Rest, the latest release from Christian dance-pop star Beckah Shae is a sharp departure from her previous album. Destiny was filled with uplifting anthems that you could bob your head to and get lost in the fun of it all, while the true message of the album lingered in the background.

In a way, Rest is a perfect companion piece; you cannot listen to this album on mere superficial terms. This album draws you to a deeper place, a place of true rest. When all the fun is over, we need to know where we can go and who we can go to; this album will allow you to draw closer. This is a meditation album, not a worship album.

The album starts with the title track and immediately you understand the journey you will take over the next 40 minutes or so. "Rest" is a word from God's heart to yours. In God's love, in His arms, in His peace and in this place, whatever place that may be, you will find rest. Beckah's vocals are almost surreal throughout this entire album and it is right here on track one where your attention is captured and you begin your journey into rest.
 

From this place it is the listener's turn to respond to God's welcoming invitation to find rest in Him. In "You & I," the lyrics are a direct response to Rest as we welcome God's love and protection and we state our desire to "wanna go / where it's only You and I."

"Without You" follows along the same line. It states our dependence on our Father and His Holy Spirit. This song seems to come from a place of deep reflection and realization of when everything else seems to be falling away, God is still there nad He is all we need.
 

From a time of personal response and reflection, "Everlasting" ushers in a time of praise and worship. It draws directly from Psalm 103 and is a beautiful interpretation of a beautiful Psalm. The lyrics stay true to scripture and the vocals and production emphasize the beauty of how God's love is truly everlasting just as He declares in Jeremiah 31:3. 
 

There is a slight musical shift into "Have Your Way." The sound is reminiscent of Destiny, with a slight pop feel and a more distinct bass line, however, thematically, the dependence on the Lord is still the central idea and how that dependence and reliance leads to peace. Following on from allowing Jesus to have His way in our lives, there is a dramatic musical shift once again, only in style, not in tempo.

"Overflow" is the centerpiece to this album. The acoustic piano, accompanied with strings, and balanced with Beckah's deep heart cry is sure to be a favorite from this album and may even find itself played in churches. Once again the dependence on God and His Holy Spirit and a desire for God to overflow in our lives is the central theme. As we walk with Christ, our heart cry should be "There's so much more to this life / when you are here / Consume every part of me / so I'm missing nothing / And the more I seek you I find / that You are here."
 

The point of rest in any given situation is to get a break and get re-energized. The best place for this rest is in the presence of our Lord and Savior. "Your Presence" speaks of this quiet place where all of our questions fade away and fears die; a place where love has won. It is in this presence of God that we find restoration and replenishment so that we can finish well.
 

As the album begins to draw to a close a response from God comes in what is a continuous conversation. "Forever Yours" is Jesus' cry to us, yes, you read that correctly, Shae writes a beautiful lyric that says, "Please hear my cry / you're what I'm desperate for." What would seem to be a usual statement from us to Jesus is what His heart is for us as well. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be Forever Yours. With "Unique," our identity in Christ is re-confirmed. As you listen to this song, let it truly sink in to your spirit that this is how God views His amazing creation that is you.
 

The final track is the victory cry. "You Conquer" is not your typical high paced victory cry, it starts with a trumpet blast that somewhat reminded me of the final battle in Chronicles of Narnia. The song states clearly that God has conquered us and as such has conquered the sin within us. It also speaks of God's relentless pursuit for us. This is a wonderful reminder that God truly wants to capture your heart and shower you with His love.
 

Closing Thoughts:
This is a beautifully reflective album, within the liner notes Beckah writes, "It is my desire that this project sets an atmosphere for your time of devotion and intimacy with the Lord. That intimate "you and Him" time; that place where you can wrestle, cry, wait, and listen." She has done exactly what she set out to do. The production quality is fantastic and Shae's vocals are sublime. In her own unique way she has provided an avenue for the listener to take off the love glasses and Rest in the presence of God.