Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam

Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam
Radiant You
Independent
Grade – B+
Rebekah has been growing on me over time; in the right circumstances and environment the soaring pop vocals give your spirit a lift. “The Glory of It All” leads off the compilation with a contemporary worship style that is very sing-able. The chorus is elevating and together with the pop-infused stanzas makes the song suitable for corporate worship.
“Give Thanks to the Lord” is a new and exciting twist on a classic. It continues to highlight the upbeat nature of Revekah’s vocals. The tender side of her vocals comes out in the emotive “Promises,” a heart touching psalm-like cry to the Lord – standing firm on His promises. Very similar is the piano led “Only In You.” Another impassioned and intimate prayer put to music.
“For You” is the story of the Gospel, it speaks of the cross and our response to the mercies of God. This song is less pop/radio-ish, but the subject matter is most essential.
Lastly, while there are many songs that are more on the soft side and contemporary worship oriented, the title track, “Radiant You,” and “Dream Come True” are more upbeat and pop-ish and they add a bit of peppy to an already charming CD.
While I have been wholly impressed with the quality of writing and production on this album, I am more so impressed with Reekah’s apparent drive. As a wife and mother of 4 children, Rebekah has a lot to balance and she’s done a wonderful job on her latest CD. “Radiant You” is a simple, but meaningful worship experience laced with an occasional burst of bubbly pop tunes.
Check out Rebekah and “Radiant You” on her official website at http://rebekahme.wordpress.com/.
- Ken W.
- Alpha Omega

Rebekah Maddux El Hakam: Radiant You - Review
By Barry Westman on May 06, 2013

Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam is a worship leader, singer and songwriter from Houston, TX. Her album, Radiant You, was released in September of 2012, and features 10 original songs and one hymn arrangement of “Be Thou My Vision”. The album was produced by Marshall Altman (Audrey Assad, Brooke Fraser, Josh Wilson), and contains a nice mix of worship anthems, simple praise songs and heartfelt ballads.

Maddux El-Hakam’s album has garnered some attention, featured as the “New Artist to Watch” on NewReleaseTuesday for November 2012, and part of the top 25 most-funded indie projects on Kickstarter to date.

Radiant You showcases Rebekah’s unique vocal sound and talent for songwriting. Her songwriting journey began as she was preparing for leading worship from week to week. Eventually these new melodies formed into worship songs that she uses in her role as worship leader at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX.

The theme of Radiant You is one of spirit-filled hope, promise and declarations that God is faithful to be who He says He is. The first radio single, “The Glory of it All” is a powerful worship anthem declaring that this life is really about the hope and glory of God’s kingdom. Another stand-out track is “Be My Vision”, a song that includes the familiar verses of the traditional hymn “Be Thou My Vision” with a contemporary feel and a new chorus that is simple, yet strong.

Finally, “This Is My Prayer” is a great song that could easily be used in worship services. The simple chorus just states, “I will hunger after You. I will thirst after You. I will follow after you. This is my prayer.” The child-like “La-la-la” section followed by the bridge adds to the simplistic appeal of this song.

Overall, this collection is a fairly strong first album for Maddux El-Hakam, and I’m sure with each successive album, the production value and overall effect will only increase. These inspiring songs on Radiant You will surely continue to reach a wider audience as more people learn about Rebekah’s ministry.

- All About Worship

Rebekah Maddux El Hakam: Radiant You - Review
By Barry Westman on May 06, 2013

Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam is a worship leader, singer and songwriter from Houston, TX. Her album, Radiant You, was released in September of 2012, and features 10 original songs and one hymn arrangement of “Be Thou My Vision”. The album was produced by Marshall Altman (Audrey Assad, Brooke Fraser, Josh Wilson), and contains a nice mix of worship anthems, simple praise songs and heartfelt ballads.

Maddux El-Hakam’s album has garnered some attention, featured as the “New Artist to Watch” on NewReleaseTuesday for November 2012, and part of the top 25 most-funded indie projects on Kickstarter to date.

Radiant You showcases Rebekah’s unique vocal sound and talent for songwriting. Her songwriting journey began as she was preparing for leading worship from week to week. Eventually these new melodies formed into worship songs that she uses in her role as worship leader at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX.

