This album can be summed up in one word: Different.

If you've heard the other Rebecca St. James stuff, you're pretty familiar with upbeat tracks, edgy guitars, and the occasional ballad. Don't look for that on this album however.

Rebecca St. James starts out with "Here I Am," a song emphasizing the need for us to be willing and open to God's will. Much of the sound is reminiscent of music from the early nineties, with echoing drumbeats, and the twang of electric guitars in the background.

The upbeat "Everything I Do" comes next and is one of the highlights of the album. "Little Bit of Love" continues the early nineties sound, but comes out okay with great and thought-provoking lyrics. "Side by Side" begins with children singing in a foreign language in the background, and is one of the more interesting songs on the record, encouraging the listener to walk side by side with other believers. "True Love" lays out 1 Corinthians 13 as Rebecca sings about receiving the True Love: Jesus Christ.

"Way Up Here" reminds the listener of the earlier St. James recording Refresh My Heart, with an almost praise and worship feel. "Above All Things" is the first real slow song on the album, and is very much like Rebecca's rendition of "Above All," from her 2002 release, WorshipGOD. "I Thank You Lord" is perhaps the best track. Background vocalists swing into the chorus to shout out "I Thank You Lord," and the entire song is positive and uplifting.

"We Don't Need It" has to be the strangest thing Rebecca St. James has ever done. Practically rapping out the verses, St. James puts a little edge into this one. Her debut ends out with "Jesus Loves the Little Children," mixing the traditional Sunday school song with her own beneficial additions.

Overall, Rebecca St. James is good. Different, but good. Listeners more used to her edgier sound from later recordings may be disappointed, but the album is still worth a listen.

- Review date: 1/28/03, Written by Shaun Stevenson