This One is Her Best Yetby LiadanESM

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April 30, 2009: Aside from any "greatest hits," albums or the "A-live in Florida," this is her best "regular album" yet. I can't agree with other reviewers that this detracts from her typical style, if anything, it broadens it.

I see in R St. J's albums a growth and expansion happening. Her album, simply titled "God," is just that: simple. Not 'simple-minded,' but very innocent and uncomplicated in expressing her adoration of the Almighty. And, from there, her musical expressiveness seems to take on more and more facets with each successive album: "Transformed", "Worship God," "Best of," and now "If I Had...". I think part of the reason people reacted to this album with ambivilance is perhaps because she did have a greater tendency for worship style music in the past, and this takes more a straight "Contemporary Christian" feel and mayhaps some of her fans weren't ready for that; but it doesn't mean that she won't return to that genre in the future or explore it more, it just means she's trying new things and expanding in other directions. As long as God gets the glory and there's not moral compromise, what's the problem? I don't see any.

But, I don't want to linger on this. Let's get to the actual overview.

Like I said before, she does expand, but it's in wonderful ways. We see a great spectrum of emotion, feeling and expression in this album, and I do like her less simple and straightforward lyrics, they come off to me as more creative and thought out. Going down the roster: "God Help Me," I think is my favorite song on this CD. It's powerful, driven and almost desperate in her plea for God to help her get through her life glorifying Him. The rock is fabulous and her delivery is awesome. "Alive" is also great, not as intense, but still good. "You are Loved," is sort of poetic rock, if such a genre exists, but it's very evocative in her 'story' of meeting someone fallen from God and her attempts to get through to this person. "Shadowlands" is amazing. It's so emotive, filled with raw hope and again, that desperation for Jesus to see her/us through. You really feel both her pain and joy in this breathtaking piece. "I Need You" and "Beautiful Stranger" are again, not as gripping, but still have great feeling and depth. Worth enjoying, and hearing the messages they offer. "Thank You" is a throwback to her previous, less complex lyrics. Fans of her 'tradional' sound will enjoy this song with Tobymac, as she offers God a great rap/rock song of very freely given thanks for all He has done. It has a great beat. "Forgive Me" and Lest I Forget" are worth mentioning together, because they are both deeply touching ballads that are so full of feeling you WILL be brought to tears. R. St. J. is so open and depthful in these two songs, if you really need to intimately reach God through song, these are it. They are so beautiful and powerful. You will love these 2 songs. "I Can Trust You" is another of her 'traditional' style pieces, pretty and thought provoking, it's another gem.

Whatever you may have heard/read in way of negative feedback, ignore it. Rent this CD first if you need to (check your local library) and try it out first, but be open-minded. Don't let the style expansion put you off, this CD is fabulous. Give it a chance, R....

I Also Recommend: Love out Loud, Sea of Faces, The Reckoning, Live from Portland, Alive in Florida [CD/DVD].

Ministry Undiminishedby Anonymous

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January 28, 2007: Each song ministers in a different way, even if they're not all among my St. James favorites. 'Shadowlands,' 'Beautiful Stranger,' 'I Need You,' and 'I Can Trust You' are. This last album of Rebecca's came at just the right time for me and was a great encouragement. As always, the music itself was gorgeous and the lyrics solid. Rarely have I noticed filler lyrics on her albums. Most of the albums have at least two songs that are instantly appealing, and many other songs that improve with listening.