The theme of Radiant You is one of spirit-filled hope, promise and declarations that God is faithful to be who He says He is. The first radio single, “The Glory of it All” is a powerful worship anthem declaring that this life is really about the hope and glory of God’s kingdom. Another stand-out track is “Be My Vision”, a song that includes the familiar verses of the traditional hymn “Be Thou My Vision” with a contemporary feel and a new chorus that is simple, yet strong.

Finally, “This Is My Prayer” is a great song that could easily be used in worship services. The simple chorus just states, “I will hunger after You. I will thirst after You. I will follow after you. This is my prayer.” The child-like “La-la-la” section followed by the bridge adds to the simplistic appeal of this song.

Overall, this collection is a fairly strong first album for Maddux El-Hakam, and I’m sure with each successive album, the production value and overall effect will only increase. These inspiring songs on Radiant You will surely continue to reach a wider audience as more people learn about Rebekah’s ministry.

- All About Worship

Independent

Release Date: September 18th 2012

Reviewed by Joshua Andre

Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam- Radiant You (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

As 2012 draws to a close and 2013 comes upon us, let me draw your attention to an album I received in September, but had not had the opportunity to listen to until now. Independent artist Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam has released her debut album Radiant You in September, and her first effort is quite remarkable. With Rebekah’s pristine and powerful vocals reminding me of Natalie Grant, Jenny Simmons of Addison Road, and Nichole Nordeman; we are met with 11 honest and beautifully crafted melodies with rich lyrics describing the faithfulness and unending love of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Produced by Marshall Altman, who previously worked with Brooke Fraser, Audrey Assad and Josh Wilson; Rebekah’s debut is one to savour and her piano focused pieces are sure to win over the hearts of many, with the lead single “The Glory Of It All” a vertical worship song to Jesus sung with so much emotion! I’d imagine in the near future, this song would make its way to big radio stations like K-Love or Air1. Well done Rebekah for a thought provoking debut- it’s clear that you are a star in the making!

Opening proceedings is the upbeat guitar country worship anthem “Give Thanks To The Lord”, that is sure to get anyone out of their seats and start dancing! With Rebekah singing about how God is the author of our lives and that the days in our life are ordained by God, in the chorus she belts out praises to Jesus and sings about how we should give thanks to God because He is good and because He loves each one of us. What a great opener with such an honest and unwavering truth that is unending! “The Glory Of It All”, led by the piano, follows, and lyrically carries on from the opener. This time, Rebekah vividly describes her relationship with Christ, and speaks about how God is everything to her, especially since He is Holy and all mighty, and ‘…it’s not about me, it’s all about You, the glory of Your name, and the glory of it all…’. Realising that God longs for everyone to be with Him and that He will stop at nothing to woo us all and draw us into a relationship with Him; Rebekah’s worship ballad of surrender is a 5 minute declaration of giving our lives over to Christ- the best decision in anyone’s life!

The rest of the songs on the album are just as honestly sung and beautifully produced as the first two. “Hallelujah I Love You”, an acoustic driven simple reflective piece which beautifully showcases Rebekah’s pristine vocals, followed by an epic crescendo culminating in a spontaneous orchestral bridge where Rebekah cries out Hallelujah to Jesus; is about loving God in all circumstances, and trusting Him because He is sovereign. He is the Almighty, and He knows the best for each one of us. The title track, “Radiant You” is musically different, like something from an Owl City or David Crowder*Band track, and that piques my interest. Lyrically, Rebekah doesn’t stray too much from the theme established already, and she once again sings about God, who is radiant, and declares that ‘…You are the way, truth and the life…’ and asks to ‘…let Your Spirit shine on me…’. With no drums and hardly any guitar, this different kind of song is a nice change of pace in the album. Rebekah also records her version of “Be My Vision”, originally a hymn written in the 6th century for Ireland, and places her own worshipful chorus in the song as well. Though nothing can top Rebecca St James or Rend Collective Experiment’s versions, Rebekah does a fine effort, and I can’t help but be captivated by this recording, especially in the powerful and haunting music video! Transitioning from the hymn is “For You”, the song at the midpoint of the album, and this guitar driven rock anthem has Rebekah singing from the viewpoint of Jesus, and is about communion, and reminds us again of the love of God- so much that He died for us on the cross. If this song doesn’t boggle your mind, then what else will?

