#LETSGO

Just last  Month,Australian based, fast rising youth and adult band PlanetShakers released a collection of songs simply called #LETSGO.

#LETSGO features a blend of fast Riverbrating praise rock songs  such as  the title track(#letsgo) and All about you, to soft resounding worship as seen in Home, as well as refreshing  ballads such as Glorious  Collision, spanning  a great variety of musical genres (incuding some rap) in the process.

The album has a very crisp sound with excellent production and instrmentation, as well as lyrics that stirr the heart towards God.

Speaking  on the album, the group says they desire that people experience Gods presence on this record in a whole new way.

“Acts 1:8 says “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…”.  It’s our prayer that as you listen to this new live recording you will feel God’s presence and encounter Him in a new way.  One moment in God’s presence can turn any situation around.  What can take years in the flesh to accomplish, God can do in a second."

Known for hit songs such as The Anthem and Endless Praise,
Planet shakers is  a Christian youth outreach movement that grew into an annual conference and eventually evolved into a full-fledged outreach ministry and church in Melbourne, Australia.  Planetshakers band, are known  for mixing praise & worship material with a rock approach. The band and Planetshakers Ministries released some 30 or so studio and live albums, beginning in 2000 with When the Planet Rocked, which was recorded live in concert at one of the conferences, as are many of the band's releases.

So waste no time, click to download #letsgo and Home  or check out the full tracklisting and download on  iTunes and relieve  the experience. #Letsgo......

Brave New World -Amanda Cook

Worship leader,singer and song writer Amanda Cook of Bethel Music released a collection of songs  last September in her new album titled ‘ Brave New World'. The album attempts to capture the mystery of discovering God all over again, asking questions and finding redefining answers, also encouraging the listener to do the same. Speaking on the album, she says  that before every song there was a story

    ‘‘The process of writing gave me.  Permission to explore and to breathe in a way I didn’t know I needed. I was given a gift- to find out what I actually believe about God, to ask big questions, wrestle with what I had been told are answers, and find peace within the mystery. These are my imaginations and confessions put to melodies and music.

Brave New World represents a voyage of discovering that God has been on our side all along, that we can live a whole life, full of heart, with a capacity to process pain, wrestle with truth, and find ourselves steady at the end of our pilgrimage.

There is an endless possibility for God to create a world within us, a world transformed through the bravery of perfect Love. My prayer through this record is that you would experience the reality that you, in fact, house a Brave New World; you are a Brave New World. May you be filled with hope in the One whose mercy is timeless, and whose Love for mankind is as boundless as the sea.''

– Amanda Cook

Laced with soft instrumentation and her soothing vocals,  each song mildly  and gently carries the listener through this journey. The lyrics are deep and expressive, reflecting resounding truths with an amazing sound,that provides a totally refreshing experience.

The Great news is the album is available for free streaming at stream.bethelmusic.com, so do visit and enjoy.

Covered-Isreal Houghton

Last October, Multi Grammy®, Stellar and Dove Award winning gospel recording artist, Israel Houghton and his longtime ensemble NewBreed traveled far east to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ while recording recently released new album “Covered: Alive in Asia”(RGM/NewBreed/RCA Inspiration).

Recorded across Asia in stadiums located in Jakarta, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Korea, Tokyo and Manila the remarkable worship experience birthed 13 new tracks was available on Friday, July 24. 

“This project is certainly the largest, as far as scale, that we’ve ever embarked upon” said Israel Houghton. “I’m grateful to our NewBreed movement for always being willing to dream big and take action around this vision. I feel it’s our best offering to date… Gospel is good news- Good News is global. Global Gospel, Kingdom Music is our passion.”

Featuring production from Aaron Lindsey,”Covered: Alive in Asia“ will mark Israel Houghton & NewBreed’s 10^th album together and 15^th year anniversary as a group.

The project features a 90 minute concert film, a 16 track deluxe version and a limited edition CD/DVD combo pack that includes 13 tracks, an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the recording process and footage of some of the most beautiful and exotic cities in Asia.

