It seems like only yesterday eighteen-year-old, high school grad, blonde-haired Joy Williams was introduced via her hit "I Believe In You." This talented vocalist is now in her twenties, married, a brunette, and more vibrant than ever. So many changes occurred in the five short years since her first CD hit the shelves, giving her lyrical inspiration for the two projects that would ensue shortly after eventually leading to her first "best of" record.

Given Williams' brief career, it seems slightly awkward for her to be releasing a so-called "greatest hits" project. Even more awkward is the minimal number of tracks featured (nine favorites, one new). Nevertheless, Every Moment: The Best of Joy Williams is still worth checking out. "Any More Sure" is the one number unique to just this album, but it stays true to her usual pop/rock sound. This particular track affirms Williams' faith, singing "If I could touch the hem of His garments/ If I could see Him walk the sea/ If I could taste the wine from water/ Would I be anymore, anymore sure?" Next up is what could have been Williams' greatest radio achievement so far, "Hide," from 2005's Genesis. Also from that record is "We," which didn't quite reach the heights of the aforementioned song. Still, "We" opened the doors for potential mainstream success.

Prior to the pivotal album of her musical journey, Genesis, Joy had already been creating a name for herself with her self-titled debut (2001), as well as By Surprise (2002). The favored tunes from these two discs included the pop-oriented "Serious," the power ballad "I Believe In You," and the slightly rock-infused "Surrender." A light blues flavor even surfaced on "By Surprise." The hit, also featured as this collection's title track, that was brought back to life most recently in a MTV promotion, is the stirring "Every Moment." Granted, the song didn't make as much movement on the radio charts as "Hide," but it still served as a defining career song for the young performer.

Last holiday season, "Here With Us" was recorded specifically for a multi-artist Christmas collaboration entitled Come Let Us Adore Him. This song makes an appearance here following "I Believe In You." Finally, bringing Every Moment… to a close is Williams' recent life anthem "Say Goodbye." Singing, "Say goodbye, say goodbye to the you I knew before/ Say hello, say hello to a new beginning/ Say goodbye, say goodbye to the you I knew before/ This is your genesis," this serves as a beautiful and appropriate end to a well put together collection.

Where is Ms. Williams headed to next? No one seems quite sure at the moment, though many have offered different speculations. If this is the end (and how unfortunate that would be), this songstress can proudly look back on her five-year tenure in the music business. On the other hand, should Joy choose to continue creating music, there is no denying she shows great potential of becoming one of Christian music's leading ladies.

- Review date: 9/3/06, written by Lauren Summerford