While all of these songs so far have been poignant, reflective and moving, in comes “Dream Coming True”, the short and bubble happy tune that makes me smile when I listen to it. With Rebekah once again proclaiming that Jesus is our everything and that ‘…You’re my dream, coming true, and everything that’s good in me is made up of You…’, this feel good track with synth and keys taking the drivers’ seat musically is a highlight, and it’s great to hear Rebekah turning this song into gold with her powerful vocals and honest lyrics. Of course we ‘…can do all things through You [Jesus]…’! The acoustic guitar driven “This is My Prayer” is basically that- a heartfelt prayer to God, one in which Rebekah proclaims that she will draw closer to God, and asks Him to reveal more of Himself to her. “Only In You” speaks about how only in Jesus we can feel complete and whole, and that He is the only one who can comfort us and make sense of this - ChristianMusicZine

Independent

Release Date: September 18th 2012

Reviewed by Joshua Andre

Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam- Radiant You (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

As 2012 draws to a close and 2013 comes upon us, let me draw your attention to an album I received in September, but had not had the opportunity to listen to until now. Independent artist Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam has released her debut album Radiant You in September, and her first effort is quite remarkable. With Rebekah’s pristine and powerful vocals reminding me of Natalie Grant, Jenny Simmons of Addison Road, and Nichole Nordeman; we are met with 11 honest and beautifully crafted melodies with rich lyrics describing the faithfulness and unending love of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Produced by Marshall Altman, who previously worked with Brooke Fraser, Audrey Assad and Josh Wilson; Rebekah’s debut is one to savour and her piano focused pieces are sure to win over the hearts of many, with the lead single “The Glory Of It All” a vertical worship song to Jesus sung with so much emotion! I’d imagine in the near future, this song would make its way to big radio stations like K-Love or Air1. Well done Rebekah for a thought provoking debut- it’s clear that you are a star in the making!

Opening proceedings is the upbeat guitar country worship anthem “Give Thanks To The Lord”, that is sure to get anyone out of their seats and start dancing! With Rebekah singing about how God is the author of our lives and that the days in our life are ordained by God, in the chorus she belts out praises to Jesus and sings about how we should give thanks to God because He is good and because He loves each one of us. What a great opener with such an honest and unwavering truth that is unending! “The Glory Of It All”, led by the piano, follows, and lyrically carries on from the opener. This time, Rebekah vividly describes her relationship with Christ, and speaks about how God is everything to her, especially since He is Holy and all mighty, and ‘…it’s not about me, it’s all about You, the glory of Your name, and the glory of it all…’. Realising that God longs for everyone to be with Him and that He will stop at nothing to woo us all and draw us into a relationship with Him; Rebekah’s worship ballad of surrender is a 5 minute declaration of giving our lives over to Christ- the best decision in anyone’s life!

The rest of the songs on the album are just as honestly sung and beautifully produced as the first two. “Hallelujah I Love You”, an acoustic driven simple reflective piece which beautifully showcases Rebekah’s pristine vocals, followed by an epic crescendo culminating in a spontaneous orchestral bridge where Rebekah cries out Hallelujah to Jesus; is about loving God in all circumstances, and trusting Him because He is sovereign. He is the Almighty, and He knows the best for each one of us. The title track, “Radiant You” is musically different, like something from an Owl City or David Crowder*Band track, and that piques my interest. Lyrically, Rebekah doesn’t stray too much from the theme established already, and she once again sings about God, who is radiant, and declares that ‘…You are the way, truth and the life…’ and asks to ‘…let Your Spirit shine on me…’. With no drums and hardly any guitar, this different kind of song is a nice change of pace in the album. Rebekah also records her version of “Be My Vision”, originally a hymn written in the 6th century for Ireland, and places her own worshipful chorus in the song as well. Though nothing can top Rebecca St James or Rend Collective Experiment’s versions, Rebekah does a fine effort, and I can’t help but be captivated by this recording, especially in the powerful and haunting music video! Transitioning from the hymn is “For You”, the song at the midpoint of the album, and this guitar driven rock anthem has Rebekah singing from the viewpoint of Jesus, and is about communion, and reminds us again of the love of God- so much that He died for us on the cross. If this song doesn’t boggle your mind, then what else will?