COVERED: ALIVE IN ASIA Track List‎

Intro (Kau Rajaku)

Thank you Lord

Risen

My Strength

Chasing Me Down featuring Tye Tribbett

Our God Reigns Forever featuring BJ Putnam

In Jesus Name

One Thing Remains

Covered

Breathe 

Your Name

Already Done featuring Jonathan McReynolds

First Loved Me

How Awesome Is Our God featuring Yolanda Adams

COVERED: ALIVE IN ASIA DELUXE Track List‎

Intro (Kau Rajaku)

Thank you Lord

Risen

My Strength

Chasing Me Down featuring Tye Tribbett

Our God Reigns Forever featuring BJ Putnam

In Jesus Name

I Will Live

One Thing Remains

Covered

Breathe 

Your Name

Already Done featuring Jonathan McReynolds

First Loved Me

I Am Loved

How Awesome Is Our God featuring Yolanda AdamsMighty To Save

COVERED:  ALIVE IN ASIA Retail Links

http://smarturl.it/AliveInAsia-I (iTunes Deluxe)

http://smarturl.it/AliveInAsia-Am (Amazon Digital)

http://smarturl.it/AliveInAsia-AmDVD  (Amazon Live Concert DVD)

http://smarturl.it/AliveInAsia-G (Google Play)

You can download Covered Here and In Jesus Name Here

ABOUT ISRAEL HOUGHTON

Israel Houghton is prolific worship leader, musician, songwriter, producer and recording artist. His music ministry has spanned 25 years.  Houghton is the recipient of 5 Grammy-Awards, 13 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Music Award and many more. In 1995, Houghton formed New Breed Ministries that gave way to his debut releases in 1997 Whisper It Loud.

Since that time Houghton has released 11 solo and group CD’s and has consistently been a commercial success with Billboard chart toppers New Season, Power of One, and Jesus At The Center. He achieved Gold-selling albums with Alive in South Africa, and Live From Another Level.

Yahweh Is For Me-Ayokunle

Ayokunle graced our hearts a few months ago with the resounding uplifting single Unchangeable God, which was a great blessing to so many. Not resting on his oars, he is back with another equally uplifting and enriching song Yahweh is for me.

Yahweh is for me is a song that focuses on the ‘Who’ of God.It centers on His personality and how understanding who God is revolutionizes our view towards life and the various situations that may come our way.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, he says there was a leading to write a song that would stir up faith and confidence in God towards the end of last year, and this birthed Yahweh is For Me.

Finally written about six months ago and produced by O’keys, Yahweh is for me is an alternative rock song with a bit of a jazzy-African feel. The song opens up with the strong statement, rendered in  smooth vocals , ‘There is someone who is higher than the heavens’ and goes on to declare much about the nature and person of God with exciting vocal riffs. It then climaxes with a chant which centers who God is intertwined with indigenous lines that help drive the message home. Much different from  his other works, Yahweh is for me features  a rich blend of voices with soft instrumentation that gives it an unmistakable refreshing  feel that warms the heart,  relaxes tension and provides an opportunity for  you to reflect on God-the characteristics of his person.

Laced with alot of ‘Oriki’(which means praises for a king in Yoruba),one word that stands out in this song is ‘A to far a ti’, speaking on the meaning of this word he says

‘This means that he is solid enough for me to lean on, even with all my weights and he won’t give way. An example will be a plastic chair, when you sit on one, you lean on the back-rest right?, so supposing someone places 10 big cows on your laps while sitting on the plastic chair, you and the chair will give way and break. So ‘a to fara ti’ means that there is no weight big enough to be placed on you that God (being your back rest) can’t support.

’

 He desires that as people listen to this song, it will be clearer than ever who God is, as they have this understanding, they can face situations differently, 

“It’s easy for us to say we trust in God”, “we hope in God”, “were standing on the Rock that never  fails” but what I majorly want to communicate is the “WHO” we are talking about when we make such statement. HE IS GOD not Poseidon, or some goose bump feeling. HE IS GOD, He made all things and is immeasurable in stature, the entire expanse of the universe was made by Him, the stars the galaxies, the waters, the Heavens, and He had to have been God when He created the heavens and the earth. When the immeasurable might and sovereignty of the One whom you serve sinks in, and you know he LOVES you unconditionally Then You can make these statements in Faith and not cliched religion’

         And this song provides a great opportunity for that truth to become more real than ever, in a manner that is reasurring and uplifting.

 So waste no time, reignite    your faith in God as you reflect on who He is with Yahweh is for me, don’t forget to leave your views and comments, download Yahweh is for me here .

                        

What You've Missed

It’s been quite a while since I was here, I did miss you guys a lot, but im back and better, with loads of info and freebees to giveaway, so let’s waste no time and get right to it

Now a lot of things have happened over the last few months in gospel music, they have been lots of new releases by various artists, while some are gearing up to drop theirs. As is our culture at BTR, we have put together some of the major releases so far along with numerous free downloads, enjoy the ride.

