Pop artist Beckah Shae is gold. She’s been refined by fire and polished to a sweet, smooth finish. Now, she’s emerging, armed for life’s battles. She’s up for the challenge with her fierce new album, Destiny, a collection of songs born out of a wealth of experience.
Destiny—produced by Shae’s husband, Jack “Shoc” Shocklee (Montell Jordan, TobyMac, Group 1 Crew)—may have the same beats that current Top 40 hits use to entice listeners, but the songs serve as a wake-up call for this generation. “This album is an anthem for the army of God, for those who are surrendered and focused on their purpose and mission to be strengthened, encouraged and ready for battle. It’s also a wake-up call for those who aren’t ready, to get in line, get in position and be reminded that God’s greatest victory is but a breath away.”
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#6 Album Of 2011| Posted December 26, 2011 Beckah Shaecontinues to release music on par, and many times better, than anyone else coming out of the major labels. As an independent artist, with the backing of her producer/husband, Jack Shocklee,Destinycomes on strong as one of the best overall pop albums of the year.
Her sound is comparable to a mash-up of Beyonce, Rihanna, Mariah Carry and more of the heavyweights on the mainstream female urban/pop side. There are few artists in our own industry who are doing this type of music well, which has allowed Beckah to truly make a name for herself without the backing of a major label, and more are taking notice every day.
The new album kicks off with the harmonic and chord driven "Are You Ready?" a bold question to the church about getting prepared for the coming of Christ. But the album really kicks off with the powerful single, "Music," boldly declaring Beckah's desire to take music back for God.
The dance infused, electronic club-beats keep coming strong with "Supernova," "Holy," "We Are," the title track as well as early single hits "Gold" and "#putyourloveglasseson," which proved a huge summer single for Beckah earlier this summer. This is a dance album through and through, but Beckah still slows it down while maintaining the beats for "Just To Know" and "For Such A Time Is This."
Beckah is fully engrossed in her musical ministry, using her platform to deliver words of encouragement for a world that's consistently becoming darker around her. She pulls no punches and gets to the heart of the matter on many songs. There's no question for what she stands for, and what she wants you to stand for as well. Destiny is inspired by Top 40 radio as much as it is from scripture, and it's done as well as anything we've yet to hear.
In the last five years, musicians such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and other female vocalists have dominated mainstream radio with their catchy beats, signature voices, and controversial lyrics.
From Gaga openly admitting her admiration for “Judas” to Rihanna admitting she loves the way her beau lies to her, it would seem the only way lovers of today’s urban influenced pop music would be able to enjoy it would be having to bear with it’s backwards and blatantly vulgar messages.
Personally, as someone who has a young teenage sister who loves pop music, the thought of her listening to many of the songs currently on the charts is, frankly, sickening. Myself, like many, have long been hoping for a God honoring alternative to counter-act the messages found in today’s culture and take back the music for the One it was created for.
Enter Beckah Shae.
Certainly no up-and-comer in the industry--having previously released a handful of independent projects--Shae’s career caught the eye of Christian music lovers in 2010 after hearing “Funky Jesus Music,” her duet with tobyMac on his acclaimed Tonight album, as well as her two chart-topping singles, “Here In This Moment” and “Life” from her most recent album, Life.
Having garnered a dedicated following over the last year--in part by her unique way of connecting with people through “Scripture Snacks” (verses sung a cappella) and re-tooled Top 40 covers on her YouTube channel--it was only a matter of time before a follow up to Life was not only wanted by fans, but demanded.
“People are only listening to what’s being handed to them,” Beckah says of the message found in today‘s mainstream pop music. “It’s up to us to give them something more to help renew their minds.” Beckah Shae’s highly anticipated 2011 release, Destiny, does just that.
The album surprisingly starts off with the haunting and dramatic “Are You Ready,” a convicting question aimed at the Church and our readiness, or lack thereof, for the return of Christ. Picking up speed, “Music” shares the heart behind Beckah’s ministry of taking back music for the kingdom, mincing no words in the process: “We need a remedy for the insanity / we need a melody to help us believe.” This is a track listeners will gravitate to immediately, and I hope to see as a single in the future.
“Supernova” spreads the message of being the light in a dark world, while the club influenced “Holy”--unconventional to say the least--leads you into a moment of worship. The R&B flavored “Just to Know” goes directly into the album’s first single, “#putyourloveglasseson”, inspired by a common hashtag Shae is known to use on Twitter. Far more than a social quirk, the song is a challenge for people to step out of their comfort zones and reach this world for Christ by seeing people through His eyes.
“For Such A Time As This” ties in the theme of the record, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and encourages the listener to see beyond the battles they are facing and press on towards the prize that lies ahead. “Show Me” is a Rihanna-sounding, straightforward message against secular conformity and the search for truth, and is hands-down the standout track on this album. Vocally and musically. Had I not known, I never would have suspected I was listening to a Christian album. Fantastic artistry.
The fast paced “We Are” starts off with a victorious blast from a traditional Jewish Shofar (as a handful of the songs on this album do). It becomes an anthem, encouraging us to be the change we want to see in this world.
The inspiring “Hope” gives the listener just that, before diving into the most dance-driven of all the songs, “Gold.” Many fans had the privilege of hearing this song as it became available last year as an iTunes exclusive. It makes a great addiction to this album and once more, ties in theme of the album before coming to a close with the title track, “Destiny,” which boasts the message of our future not being governed by fate, but by the choices we make. It’s a thought-provoking and fun way to end a thought-provoking and fun album.
