Eric Dawkins weave Baker\'s testimony within an R&B/pop fabric

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Spensha Baker isn't your typical teensinger. Possessing a powerful voice that draws comparisons toWhitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, the 15-year-old is breakinginto music by way of gospel.

"I didn't choose gospel -- it's in my heart," Baker sayson the phone from her Converse, Texas, home. "I can't picturemyself singing for anyone else but God and sharing his message witheveryone. But I'm doing it my way."

That way is showcased on her Geffen debut, "Outloud!"(Aug. 5). Lead single "Hallelujah," originally recordedby gospel icons the Clark Sisters, reflects the exuberant,message-oriented material that makes up the album.

Guest producers Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary), Tim Miner (StevePerry), Shep Crawford (Whitney Houston) and Eric Dawkins (Fantasia)weave Baker's testimony within an R&B/pop fabric threaded attimes with a traditional feel.

"The message is to live your life out loud," Baker says."Don't go through life closing yourself off. Let people seeyou for what you are."

Geffen chairman Ron Fair sees Baker as "the truth. She's gotthat God-given tone that's handed out so rarely."

Fair witnessed Baker's talent firsthand as a judge for"American Idol" precursor "Star Search."Although the then-12-year-old finalist didn't win the competition,she did earn a Geffen contract. Baker's commanding voice has beennurtured since the age of 7 by her mom, Marcy, who also serves asher only child's manager.