Rebecca St. James was once one of the biggest names in Christian music. If you grew up in the 1990s and 2000s like I did, her music was all over Christian radio--and for good reason. Rebecca’s unique voice and honest delivery made almost anything she sang something to grab your attention. Her eclectic styles also allowed her to slot into multiple genres, ranging from praise and worship to guitar-driven rock, and even some electro-pop.
She took a sabbatical from music for most of the 2010s, and her brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone rose to prominence as for KING + COUNTRY. She recently returned to music partnered with Bethel Music. Add to it, her family’s story is now the subject of a major motion picture, Unsung Hero.
Rebecca’s debut album released 30 years ago in 1994. While it produced a multitude of hits, we’re going to celebrate this anniversary by looking back at some highlights of her entire career up to now.
Self Titled
Rebecca’s self-titled debut album is probably the most different stylistically. Rebecca was still coming into her own as an artist, and the hits from this album feel molded by the popular styles of the era. Some may definitely feel influences from industry heavyweights of the day like Amy Grant. Still, her undeniable talent shines through. Hits like the rousing “Here I Am” or the child choir-backed “Side by Side” are highlights of the era. However, the Aussie flair that would drive later releases does peek through on some of the more upbeat numbers like “I Thank You, Lord” and “Everything I Do.”
God
I wrote about God for its 25th anniversary a few years ago. Check out my analysis celebrating Rebecca’s classic sophomore album that was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
This album is up to the big task of following up and building on the immense success of God. The album more than meets the challenge. The title track continued to evolve Rebecca’s sound and drive her momentum forward. “Omega” is a signature worship song that took a unique approach with spoken word portions balanced with a classic Rebecca St. James chorus. “Come Quickly, Lord,” “Peace,” and “Mirror” were other notable hits from this record. Rebecca also offers two covers from Christian artists who were tragically taken too soon, “Hold Me Jesus” from Rich Mullins, and “Your Love Broke Through” from Keith Green.
Transform
On this album, Rebecca took a more decidedly electric pop focus. Songs like “For The Love of God” and “Transform” boasted bigger choruses than ever before, but with more synth hooks often replacing the guitar-driven rock of the past albums. However, Rebecca still proved she could bring the rock home with the militant “Stand.” “In Me” was a worthwhile contemporary hit.
This album also was the home of what would become Rebecca’s signature anthem, “Wait For Me.” The song is a letter to her future husband about saving herself for him. The song was an anthem for purity for many years. And while many have had mixed relationships with “purity culture” through the years, this song is an undeniable encouragement for Christians looking to adhere to biblical Christian values on approaching romantic relationships.
Worship God
Rebecca St. James had always dabbled in the praise and worship genre on her regular releases. So it came as little surprise that she released a full fledged worship project in 2002. These projects were already beginning to become mainstays for A-list artists by this point, and Rebecca’s passion for the Lord made her a prime candidate to release one.
While Rebecca released covers of well-known worship standards like “Above All,” “Better Is One Day,” “God of Wonders,” and an especially popular cover of “Breathe,” the album’s true standouts are the originals. “Quiet You With My Love” carries the classic Rebecca St. James sound that brings a fast-paced power to the chorus. “Song of Love” became one of Rebecca’s most well-known signature anthems. “Lamb of God” would be a concert staple for years to come as well.
Non-Album Singles
A lot of Rebecca's hits from the early 2000s were not actually from one of her full-length studio albums. Her first Greatest Hits project, Wait For Me: The Best of Rebecca St. James offered two of her most well-known songs as original inclusions. “Expressions of Your Love” is a duet with Chris Tomlin that is a quintessential Rebecca St. James song from start to finish, with a bold, rocking worship chorus and guitar-driven hooks. “I Thank You” follows in a similar vein and was a success at radio.
“Yes I Believe In God” was a non-album single that was actually released in 1999 between Pray and Transform. But its inclusion in the Greatest Hits project helped cement it as a legacy song. Songs like “America” and “Lion” weren’t as big of hits for her, but are enjoyable rarities that are also on various hits compilations. For the savvy listener, there are a lot of unique offerings to unearth from Rebecca St. James by digging through various compilations released in the 1990s and 2000s.
If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something
In 2005, it had been five years since Rebecca St. James released a proper full length album of mostly original material. 2002’s worship release and her Greatest Hits project kept her with a steady flow of singles on the Christian charts but fans were longing for a proper new full project. This album delivered by bringing back a modernized update of the rock sound that had made her famous. Eschewing the one-word titles of most of her past albums, Rebecca went to the other extreme with If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something.
Songs like “God Help Me” and lead single “Alive” were some of her most aggressive rock tracks yet. But the standout is definitely the anthemic “You Are Loved.” It’s from this song that the title is taken from. I somehow missed this on its initial release. And almost 20 years later, I’ve recently discovered it and it’s quickly become one of my favorite songs from Rebecca St. James ever. With its anthemic chorus and encouraging message of evangelization, it’s a classic Rebecca St. James song through and through. The rest of the album follows suit with more engaging rock melodies. It’s a shame this album is often overlooked in her discography as it can go toe to toe with the albums released at the peak of her popularity.
I Will Praise You
This was Rebecca’s final album before taking an extended break from music, and her second worship album. The music takes a decidedly more atmospheric approach from the big rock and pop sounds of albums past. Traces of this sound can be found on songs like the single “Shine Your Glory Down.” But the overall approach is of a more contemplative nature. The maturity in her vocals makes this feel distinct from her prior work, but the delivery still reminds us what a powerhouse musical presence she was. While it was the last we heard from her musically for quite a while, it wasn’t to be her final release as an artist.
Kingdom Come
Following the Dawn EP a year earlier, Rebecca St. James roared back into the industry following a near decade sabbatical. Full of worshipful collaborations (including some with her brothers), this comeback release reminds us that Rebecca hasn’t lost a step vocally. Whether it’s the electronically-tinged worship single “Battle is the Lord’s” or the moving ballad “Dawn,” Rebecca is still at the top of her game. But perhaps the most exciting track is the title track and hit single “Kingdom Come” done with her brothers. Rebecca has also contributed vocals to multiple songs from for KING + COUNTRY’s latest project, Unsung Hero (The Inspired By Soundtrack).
I'm excited to see what Rebecca will follow this up with.
What is your favorite release from Rebecca St. James? And what do you hope to see from her in the coming years?
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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