Turn My Life Up
Sho Baraka · 2007
68 min · 17 tracks · Christian hip-hop
A vibrant mix of introspective lyrics and dynamic beats that fuse Christian themes with contemporary hip-hop flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Turn My Life Up — The title track encapsulates the album's core message of personal transformation and reliance on faith, setting a powerful tone for the entire project.
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Overrated — In Overrated, Baraka critiques societal values and pressures, offering a thought-provoking perspective that challenges listeners to rethink their priorities.
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Maranatha — This track blends worshipful lyrics with compelling production, showcasing Baraka's ability to merge spiritual themes with engaging hip-hop rhythms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal storytelling with dynamic beats, showcasing Sho Baraka's emerging voice in Christian hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that sets a personal tone, followed by an interlude that introduces themes of calling and purpose.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, typical of hip-hop but infused with gospel influences.
- Lyrically, the album addresses social issues and personal struggles, often blending storytelling with direct messages about faith.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective reflections on personal growth
- uplifting anthems for self-discovery
- vibrant melodies for thoughtful moments
- short tracks for breaks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Turn My Life Up marked Sho Baraka's debut album, establishing him as a prominent voice in Christian hip-hop. At this point in his career, Baraka was transitioning from a songwriter into a full-fledged artist, showcasing his lyrical prowess and commitment to faith-based storytelling.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Turn My Life Up 4:15
- 2 Interlude: The Calling 0:30
- 3 Music Of Life 3:46
- 4 Overrated 3:20
- 5 Rebuild the City 3:55
- 6 Maranatha 4:38
- 7 Saint 3:58
- 8 Great Day II Die 4:41
- 9 Catch Me at the Brook 3:43
- 10 Higher Love 3:58
- 11 Slow it Down (Simplify Your Life) 3:28
- 12 Oh My Lord 4:55
- 13 Love of My Life 3:16
- 14 100 3:16
- 15 GOD is Like/Who is Like GOD 4:34
- 16 Rescue Me/You are My Everything 6:34
- 17 Be Scientific 5:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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