Bethel Music-We will Not be Shaken-Bethel music have been known for worship music that is intense and lyrics that come from a living, intimate relationship with God, this they replicate in their latest 2015 release We will Not Be shaken. Released in january, the title track We Will Not Be Shaken  is a firm declaration of trust in Gods promises and plans, a dedication to a life of endless praise  is heard on Ever Be, a loud proclamation of the riches of salvation on No Longer Slaves and my favourite ,You Dont Miss A Thing focuses on the all-encompassing plans of God through every situation we face.If youre looking for an intimate way to express your heart to God, this will be a great listen.You can download the songs by clicking on them.Enjoy

Tasha Cobbs-Jesus Saves EP-ok so Tasha had a phenomenal recording of her sophomore project One Place Live some time last year, and to pave way for the album release, she dropped an EP in April containing some songs from it.The song Jesus saves is a bold declaration on the saving power of Jesus from the cross to the grave, the EP also features the fast rising anthem popularised by Jesus Culture and now re-echoed by Tasha ‘Fill me up’, (you know the first two lines of that song, ‘you provide the fire ill provide the sacrifice’, just sets you straight in worship), along with its reprise Overflow.With the success of this EP, expectations are higher than ever for the full album release later this year. Listen to Overflow here and Jesus saves Saves here

Hillsong United-Empires-Hillsong united experienced remarkable  success with their 2013 project Zion, which featured the award winning song Oceans(where feet may Fail).Now after about  two years of touring, and  promoting the album, which included the release of an acoustic session of all the songs, Taya, Joel and the United team are back  with  Empires.Released just this week, Empires features songs which centre on surrendering to God and not been afraid to stand alone for him. There is versatile instrumentation with strong heart_resounding lyrics, the typical hillsong way.The album contains the fast rising hit Touch the sky,(which is also my favourite)yet another awesome work from hillsong.You can download Touch the Sky here.

Marvin Sapp-You Shall Live-its been over two years since we heard any new music from Marvin, his 2012 release of I Win  was an awesome success, with hit songs like Deeper and My Testimony.This time Sapp is back again with a totally inspirational album You can Live,It features songs that speak to the heart and lift up the spirit. Yes you Can tells you how much you can achieve with faith and trust in God, there is a remake of the hymn, Old rugged Cross, Greater is a song of declaration of higher places in God, Honour and Glory just seeks to give praise to Jesus, other songs include Count on you,Live, and Thank you for the cross. The album is due to be out on the 2/06/2015, and promises to be enriching. Download Yes you can here

You can also check out new releases from Alexis spight(take your glory),Tasha page lockhart(Here right Now) and Tina Campbell of the mary mary duo(Its Personal) .All great releases. Do download  relax and enjoy the songs,don’t forget to give us feedback we will love to hear from you, I’ll catch you later, bye.

Still to come-news from our sources tells us there is soon to be released material from Isreal Houghton, Jonathan Nelson, Anthony brown and group therapy and Ayokunle.So  saty with BTR for all the info as soon as they’re out. We Love music!!(roger that)  

A MERRY HEART

When was the last time you had a real laugh? I mean the tummy-aching, rib-cracking, floor-rolling, cant-help-it-i-gotta-let-it-out kind of laugh? Being a while right? Well I’ve got great news for you, but before I open my candy box, lets talk a little about laughter .

Laughter is good for you, really good for you, research proves that when you laugh, you boost your immune system, as well as relieve stress and pain (that means no more aspirin and Panadol), and protect your heart.In addition to that, smiling and laughing relaxes  on your facial muscles, reducing tension,  when compared to keeping a frown or crying (and that tension is what you want to avoid except you want ‘facial 6 packs’ and a highway ticket to old peoples home), any way laughter is so beneficial and costs NOTHING, it would do us a great deal of good to engage in it more often. Prov 12:22 puts it this way ‘A merry heart does good like medicine’. Laughter and joy is one medication you can’t get an overdose of and which is absolutely free! Its response rate is exponential and it is not subject to the law of diminishing returns. When you laugh your brain cells are actually stimulated so you can think better and clearer, so rather than go into depression mode over an issue………Just laugh, and you will see you’re one step closer to the solution.

Now because she recognizes the importance of joy and laughter, Petra Christian Centre gives you the opportunity to experience this indispensable tool for living in its purest and most genuine form at A Merry Heart.A Merry Heart is an evening where you laugh, love (everything looks lovely when your heart is joyful you know) and learn. A time of good music, rib cracking comedy and some thought provoking words.It is designed to show you how you can face life’s challenges laughing and smiling and yet get all the solutions you need, not to add keeping you looking young and healthy (more like a massage session for your soul).

