It hasn't been much over a year since Beckah Shae released her album Destiny that featured her amazing single "#putyourloveglasseson," and companion music video. Plus, she soon after released an updated version of her Christmas album and a Scripture Snacks album. Seeming to come together rather quickly is Beckah Shae's seventh album, Rest. What better thing to do with a seventh album than release a worship project? Beckah Shae didn't do it intentionally; she again followed the Lord's leading in this. 

 

Beckah Shae and her husband Jack "Shoc" Shocklee released a few singles earlier this year to sample what fans should expect from the new album. It became clear that the album wouldn't be so upbeat nor would it be the dance/pop we came to know and love from Life and Destiny. However, with the release of "Overflow" as a single, it immediately became one of my most-played and favorite worship songs of all times. "Rest" took a little growing on me, but is a fantastic foundation for the album, and "Your Presence," with its music video was my favorite of all three. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new Beckah Shae album and I am very glad I did. 

 

The album opens with the soaking worship title track. This, as a beginning to the album, is very inviting, as the listener can hear what God has to say about us spending time in His presence. As always, Beckah Shae's lyrics are very Scriptural, stating "As you wait, I will renew your strength/ And as you wait, I will carry you on My wings." It's very restoring and restful, as Beckah's goal through this song/album is. Though it is probably the slowest track Beckah Shae has released yet, it is not to be lesser-played, as her music definitely ushers in the presence and peace of God. 

 

"You & I," a very deep prayer, speaks of abiding in God and craving His presence. It only takes one listen before you will be singing along. That's the very cool thing about this album -- all the songs are twice as melodic as her usual style, and still contain the catchy beats (though slower) that have always characterized her music. 

 

"Without You," "Everlasting," and "Have Your Way" follow nicely, sounding much like the slower tracks off Destiny and Life. For this reason, they will probably be the fan-favorites off the album. "Without You" speaks of pausing to think of God when life gives us too much trouble, while "Everlasting" is my personal favorite of the three. In this melodic track, Beckah puts Psalm 103 to a great beat in a poetic way, as well as combines it with Jeremiah 31:3. I love how her music is a great way to meditate on Scripture! "Have Your Way" is the most upbeat track on the record, reminding me of "Show Me" from Destiny. It has a slight Latino beat, welcoming the Holy Spirit to bring His glory and love into our midst. 

 

Not coincidentally, "Overflow" and "Your Presence" seem to match each other, both being in the very same key. Since they aren't mellow with their light beats, they are very serene and deeply worshipful. "Overflow" is a prayer for God to take what we've known of Him and fill it even more ("Fill my weak with strength/ fill my full with more") while both tracks express a hunger for more of His presence in our lives. These two tracks are worship music at its best. I highly recommend that the reader of this review at least purchase these two singles for their depth and restoring melodies. 

 

Another soaking worship track, "Forever Yours" is next in line on the album. Combining passages from John 14, Romans 8, and several others, this track depicts Jesus forcefully getting across to His child, reiterating that He will never leave or forsake us: "Please hear My cry, you're what I'm desperate for/ despite what you feel, I'll always be here." Beckah Shae's vocals echo herself, giving a very heavenly and passionate twist to the song. And through "Unique," even though it is again for the listener to hear what God would say to them, it describes Beckah Shae's ministry very well. It sums up the love of God excellently, stating that "I made you with My own hands/ I made you with a plan, and there will never be another one like you." 

 

"You Conquer" acts perfectly as a story-book closing, seeming to recap everything in one track – we can rest in God's love because He has conquered the enemy and won our own hearts. Beckah's angelic vocals powerfully celebrate this truth with vocals that just beg the listener to sing along from the bottom of their hearts: "You conquer! (You reign victoriously!) You conquer! (You save and set us free!) You conquer! (Your glory will never cease!) You conquer! You've conquered me!" I could easily repeat this track all day. 

 

I've lost count of how many times I've listened to Beckah Shae's new album Rest (though one day I unintentionally listened to it seven times!). Through this astonishingly beautiful and heavenly album, Beckah has succeeded at her mission to bring a soaking worship album that restores, heals, encourages, and inspires. It's what her music has always been about, but Rest is more geared toward your quiet time with God. It doesn't have to end there, though – Rest is an album I will carry around with me to continue to bask in God's presence. 

 

For those of you who are fans of Beckah Shae's previous albums, there are tracks on this album for you as well. I would encourage you to check out the album in its entirety and give it an honest listen. You will be greatly blessed! Thank you, Beckah Shae, for continuing to follow God's calling on your life and inspire us listeners in the process.