While all of these songs so far have been poignant, reflective and moving, in comes “Dream Coming True”, the short and bubble happy tune that makes me smile when I listen to it. With Rebekah once again proclaiming that Jesus is our everything and that ‘…You’re my dream, coming true, and everything that’s good in me is made up of You…’, this feel good track with synth and keys taking the drivers’ seat musically is a highlight, and it’s great to hear Rebekah turning this song into gold with her powerful vocals and honest lyrics. Of course we ‘…can do all things through You [Jesus]…’! The acoustic guitar driven “This is My Prayer” is basically that- a heartfelt prayer to God, one in which Rebekah proclaims that she will draw closer to God, and asks Him to reveal more of Himself to her. “Only In You” speaks about how only in Jesus we can feel complete and whole, and that He is the only one who can comfort us and make sense of this - ChristianMusicZine

Ray of Light | Posted November 13, 2012 Staff Reviewer
Add Houston-based songwriter, worship leader, and mother of four Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam to the growing list of independent artists using Kickstarter to gather the support of friends and listeners in order to record their music.

For her debut album, Radiant You, Rebekah worked with Marshall Altman who recently produced two records for Audrey Assad. Together, Rebekah and Altman have created a dazzling, remarkable record with a wonderful purity of heart.

The album opens with "Give Thanks to the Lord," a song based on Psalm 118. Joyful and uplifting, it's the perfect place from which to begin a worship project. Rebekah sings: "Let us rejoice and be glad!" And that's just what she will do for the duration of this record.

On "The Glory of It All," Rebekah's voice takes center stage as she passionately vocalizes her choice to follow Jesus and dedicate her life to Him. The music has the right amount of heft and mood to convey the glory and majesty of God. I particularly like the drum work that sounds like a military march or battle hymn.

It's always a challenge to follow up a big ballad without having the next song suffer in comparison. Rebekah handles this masterfully with "Hallelujah, I Love You." Inspired by Psalm 113, the simple song of gratitude is engagingly intimate while still boasting powerful vocals. I found myself belting out the chorus alongside Rebekah.

Title track "Radiant You" is arrestingly beautiful! The song's inventive, effervescent music captures the shining purity of God's love for us. Rebekah's voice is sunny, bright, and brimming with jubilance as she sings: "Radiant You / You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life / I am aglow in Your Spirit / Let Your Spirit shine on me." You're bound to want to put this one on repeat!

Next up, Rebekah remodels the hymn "Be Thou My Vision" by modernizing the melody a touch and adding her own chorus. The resulting track, titled "Be My Vision," is another showcase for her voice. It takes a special kind of voice to convey vulnerability as well as power. Rebekah not only presents both shades within the confines of this song, but as the album progresses she continually pulls the listener in with a genuine expression of her spirit. And once she has your attention, she wows you!

A unique song written with her husband Moustapha, "For You" took years to come to fruition. And how glad I am that the couple finished this exceptional song! Focused on Jesus' sacrifice, it's both a unique Communion song and a moving worship song. The rhythm section supports Rebekah's spirited vocals creating a pulsing, tribal feel similar to the music of Covenant Award winning singer/songwriter Cheryl Bear. This pounding, driving rhythm captures the call of Destiny underlying the Savior's sacrifice. What a song!

After "For You" and its grandeur, "Dream Coming True" is the perfect little ditty to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Rebekah's glee is infectious as she pronounces: "You're my dream coming true / Everything that's good in me is made up of You." If you enjoy Francesca Battistelli's "I'm Letting Go," you're sure to love this song!

"This Is My Prayer" is a refreshing moment of prayer that reveals Rebekah's desire for purity of heart as she hungers and thirsts for righteousness. The track's simple, heartfelt intimacy allows listeners to make a personal connection and gives voice to the prayers on their own hearts.

Lovely piano ballad "Only In You" is about finding rest in God. You'll find yourself offering it up to God as you join Rebekah in singing: "In You I find Freedom / Freedom to let go / In You I find Joy / Joy from my soul / Hope for tomorrow / Only in You."

