Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Nope, this isn't the brand new album from Rebecca St James but rather her first effort recorded as an even more fresh faced teenager than on her American debut in 1994! This recorded in 1991 shows a supremely confident RSJ adopting a pop rock sound with plenty of "80s style guitars to produce a contemporary praise album! Covering tunes from a variety of Australian writers, notably Geoff Bullock, this is a curious album for those who have come to love her Nashville material. "The Rock Medley" shows that Rebecca is not afraid to sing strident songs of praise and that even six years ago she was demonstrating that she potentially had the chops to be a solo artist. Just to prove her youthful versatility she also presents the "Soul Melody" with plenty of groove and horns including a version of Chris Falson's "I Walk By Faith"! To be honest, this isn't such a bad start for the lass. Her cover of Bullock's "Show Your Glory" and his title song "Refresh My Heart" show the singer developing her voice but now that she has enjoyed serious success, I bet she'd rather you didn't hear her first steps into recording! If you're a big fan, this will be worth getting, otherwise it's just an interesting early chapter on a career which looks set to run and run.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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