So I’ve been a long-time fan of RSJ (my sister remembers loving her song “A Cradle Prayer” ‘way back before I was even born… but that’s another story).  But her most recent release, I Will Praise You, is my favorite of any of the album she has ever released.  She has been in the worship music field for quite some time, but I find I Will Praise You to be her most anointed and worshipful release ever.  Some of the songs have carried me through difficult seasons in my life, and I believe that there is an anointing for encouragement on this album.

Quick Stats

Pros: It is more vertical worship than many of Rebecca’s other albums.

 Cons: If you don’t like covers (songs written and sung by others), you probably won’t like this album.  Rebecca does quite a few covers.  Personally, I actually prefer her versions much of the time

A Little Bit About the Album: Released in 2011, I Will Praise You is Rebecca St. James’ ninth studio album.  It comes from the Provident Label Group, which Rebecca joined directly before releasing I Will Praise You.

Themes: I Will Praise You is predominantly worship with themes of trust, surrender, and focusing on God.

Style: One of the things that I really like about the style of I Will Praise You is that the style is very different from Rebecca’s former albums.  It is very worshipful with some rock and some softer songs, but all of them carrying a powerful anointing.

Transfer to Worship Service: Most of the songs on the album, like “I Will Praise You”, “Shine Your Glory Down”, “Almighty God”, and “You Still Amaze Me”, would transfer to worship service quite well.

Chord Availability: There are very few chords from the songs off I Will Praise You that are on the Internet.  Unfortunately, Rebecca does not have any official chords on her website.  So the transfer to a worship service is difficult.

Tracklist/My Thoughts:

1. I Will Praise You—I find it amusing that this song was inspired by the Christian band Delirious?. It is amazing what praising through a storm can do.  I have discovered that in life and the longer I live, the truer that becomes.  I love this song because it reminds me to worship, even through the hardest season.  Whatever the storm / whatever is lost / no matter the cost / I will praise You / I will praise You.
2. You Never Let Go—This one is a Matt Redman cover. I’ve always liked the song, and this is a wonderful rendition of it.  Oh no / You never let go / through the calm and through the storm / oh no / You never let go of me.
3. Shine Your Glory Down—Probably my favorite song on the album. This song speaks about the need to have God shining down every day on us so that the world can see Jesus through us.  The song is a heart-cry that God would shine.  Light of the World / light up this day / God I long to see Your face / oh shine Your glory down / Light of the World / be on display / and every heart will sing Your praise / oh shine Your glory down.
4. You Still Amaze Me—One of the more ‘vertical worship’ songs on this album. It is a song about how wonderful the grace of God is, and how He is just so wonderful!  It all comes down to / Your grace is amazing to me / Your love is still such a wonder / Your cross is still bringing me to my knees / oh God / You still amaze me.
5. In a Moment—This one is about the end of the world and how glorious it will be when we who love Jesus will go to worship at His throne at the end of all time. I love the beauty of the song.  Alleluia / alleluia / hear the sound of Heaven ring / alleluia / alleluia / all the earth will bow and sing / alleluia.
6. The Kindness of Our God—This song was inspired by the goodness of God, even when we mess up. One of the things that Rebecca sees in the song is that it is His kindness that leads us to repentance.  That is such a beautiful concept!
7. When the Stars Burn Down (Blessing and Honor)—Another song about the end times. The thing that I love about this song is the chorus: Singing ‘blessing and honor / glory and power / forever to our God.  You just can’t get more vertical worship than that.
8. Almighty God—This is another favorite. Written by Delirious? former guitarist Stu G. and his band members from One Sonic Society, this is a cover.  The vertical worship and anointing are powerful and I find myself worshipping, even when I’m supposed to be doing something else.  Actually, it’s a really good way to give yourself a good day…just stop what you’re doing for a few minutes and take the time to worship…Almighty God / is our fortress / He is with us / He is with us.
9. You Hold Me Now—This one is a Hillsong cover. It basically is a cry of faith.  Even though everything is flying to pieces—You’re still holding me, God.  And there is no pain in Your arms, nor darkness, nor hiding when I’m in Your arms.  It’s just such a beautiful expression of trust.
10. You Make Everything Beautiful—Wow, what a beautiful thought. No matter our past, no matter what we’ve done, no matter the mistakes we’ve made, God makes it all beautiful.  In His timing, it becomes beautiful.  You make everything, everything beautiful / You make everything beautiful / in its time / in Your time / it’s beautiful.  What an amazing God!

Star Rating

Arrangements: [rating:5]

Originality: [rating:4]

Anointing/Carrying the Spirit: [rating:5]

Singability: [rating:5]

My Enjoyment: [rating:5]

You can buy the album here

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