Rebecca St James - Transform

Friday 1st December 2000
Rebecca St James - Transform
Rebecca St James - Transform

STYLE: Pop
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 2987-3551
LABEL: Forefront 8252512
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £12.99

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It s a funny thing but I always think that the cover shots of Rebecca s albums have been a reflection of her development inside. With each album, she appears to be getting more gorgeous or is that there's more budget for the photo shoot (check this out if you don't believe me!) but one thing s for sure, 'Transform' is definitely her most accomplished album to date. Mixing the catchy hooky pop of previous releases but this time around giving it more of a bite musically just adds a bigger punch to the message she s carrying. Adventurous musical directions, some excellent strings (including an orchestral overture no less!) and 'Transform' is in place as a musical and spiritual adventure as thematically she explores the life transforming love of God. Vying for the best Nashville CCM album of the year, Rebecca immediately hits the mark on "For The Love Of God" with its jangling U2 style guitars and soaring strings; "Reborn" is vocoder assisted punchy dance pop. The dramatic "Merciful" is one of two songs co-written with Paul Field who also contributed the excellent closing ballad "My Hope". "Stand" is a bit of a punch the air anthem but what makes this interesting is the fact that this time out, she's willing to experiment as she takes her music in a synth driven direction with "Lean On" , a song she's wisely co-written with hot new band Earthsuit. Another interesting combination is "One" , a song co-written by genius pop writer Dan Mukala which again introduces fresh elements into Rebecca's music. This is a stonking pop album and Rebecca is to be applauded for refusing to stick to the well worn but successful formula of her last release and break out into new territory.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Sample Track Listing:
2. For The Love Of God [Listen]
3. Reborn [Listen]
11. All Around Me [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 21:32 on Dec 13 2010

Released in late October of 2000; this cd by Rebecca appeals to all her listeners:The songs on this cd are very powerful! The intro is an instrumental piece of beauty. "Reborn" was the first song that I heard; I had seen the video version of the song on late night TBN videos:Great song!! What believer cannot relate to the words of "Merciful"( a touch of pop icon Sarah McLachlan is heard in this song). I luv the song "Universe"; reminds me of the songs "GOD" & "Song of Love". "Wait for Me" would become the title words to her "Best of" for early 2003; I have the video for the song also; waiting is never easy,WHO DOESN'T KNOW THAT! "In ME" is another song I just whole heartedly love; great song for you to record Rebecca:I can really relate to this song! The music to "Stand", the cd closer; reminds me of "Song of Love": Another great song! GOD Bless!-Don



Posted by Brian Edgeley in Christchurch UK @ 21:37 on Dec 3 2005

This album is a true reflection of RSJ's vocal ability to draw you into the presence of God. She draws you in by delivering stunning lyrics, with great music in the diversity of true sterio! This album is worthy of a listen and a great buy!



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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