhere. The song could be sad; however, here the leaving of Earth is shown in a prespective that is opitmistic and adventurous. Now one should not worry, there is one fun light romantic song on the album called "Honey and Bees." It is such sweet love song.
      Adam Young lives in Minnesota were it snows about 6 months of the year and only reaches 90 F about 5 times in the 3 months of the summer. Where during t winter months, one could go days without seeing the sun, and when you see the sun it is only between the hours of 8:30am till 4:30pm. So Adam to be able to create such  bright and beautiful art, this Michigander removes her mittens, and then gloves, and applauds you. Your music is like the sun on a cold January day.

June 14, 2011 - New Releases

Today, there are only two new releases. The new releases are both the sophomore albums for Owl City and Jackie Evancho.
June 14 2011 Releases

The Road of Tricia Brock

If one likes the softer songs of Superchick and the worship music of Meredith Andrew, Laura Story, or the modern hymns of Keith and Kristyn Getty, then one will love the worship music of Tricia Brock.

Tricia is the lead singer of Superchick and has been for the last 13 years. This is her first solo album.
      "I love singing rock and always will. But going back to my roots, I grew up in a church where hymns were the worship norm, and I still have a love for them! For the reverance in the lyrics and the way they were written, not being afraid of keeping the thees and thous. There was just something special to me about How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, Leaning On the Everlasting Arms...so I wanted to bring that love into this album. More importantly I wanted lyrically to reflect my heart of worship and the place I find myself in my journey with God, my road to Holiness."


The Road is a reflection of the journey Tricia and her husband Nick have been travelling for the last few years. It hasn't been an easy path they found themselves on. They have been walking through an ongoing battle with cancer with Nick's mom, almost lost Tricia's mom to a heart attack 2 years ago, have had health scares of their own, all leading up to the start of the album. Next is her voice describing a part of her life's journey.
      "Anyone who has  walked through a wilderness of your own will know where I was last year. I just felt like we couldn't handle another disappointment, another closed door, another year of feeling like we had unanswered prayers. Not only us, but all around us we have family and friends affected by the economy, losing jobs, seeing dreams lost, trudging though this battle of their faith. And we have seen them make it through. It seems that sometimes God allows times where we don't see Him, we don't feel Him, we ask the hard questions...but always He has rescued us just in time. This album was my way of saying I will worship Him when I don't have all the answers, when I haven't seen my dreams fulfilled, when I might feel like there is no song left to sing. But I still believe He will rescue, He will heal what is broken in all of us, He will be faithful to make our lives what He knows they can be.
      So this winter we were mostly done and working on the final vocals for the album, I found out that I was pregnant, right around Christmas and couldn't have been happier. It felt like this baby was kind of an answer to so many prayers for so long, and my dream of being a mom was finally here. And then in January I found out I had lost the baby around 5 weeks. Finishing the record was one of the hardest thing I have ever done. I have gone through so many stages of dealing with the hardest loss I have ever known. I still have days where it is hard to accept and I am angry and confused with God. But I was able to look back at songs we had written months before and see that God knew. He knew the songs I would need to sing that would breathe some peace and some hope back into me. And I guess the comfort in that is that He has never left me. He sees our tears and our sorrows, and without answers to all my questions I just believe that one day it will make sense and that He will redeem all that was lost."


I hope that you will enjoy the album as I have enjoyed it. There is a real honest tone to the songs that pulls at the soul. Here is her first of many singles...

June 7, 2011 - New Releases

Today's new releases includes some live performances, new artists, artists going solo, and some next albums for some. These artists include Blindside, Planetshakers, Royal Tailor, Thousand Foot Krutch, Manafest, Tricia Brock, Jake Hamilton, Crystal Lewis, Texas in July, and Maranatha!
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Daniel Marsalese: At Baker Book House

JUNE 4, 2011 @ 1:00PM

Live Acoustic Concert

Daniel Marsalese has released his first album Pages of a Book this May. His style is that of a artsy folk with some strong instrumental improvisation. Daniel and his band have played together so well that when it comes to writing the songs the different voices of vocals and instruments are present and accounted for. This relaxing and easy to listen to sound is excellent for any time.

Come check out this talented artist after your lunch on Saturday and be blessed with the great music.

May 31, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the awesome releases for today of Trin-i-tee and Tedashii!
May 31 Releases

New Veggietale Movie! The Princess and the Pop Star! Coming August 13!

