“Fervent” is the word that comes to mind when you hear Rebecca St. James’ 1998 album Pray, and for more than just the uncompromising Christian message conveyed in the lyrics. Anyone who still thinks that Christian pop music is inherently bland will have their preconceptions severely shaken by this album. Pray’s gliding grooves and urgent beats surround St. James with a compelling sound that tugs at the body while speaking to the spirit. For her part, Rebecca delivers her declarations of faith with a breathy desperation that’s alive with spiritual passion. She combines tent-revival fire with dance club energy on tracks like “Hold Me Jesus” and “Peace.” Her cover of the Keith Green standard “Lord You’re Beautiful” is modern praise music at its most exalted. “Omega” lets St. James testify to God’s grace with quiet authority. As both unbridled evangelism and inspired record-making, Pray is powerful stuff. The album deservedly won a 1999 Grammy for best rock/gospel album and remains a prime example of how cutting-edge Christian music can be.