Rapture - Baker, Anita (CD 1987)

I bought this album on a cassette in 1986 because my first love dubbed it "ours". I had never listened to Anita Baker, and I should not admit that I never bought another of her albums. I did, however, let her voice entice me into keeping her in my collection for 14 years. I now have it on CD.

I'm not a follower of music. I don't listen to one band or singer faithfully. My taste in music changes with the seasons, and I think that is a good thing.

I love Rapture. The title is very appropriate. I am caught up in the rapture of this album every time I listen to it. I did not have to dust it off before playing it this evening, if that helps with how often I listen to it. (About once every couple of weeks.) I can't say that there is any song on this album that I don't like. I listen to the whole CD at least one time (usually 3 or 4 times) before putting it back in it's case for another break.

I love Anita's seductive voice. She sings in crisp tenor alto, and soprano. She moves smoothly in and out of the three ranges in every song. She has a way of capturing her audience with her wavy soul music.

The music she has for background is very complimentary of her message. It is broadly instrumental, with different tempos and rhythms throughout. Without her voice, her music would still be good listening. (Been So Long would get a little long without her voice.--no pun intended.)

My favorite songs on Anita Baker's Rapture are:

Sweet Love 1986 A beautiful love song. Anita sings about how it feels to be in Love, promising her heart and soul to the man who invokes these feelings. Her voice sings out with emotion.

You Bring Me Joy 1980 Anita sings out from her soul how much joy her love brings her. A slow paced song, this is a good one for cuddling. Or candlelight dinner. (Hint, hint, husbands.)

Caught Up In The Rapture 1985 I remember when this song came out. It is upbeat and, yet, another Love Song. Her voice is beautiful, even at a steady lull. If I thought I could get my husband to actually hear this song, I'd have him listen.

No One In The World 1984 You can hear and feel the pain and sorrow in Anita's heart as she sings this song. My heart aches at the very thought. I love to sing with Anita on this one.

Same Ole Love 1986 You should have seen the look on my husband's face the first time he heard me break out singing along with this song on the radio! This one came out the same year I bought the cassette, so I knew this song already and liked it.

Rapture Is a must have for my CD collection. I recommend it to any mature adult who gets caught up in a beautiful mind, body and soul. Anita Baker definitely puts forth all three in this collection of works.