Princess Poppyseed’s life on her family’s farm is far from the glamorous but lonely world of her favorite pop singer Vanna Banana. On a chance meeting at a playground, Vanna and Princess cross paths and realize that they look almost exactly alike—which leads to the crazy secret plan where they decide to switch lives! As each girl realizes that the life they longed for doesn’t fulfill all of their dreams, they learn that the life God gave them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovingly designed.
      Featuring a lesson in “being yourself”—the DVD helps young girls understand that each of us are created unique and special with God-given talents, based on Jeremiah 1:5, which reads, “Before I formed you in your mother’s body, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart to serve me.” The DVD also includes the new song, “You Never Are,” written and performed by this year’s Dove Award-winning Artist of the Year, Francesca Battistelli.

Swimming with Dolphins - A Review

If you like Owl City, you will also like Swimming with Dolphins. It is the same techno pop sound that Owl City made famous, but it also has some unique components to it.  This is not surprising, because Adam Young of Owl City produced Swimming with Dolphins. Although Swimming with dolphins hails from the chilly climate of Minnesota. Front man, Austin Tofte has created a sound with their music that is surprisingly war and upbeat. One can't help but thing of sunshine while listening to Swimming with Dolphins, but maybe this has to do with the fact that I'm from Michigan. 
      The music has a very youthful sound to it. Some of the sounds remind me of the music of the 80's, and some of the music reminds me of video games of my youth. Yay Mario Brothers! The overall inspiration for the album, however, came from the ocean and favorite childhood memories of America's largest lake (the Great Lakes). So this is some definitely music to play by the pool or lay out to. So smile and enjoy so easy listening music.

May 17, 2011 - New Releases

Today the new releases are by Jesse Anderson, Buddy Green, NewSong, and Swimming with Dolphins!
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May 10, 2011 - New Releases

Releasing today are new projects from Building 429, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Troy Sneed. And introducing the Christian pop group, Anthem Lights and for fans of Stufan Stevens, Glen Galaxy!
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May 3, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases for today of Nicole C. Mullen, Hyland, Tonya Baker, and more...
Disclaimer: Donald Lawrence is not releasing today. The revised street date is set for August 9, 2011.
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Lovewell Live in Concert - A Review

The Lovewell Live in Concert was an excellent way to end one's weekend. Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, and the guys of MercyMe gave an great crowd interacting preformance with a great light show that didn't need a lot of smoke (which is never good for pictures). I should apologize right now if this review seems bias toward Brandon Heath, but that is due to the fact that he is one of my favorite contemporary Christian artists.


Natalie Grant was golden with her talented vocal range. The control that she has has also been impressive. What was interesting with her section was her song choices. She is a self proclaimed Tweeter Geek, and she had asked her followers to request what songs they would like to hear. I agree with Natalie when she said that the stories received with the song requests make the song more than just about a song. It is about the message of Jesus within the songs that have the power to touch someone's heart and life. This song has a story that was shared. Parents had written to Natalie and said that this song helped them deal with the sudden lost of their little child do to an accident.

Brandon Heath knows how to put on a great show with just enough new mixed with classics songs and sharing words with his audience without sounding preachy. YAY! The only sad news that I have to share is that my video of Brandon didn't turn out so well (the camera couldn't handle the bass). Brandon sang songs from his new album of "Stolen," "Leaving Eden," "Your Love," and "Light in Me." He also sang amazing songs from his two previous albums of "Love Never Fails," "Give Me Your Eyes," and "I'm Not Who I Was." It was some great times of singing along, and Brandon kept the crowd encaged through a couple of different ways. As when he jumped up and then down from a big black box and walking into the audience by walking on chairs. There was this one little boy who didn't release that Brandon had left the stage until he looked up and Brandon was right in front of him. The little boy was so excited. It was cute. I thought the way in which Brandon related with the crowd was sweet. He told us of how he rode his Harley to Yesturdog, a famous hot dog place in Grand Rapids, and he has a connection with Youth Unlimited that headquarters in Grand Rapids. Needless to say the crowd loved him.

