Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

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



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. 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
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, February 21, 2025
ALBUMS
Gather Worship Hear The World That You So Love Sing Back To You [Integrity]
Grace Graber The Breakthrough Live - EP [Wings]
Andy Hunter UR♥D (independent)
Mat Kearney Mat Kearney (still drowning in nostalgia) [Deluxe] [Middle Kid]
Natalie Layne All Joy [Centricity]
David Leonard Just Jesus [Provident]
Passion Call On Heaven (Come, Lord Jesus) - Live [Sixsteps]
Jordan Smith The People's Hymnal [Gaither]

SINGLES
John Chisum Firm Foundation - Single [NCS]
Riley Clemmons Runs Deep - Single [Capitol CMG]
Coqui only Idol - Single [DREAM]
Adriel Cruz Joy Comes in the Morning - Single [Syntax]
CXMMXNS" Remember Christ - Single [Provident]
Colton Dixon Up + Up (Live) [Atlantic]
Noah Paul Harrison Elohim (Live) - Single [Bethel]
Leslie Jordan Athensville - Single (independent)
Kashh Kade ALIVE - Single [Syntax]
Will Kellum Burning Idols - Single [Syntax]
Keyodis Nasty - Single [Charon Collective]
Vic Lucas Closer - Single [Syntax]
Melody Noel Closer Than I Know - Single (independent)
Pastor Mike Jr. Proof - Single [Capitol CMG]
R.kitect Intent to Distribute - Single (independent)
SEU Worship Day To Day - Single [Provident]
Switchfoot x Buddy Guy Last Man Standing - Single
Tedashii safe to be me (feat. Jordin Sparks) - Single [Reach]
Luke Wareham x Neon Tigers Set Me Apart (feat. Millie Ferguson) [Remix] - Single (independent)
Madison Watkins Goodbye - Single [Provident]
WHATUPRG Z99 - Single [Reach]
Phil Wickham The King is in the Room - Single [Fair Trade]

Next Thursday, February 27, 2025
ALBUMS
Various Artists House of David: Season One (Music inspired by the Prime Video Original Series) [Capitol CMG]

Next Friday, February 28, 2025
ALBUMS
The Belonging Co Eden (Live) [Capitol CMG]
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir I Will Not Be Moved: Live with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir [StowTown]

SINGLES
Dan Bremnes Call Your Name - Single [Curb]
Disciple Sound the Alarm - Single [Tooth & Nail]
Faith Worship Arts Good 2 Me (Live) - Single [DREAM Worship]
PEABOD Head First (from Gabriel and the Guardians) - Single (independent)



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out the newest JFH Metal compilation - FREE!
Get JFH's 13th free indie compilation now!
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images