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JFH Music Review




Rebecca St. James
Christmas



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 43 minutes, 17 seconds
Street Date: October 1, 1997


Rebecca St. James had changed her style of music between her self-titled release and God in 1994 and 1996, respectively, going from upbeat pop to a more modern rock sound. This Australian artist had accomplished so much at such a young age during the 90s. Rebecca is a very talented singer that the world has embraced, changing typical songs like the "Veggie Tales" theme into something completely new and diverse. Listeners can appreciate here 1997 Christmas album greatly as it is also not your typical Christmas album.

Simply titled Christmas, the album begins with "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" which is a perfect opener. This song is one of the lesser-known Christmas tunes, with St. James' rendition sounding quite a bit different than the Kenny Rogers or Elvis versions from past. "Happy Christmas" is a John Lennon original that begins with a rhythmic bass before leading into Rebecca's signature vocals. The first two minutes of "O Come Emmanuel" that follow might give listeners the impression that they were in for a nice little ballad, until Rebecca repeatedly shouts "Shall come" as it develops with more rock instrumentation. "One Small Child" is very nicely done as the chorus moves along very quickly, especially for a song that is typically known for being more passive. "Silent Night" presents an almost Celtic flavor with some electric guitar thrown in for good measure as Rebecca softly hums the verses and sings the chorus for more of a lullaby feel.

When thinking of "O Holy Night," a techno dance song isn't in the front of your mind, and yet, when Rebecca makes it just that, it surprisingly works. This song is certainly one of the standout tracks as it becomes a very energetic Christmas classic. "What Child is This" is beautifully done and will likely be a favorite among Rebecca and Christmas listeners alike. "O Come Let Us Adore Him" could easily be mistaken for one of Rebecca's previous recordings from God if it weren't for the familiar chorus. Christmas closes with a very nice emotional ballad, "A Cradle Prayer." The song flows nicely with acoustic, piano, and violin orchestration. It's the perfect album conclusion.

When an artist releases a Christmas album, they tend to be of a very traditional style, which is good because it's more likely to be timeless year after year. Michael W. Smith, Kevin Max, and Amy Grant are just some of the few examples. However, it's nice to have an artist render their style of music into a Christmas album, and that's exactly what we have right here with Rebecca St. James' Christmas.

- Review date: 11/23/07, written by Wayne Myatt



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. Record Label: Forefront Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 43 minutes, 17 seconds
. Street Date: October 1, 1997
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Sweet Little Jesus Boy
  2. Happy Christmas
  3. O Come Emmanuel
  4. One Small Child
  5. Silent Night
  6. O Holy Night
  7. What Child Is This
  8. Jesu' Joy Of Man's Desiring
  9. O Come All Ye Faithful
  10. A Cradle Prayer
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This Friday, November 7, 2025
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) [Warner Music]
Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - EP [Circle Back]
Jekalyn Carr JEKALYN X LEGENDS [WayNorth]
DAMIAN DAMIAN [DREAM]
Every Nation Music Revive [NWN]
Josh Garrels Peace To All Who Enter Here, Vol. 2 (independent)
Amy Jay Mnemonics (independent)
JERUB The Wonder Years [Elevate]
JSP No More (independent)
New Wine Worship Praise King Jesus (Live from New Wine Festival) (independent)
Jeremy Rosado Feliz Navidad - EP [Capitol CMG]
(UN)WORTHY From the Belly of the Beast - EP (independent)

SINGLES
Dave Barnes Santa's Gotta Go - Single (independent)
Gracie Binion Gunpowder - Single [BEC]
Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - Single [Circle Back]
Blanca O Come, All Ye Faithful (Gloria) - Single [BEC]
Andrea Bocelli The Blessing (feat. Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes) - Single [Universal]
Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas Is All In The Heart (with CeCe Winans) - Single [The Fuel]
Cutright Gram Cracker - Single [Syntax]
Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Ellie Holcomb It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Magnolia]
Elevation Worship God I'm Just Grateful (feat. Chandler Moore) - Single [Provident]
FrenchyRiff Steps - Single [La Resistance]
Garett and Kate Serban O Holy Night / Holy Forever - Single [Bethel]
Good Things Collective Rejoice! - Single [Real Fun]
Hillside Recording Everlasting Father - Single (independent)
Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Somewhere Far - Single (independent)
K3hlab Lord You Are - Single [Syntax]
Kelo The Break-Up - Single [Syntax]
Lakewood Music Rejoice Again (feat. Alexander Pappas) - Single (independent)
Colony House Life Goes On/You’re Right Where You’re Meant To Be - Single [LastDaze]
Ben Lawrence Moving (feat. Pyramid Park) - Single (independent)
Tasha Layton Christmas All Year Long - Single [BEC]
Life.Church Worship Tanto - Single (independent)
Limoblaze Esé - Single [Reach]
Myles Maestro falling 4 u - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Yeen ain't wit it - Single [Syntax]
Jeannie Ortega Boyfriend - Single [Syntax]
Presence Music Band Who Knew (Gift Wrapped) [feat. Blake Whiteley] - Single (independent)
Prodi Da Prodigal Modus Operandi - Single [Syntax]
Road to Restoration, Fridayy The Truth - Single [BMG]
Sacrificial Betrayal Take Risk - Single (independent)
Zane Walls YOU ARE THE FIRE (feat. JontheKid) - Single (independent)
Rhett Walker Carol of the Bells - Single [BEC]

This Saturday, November 8, 2025
SINGLES
Seth Davey I Can't Sing it Loud Enough - Single (independent)

Next Friday, November 14, 2025
ALBUMS
Emery White Line Fever (Remastered) - Disc One (independent)
Kings Kaleidoscope Asaph's Arrows II EP [BEC]
Ronnie Martin Evergreen Melodie [Velvet Blue]
NF FEAR - EP [Capitol]
Blessing Offor To All A Good Night [Capitol CMG]
Rave Jesus I MET GOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR [Provident]
The Young Escape Not Done Yet [BEC]

SINGLES
Biscuits Drifting Off (Hayloft) - Single [Circle Back]
Richard Lynch Why Me Lord - Single [MTS]
NEEDTOBREATHE Where You Call Home - Single [Omnivore]
Hunter Plake Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Single [BEC]


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