MercyMe is a band that loves the audience to participate, and I can see their logic. It is more fun to participate in life than to just watch from the sidelines. MercyMe had the audience participate in a number of ways. One was singing along and pointing your finger as a motion. There was one point in which Bart Millard had asked the audience to dance with him. He put it like this, "I grew up Southern Baptist, where one person dancing is a sinner, but where many people are dancing is choreography." I don't know about you, but I wish that I used that line in my conservative Christian high school. They had done a rock song from the 80s that has been their warm-up song for many years (though now I forget the song), but it was interesting with the different generations that either knew or didn't know the song. Being that MercyMe is over ten years old, there was many choice songs that they used. Some that I was happy to hear again. One of my favorite parts was when the confetti exploded over us. It was a great concert well deserving of the encore that it received.

How Great Thou Art - In the News

Last Friday night (April 22, 2011) on CBS, the Academy of Country Music presented Girls Night Out: the SuperStar Women of Country. One of the special treats of the night was when Carrie Underwood song the hymn "How Great Thou Art." Vince Gill accompanied her on his electric guitar. You see people singing along, people crying, and giving respect to something that they might not even believe in. One of the redeeming factors of country music is that it is so easy for many artists to express their faith safely. It is always something special when a song, one grows up singing like a hymn is sang in today's mainstream music. This can reassure us that God can use us sinners and the imperfections of life to bring about His glory.
      Every song has a story, and "How Great Thou Art" is no different. In 1885, Carl Boberg, a Swedish minister, wrote a poem called "O Store Gud" (O Mighty God). His poem was set to a Swedish melody, but was not widely known.

When I the world consider

Which Thou has made by Thine almighty Word

And how the webb of life Thou wisdom guideth

And all creaion feedeth at Thy board

Then doth my soul burst forth in song of praise

Oh, great God, Oh, great God

      Hearing this hymn in Russia, English missionary Stuart Hine was so moved he modified and expanded the words and made his own arrangement of the Swedish melody. He later said his first three verses were inspired, line upon line, by Russia's rugged Carpathian Mountains. The final verse was written after Dr. Hine returned to Great Britain.

      Some time later, Dr. J. Edwin Orr heard "How Great Thou Art" being sung by Naga people in Assam, India, and decided to bring it back to America. During the 1954 Billy Graham Crusade in Harringay Area, George Beverly Shea was given a leaflet containing this hymn. Then in the New York Crusade of 1957, it was sung by George Beverly Shea ninety-nine times, with the choir joining the majestic chorus:

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

April 26, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases for April 26, 2011 of Martha Munizzi and Ricky Dillard.
April 26 new releases

42nd Annual Dove Awards for 2011 Results!

The Dove Awards took place on Wednesday, April 20 and they were broadcasted Sunday night on GMC. If you are like me and didn't get the chance to see the exciting event in Christian music and want to know who are the winners, 
well let me tell you...and show you...

SONG OF THE YEAR & INSPIRATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR & TRADITIONAL GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

Jason Crabb

PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR & WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR

As Long As It Takes - "How Great is the Love" - Meredith Andrews

WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR (TIED WITH MEREDITH ANDREWS)

"Our God" - Chris Tomlin

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Love God Love People - Israel Houghton

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

"The Best in Me" - Marvin Sapp
ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Horseshoes & Handgrenades - Disciple
ROCK SONG OF THE YEAR
"Start Again" - Red
BLUEGRASS ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Singing from the Heart - Dailey Vincent

BLUEGRASS SONG OF THE YEAR

"Mountaintop" - Lizzy Long & Little Roy Lewis

COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR & COUNTRY SONG OF THE YEAR

No Changin Us  -"There is Nothing Greater Than Grace" - Point of Grace

SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR & SOUTHERN GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

Greatly Blessed - "Better Day" - Gaither Vocal Band

RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR & RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR

Otta Space Love - "Walking on the Stars" - Group1Crew

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Tonight - TobyMac

GROUP OF THE YEAR & ROCK/CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR:

"Something Beautiful" - NEEDTOBREATHE

INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Downtown Church - Patty Griffin

The Edge of the Divine - Sandi Patty

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

The Master Plan - Tamela Mann
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR & NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR & POP/CONTEMPORARY ABLUM OF THE YEAR: 

No Far Away - Chris August

ARTIST OF THE YEAR & FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR & POP/CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR:

"Beautiful Beautiful" - Francesca Battistelli

Francesca Battistelli - Beautiful, Beautiful - Official Video found on Pop

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!
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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!
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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!
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