Closing Thoughts:
Beckah Shae has once again left me speechless. This album, from start to finish, is a complete gem. It’s obvious how much Beckah loves her art, but more than that, it’s obvious how much she loves Jesus. Every song on this album is challenging, convicting, upbeat, and worshipful. While this might not be the “most-own” album of the year for those who are into a more laid-back, contemporary style of music, those who are looking for the God-centered alternative to mainstream pop have definitely found their new favorite singer. Destiny is easily one of the top five Christian pop albums of the year and something die-hard fans will NOT want to miss. If Beckah Shae continues on the path she has with this record, I can safely say we have many, many more years of excellent music to look forward to.
Coming into Destiny| Posted August 09, 2011
I have been a Beckah Shae fan for a long time. Her voice, her lyrics and her sound has always been beautiful and fun to listen to. Her past songs were fantastic and still are. However, with this new album Destiny, long time Beckah Shae listeners can feel, hear and taste the new level of maturity. She has grown once again.
She doesn't stay stagnant at all. Everytime a new project comes out, you can be sure it's new and fresh. Beckah Shae is full of deep lyrical meaning, smooth vocals and contemporary Christian beats that you can be proud of. Destiny doesn't disappoint- only raises the bar!
LOVE!!!| Posted August 13, 2011
I have all Beckah's album's and LOVE them ALL, however I just have to say, this one is POWERFUL!! Soulful, beautiful voice with GREAT beats, and AWESOME lyrics on every track !!!! Jesus is always in everything she does, GLORY TO GOD, If someone could wear out a link, then I would have already worn this one out !!! LOL definitely a 5 STAR rating!!!!!!
Another great work by Beckah Shae and ShaeShoc Records!! Love how you never falter at praising the Lord! Great Job! I look forward to buying the album, and playing the music in my car while taking my son to school, and to church....to AIR1...play putyourloveglasseson more :)
Great Music with passion| Posted August 09, 2011
This is a great album with fun lively music and Beckah's passion for life and God shine in this album Destiny. It is easy listening and great fun music with a good clean message. In today's world of popstar women with their show of no real talent, just an image of sex and desire, it is nice to have a godly example of a modest woman who's image is about God and real music. This album is good music and a great alternative to the songs of today talking about lust, sex and empty fulfillment through pleasure. This is pure entertainment that you can feel good about and dance cleanly to. So yes get this album consider it part of your destiny!
I purchased Beckah's last album primarily for my teenage daughters and they listen to it weekly if not daily. We have listened to the last CD in the car on quite a few occasions when on a long drive and it is always great to have God honoring music presented in a style that is similar to what so many of my daughters friends hear on pop radio stations. I really enjoyed listening to this latest release and am thankful that Beckah has continued to craft catchy and God honoring songs. I know that our family will enjoy getting a copy of this release soon. Thanks for the free listen this week on NRT.
Who Is Ready for Good Music| Posted August 15, 2011
Destiny, the fifth full length studio release by Beckah Shae, is her best by far. A few months ago #putyourloveglasseson was released to radio and download as a preview. While the song itself did what it was intended to do, and that is to spark interest in the album, now that the album is out, it is possibly the weakest song on the album. The spacy non-dance track Are You Ready kicks things off, and it will send chills up your spine. Holy is how your worship should sound. I can definitely detect a "Tribal" influence in this song. No, I don't mean race, I mean Tribe as in World Wide Message Tribe, the UK Dance outfit that is the de-facto bar that all have to be judged by. #putyourloveglasses on is the 6th cut (that would be the last song on side 1 in the old Vinyl Days). You really didn't get a radio hit on track 6 in most cases.
I would like to predict that Destiny should clean up at the Doves and Grammy's, but I am too much of a cynic with those two organizations to think that will happen. On the other hand, while I wont tip my hand on this years PVA nominees over at The Night Beat, suffice it to say, that at present it is the front-runner in the Dance category. Beckah Shae has come to Christian Dance For Such a Time as This.
For a more complete review, I would ask you click over to myFull Review of Destiny at The Night Beat. 5 Stars is too few for this. Dance/R&B/Reggae, all expertly done. Makes you say Group 1 Who?
Best Album Ever| Posted August 14, 2011
Every song speaks to the spirit and the soul and calls us all into action. Destiny is definitely the best of Beckah Shae. Are You Ready? had me crying out for my generation, For Such a Time As This is helping me to walk in my destiny. The ends times are upon us, but there is no need to fear if we #putourloveglasseson and strive just to know him. God will show us everything we need. He is our hope, we are his people, and he is taking us through the fire to make us shine like Supernova's for him and become as pure as Gold. If we stay Holy and walk in our Destiny, we can change the world thorough music, Christ, and love. This album is worth investing in <3 -God Bless
Beckah Shae Review.| Posted August 14, 2011
This album, "Destiny", was the first album by Miss. Beckah Shae I had heard. Knowing what style of music she goes for, my expectations weren't too high (taking into account this isn't my favorite style of music). But, I really didn't mind this album too much. I liked "#putyourloveglasseson", and "Are You Ready". All very nice songs. Though some of the beats weren't my favorite, all the lyrics of the songs were great. Beckah can really sing. ;) If you like this style of music, you'll be sure to LOVE this album. Though this isn't my favorite album, it was a pleasant surprise.
God bless. :)
Bekah Shae| Posted August 11, 2011
Mos' deff' a GLORYHALLEGROOVIN', club worthy album! A must buy! Can't wait till it comes out! Each track just comes in like a child opening up a present under a Christmas tree and the expression is like WOW! These tracks are awesome to dance your way to heaven!
Love this album!!| Posted August 09, 2011
Beckah Shae's music has the greatest beat's! Get's me going as I listen at work. I love the creative lyrics & her heart for the Lord. I didn't think her last album could be topped, but she did it.
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