With her first studio album in almost six years releasing this week, it seems only fitting to look back at the previous recordings of Rebecca St. James. While listening to her new album I Will Praise You, I found that her previous 2005 record, If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something followed alphabetically in my iTunes and I’d often let it play after I Will Praise You would finish. I honestly had forgotten how much I’d enjoyed the ridiculously long-titled album from Rebecca. It seemed to be a mostly underrated release, but offered memorable songs like the heartfelt prayer of “Forgive Me,” where RSJ sang with BarlowGirl, and the anthemic rockers “God Help Me” and “Alive.” Rebecca’s passion for Jesus has always been infectious and her regular studio albums have often consisted of encouraging and easily relatable and transparent songs. Whether she’s singing of brokenness or the love of Christ, If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something set out to encourage and bring hope to listeners, and it certainly did that. Maybe it’s not RSJ’s best, but it’s an album that still sounds pretty good today. And the worshipful tracks “Take All Of Me” and “Lest I Forget” are still great ways to express our love to the Savior.
– John DiBiase
Rebecca St. James
If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something (2005)
Click here for our review of the album.
Our synopsis: “Rebecca’s last rock / pop record is a memorable one, and perfect for weary souls looking for some hopeful anthems to help them refocus their gaze and keep on.” (Recommended by JFH’s John DiBiase)
Perfect For: Encouragement, worship, hope
Song Highlights: “God Help Me,” “Alive,” “Forgive Me,” “Shadowlands,” “I Can Trust You,” “Take All of Me”
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something? Do you recommend it? If so, why?