It is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 24-03-2015 at The Standard Alliance Hall, Providence Street Lekki Phase 1 by 6:30pm, comedy will be by the fabulous duo of Elenu and Ajebo, Music by the amazing Rhythms and Rhapsody, while Pastor Ayo Ajani will be sharing in extremely practical terms how you can leave every single day smiling through life.

So waste no time get a soul massage in an atmosphere of joy and laughter at A Merry Heart this Tuesday, and watch your life positively change. (and I’m so certain you’re not coming alone, I can see you dragging your friends and colleagues along, I mean a free therapy session? who won’t want that, you just won your way to their hearts, you can thank me later).

See ya.

Unchangeable God-Ayokunle

 Ayokunle is a dear friend and brother of mine, a young man with a heart that yearns after God.A Lagos bred indigene of Delta state and zoology student of the University of Lagos,He is passionate about seeing Gods kingdom established in his time and he contributes to that establishment by using his gifts of music(which are really awesome by the way).

Over the years, he has grown in the art of singing and worship leading, doing it with a visible sincerity and an unmistakable presence. With influences from gospel greats like Nathaniel Bassey,Sinach,Kim Walker-Smith and Hillsong, he has been able to create a sound that is unique and vibrant, resounding easily and running deep in the heart of the listener. Predominantly focused on the Soft rock, genre, He stands out in his songs with simplicity and ease of flow. Ayokunle who has been writing songs for the past 3-4 years, believes that worship goes beyond the songs we sing or the actions we take, it is all about a heart that is reaching for and connected to God, this connection being expressed in various ways including music.

He says

‘Worship is a matter of the heart first, to me it’s a real connection between God and man, there may be varying means to establishing that connection, hence music comes in as a tool, but it is not worship in itself, music is just one of the various vehicles to worship. I believe if you sing all the songs in the world and dance till your back aches and it’s not founded upon a heart connection, you’re just making noise.           

This connection is what he offers in his latest single ‘Unchangeable God’. ‘Unchangeable God’ is his second recorded single, the first single being the ‘Ephesian song’ released early last year. ‘Unchangeable God’ is a firm declaration of trust and dependence in the nature and consistency of our God. It focuses on the undeniable attributes of God upon which an unwavering faith can be built.

Speaking on the inspiration behind song he said,

‘I have this conviction that God is not the ‘Great I was’ neither is he the ‘Great I am going to be’ but in every dispensation, He remains the Great I AM.I started to look at the great miracles and breakthroughs of old and I became persuaded that God is still the same GREAT and POWERFUL God He has always been, hence the song ‘Unchangeable God’.

Produced by ace producer QaseBeatz, ‘Unchangeable God’ is a rock song with a very likeable feel that simply deepens the worshipper’s experience. From the intro-verse to the chorus and the vamp, it is laced with so many precious moments that just makes you want to lift your hands and glorify God. With just one listen, you’re sure to recognise the resounding melody for its ‘sing-along-ability’, the hook in the vamp that just keeps it playing in your head, long after the song is over( trust me you can’t resist the urge to keep it on replay). The song features really smooth vocals, vibrant instrumentation and some indigenous lines which make it all the more closer to heart.

Speaking on the song, he says,

My desire is that people become more conscious of who God is, I do not want ‘Hand-Me-Down’ experiences of God, but personal ones, for those who are weary in believing, they’d be strengthened. To sum it up, I desire a real connection between the hearer and God and not a connection with my voice'

And that experience and connection is lavishly offered on ‘Unchangeable God’, which is a great listen for anyone desirous of a refreshing worship time.

Ayokunle who is also the convener of the annual worship concert Serenade, which focuses on gathering young people with a burning desire for God, for a time of extreme worship with reckless abandon, believes we are in a new season where God is raising up men and women for his glory, and is glad to be part of it,

I believe God is raising generals and worship leaders that will ascribe the focus of worship to Him and away from human accolades and celebration, because he is the reason were doing this. I yearn for a time where not just worship leaders but everyone will be connected to God whether there’s a leader or not.

 So waste no time, relieve this experience and be part of that move with the song Unchangeable God.Do let us know what you love most about the song, and your experience while listening to it, we would be delighted to hear your views.

Download 'Unchangeable God' Here

Thanks Ayokunle BTR loves this song…

TY Bello-Morning SongBook

I Love TY Bello, She makes music that is unique and has quite a signature tone. From the days of KUSH ,TY Bello has endeared the hearts of many with her musical versatility.So towards the end of last year,the beautiful photographer-singer, popular for hits such as Greenland and The Future , released a free album titled The Morning song book.

Bello,who about the same period got delivered of two twin boys after nine years of marriage, said, it started as an act of devotion to God, where every morning she would sing to him a new song.  A compilation of those songs brought about 'The Morning Song Book'

Released in October last year, Bello shares her experiences in worship, and offers it FREE!!
Speaking on the Album she said

In 2009 I begun this amazing season where I would write music to God as my morning devotion. It was a unique time of discovery and I felt it was a unique way to give of myself…Open and sincere…It wasn’t long that I realized that I was receiving way more than I was giving. Every beautiful exchange with God always leaves us with more. I was also humbled when I got this heartfelt assurance that he thought the songs were perfect.
Perfect?? If you’ve ever written music you would know that ‘perfect ‘is the one that simply evades …Well…it’s taken a number of years to make… Here it is. My gift to God… His to me. And yours for free for as long as you can keep it so'.

The album features soft going balads with Bellos voice gliding smoothly over a great accompaniment of strings on  tracks like 'Alagbada Ina', which also features Musugh, and 'Thirsty'. The soft feel of Greenland is replicated on 'Dance for you', 'Jesu jesu' is a stirring song on the power of Jesus' name-with a more traditional gospel sound, 'Gates and Doors is an anthem declaring that all things will submit to Christs authority, and the worship song 'Yahweh'  just runs deep.

The ten track offering  features Fela Durotoye as well as Mosa.
The track list is as follows

 1.Yahweh
 2.Alagbada Ina feat Musugh
 3.I Am
 4.Restorer ft Mosa
 5 Dance For You
 6Thirsty
 7The Name ft Fela Durotoye
 8Jesu Jesu
 9Gates and Doors
 10Heaven Touching earth_Spontaneous worship

The morning Song Book offers a cool relaxing feel that just helps you reflect on Jesus and our relationship with him,and will sure be a great way to start your mornings.So take a listen and tell us what you think, the album is available for free down load here.
 https://soundcloud.com/tybellomusic/sets/the-morning-songbook

Thank you TY, its good to have you back!!

10https://soundcloud.com/tybellomusic/sets/the-morning-songbook

trac

Mali Music plays Jesus in Movie Musical

 Mali music has been a recurring decimal in the news in recent times, following the release of his 2014 main stream album 'Mali Is...', with hit songs like 'Heavy Love' and 'Beautiful', which was received with mixed reactions as well as a Grammy nomination. This time, Mali music  headlines a new musical presentation on the life of Jesus Christ titled Revival! The Experience, a "mixed media virtual experience" that is expected to be released in theaters sometime this year.

The new project has been described by creators as "dramatizing supremely constructed original contemporary and gospel music that helps recount the mission, ministry and miracles of Jesus."
Revival: The Experience, unlike other mainstream projects about the life of Jesus Christ, features a predominantly-black cast and a long list of well-known actors and recording artists.

Malis appearance in Revival! The Experience is an obvious contrast to other popular presentations of a Caucasian, long-haired Jesus.

In a recently released trailer,Mali who is actually making his acting debut in Revival! The Experience,  is seen in the wilderness, where, he confronts the devil (in this case, Lucifer played by 14-year-old actor Griffin Gluck or Satan played by Ahmed Ahmed). There are also scenes of Jesus being baptized, struggling with the cross to his execution, and being confronted by religious authorities.

Other key players in Revival! The Experience include Henry Lennix (Man of Steel, Ray, The Matrix Revolutions), as Pontius Pilate, the Roman leader who hands down Jesus' execution order; Obba Babatundé (Silence of the Lambs) as Nicodemus; former Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams as Mary Magdalen; singing legend Chaka Khan as Herodias; and Anthony Azizi (Eagle Eye, Transformers: Dark of the Moon) as Judas Iscariot.
Obba Babatunde (Miss Evers' Boys, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge) and Danny Green (Mr. Sophistication) serve as directors on Revival! The Experience. Lennix and Holly Carter (producer of "Preachers of L.A.") are credited with the screenplay, and also as producers in addition to David C. Waite (Xponent Media, Releve Entertainment and Jupiter Films).

Though the release date hasn't been fixed,  Revival! The Experience,is already gaining alot of enthusiasm and expectation, with Mali himself showing a lot of excitement about it on social media it promises to be a great viewing with all the eclectic properties of a musical, so watch out for its release,check out the trailer here youtube.com/watch?v=3NJqBFIkdFA
and tell us what you think.