Rebekah's performance on "Breathless" will take your breath away. Although it's sung for a Divine lover, to an unknowing ear it's just a darn good love song. As such, it has limitless potential for media attention. I wouldn't be surprised if it were featured on a television show or included in a movie soundtrack.

As Radiant You draws to a close, "Your Promises" leaves us with a reminder that God is faithful and wants to bless us. Informed by her family's experience, it has taken on added meaning for Rebekah. After Rebekah's mother gave birth to her sister Melinda, who has Down's Syndrome, rather than being disheartened by the voices that surrounded her, as she held her baby girl her mother held tight to God's promises.

Closing Thoughts:
Radiant You is a shimmering introduction for Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam. The project is a good blend of giddy pop numbers, thoughtful ballads, and inspired worship songs. In f - NEWRELEASETUESDAY

Ray of Light | Posted November 13, 2012 Staff Reviewer
Add Houston-based songwriter, worship leader, and mother of four Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam to the growing list of independent artists using Kickstarter to gather the support of friends and listeners in order to record their music.

For her debut album, Radiant You, Rebekah worked with Marshall Altman who recently produced two records for Audrey Assad. Together, Rebekah and Altman have created a dazzling, remarkable record with a wonderful purity of heart.

The album opens with "Give Thanks to the Lord," a song based on Psalm 118. Joyful and uplifting, it's the perfect place from which to begin a worship project. Rebekah sings: "Let us rejoice and be glad!" And that's just what she will do for the duration of this record.

On "The Glory of It All," Rebekah's voice takes center stage as she passionately vocalizes her choice to follow Jesus and dedicate her life to Him. The music has the right amount of heft and mood to convey the glory and majesty of God. I particularly like the drum work that sounds like a military march or battle hymn.

It's always a challenge to follow up a big ballad without having the next song suffer in comparison. Rebekah handles this masterfully with "Hallelujah, I Love You." Inspired by Psalm 113, the simple song of gratitude is engagingly intimate while still boasting powerful vocals. I found myself belting out the chorus alongside Rebekah.

Title track "Radiant You" is arrestingly beautiful! The song's inventive, effervescent music captures the shining purity of God's love for us. Rebekah's voice is sunny, bright, and brimming with jubilance as she sings: "Radiant You / You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life / I am aglow in Your Spirit / Let Your Spirit shine on me." You're bound to want to put this one on repeat!

Next up, Rebekah remodels the hymn "Be Thou My Vision" by modernizing the melody a touch and adding her own chorus. The resulting track, titled "Be My Vision," is another showcase for her voice. It takes a special kind of voice to convey vulnerability as well as power. Rebekah not only presents both shades within the confines of this song, but as the album progresses she continually pulls the listener in with a genuine expression of her spirit. And once she has your attention, she wows you!

A unique song written with her husband Moustapha, "For You" took years to come to fruition. And how glad I am that the couple finished this exceptional song! Focused on Jesus' sacrifice, it's both a unique Communion song and a moving worship song. The rhythm section supports Rebekah's spirited vocals creating a pulsing, tribal feel similar to the music of Covenant Award winning singer/songwriter Cheryl Bear. This pounding, driving rhythm captures the call of Destiny underlying the Savior's sacrifice. What a song!

After "For You" and its grandeur, "Dream Coming True" is the perfect little ditty to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Rebekah's glee is infectious as she pronounces: "You're my dream coming true / Everything that's good in me is made up of You." If you enjoy Francesca Battistelli's "I'm Letting Go," you're sure to love this song!

"This Is My Prayer" is a refreshing moment of prayer that reveals Rebekah's desire for purity of heart as she hungers and thirsts for righteousness. The track's simple, heartfelt intimacy allows listeners to make a personal connection and gives voice to the prayers on their own hearts.

Lovely piano ballad "Only In You" is about finding rest in God. You'll find yourself offering it up to God as you join Rebekah in singing: "In You I find Freedom / Freedom to let go / In You I find Joy / Joy from my soul / Hope for tomorrow / Only in You."

Rebekah's performance on "Breathless" will take your breath away. Although it's sung for a Divine lover, to an unknowing ear it's just a darn good love song. As such, it has limitless potential for media attention. I wouldn't be surprised if it were featured on a television show or included in a movie soundtrack.

As Radiant You draws to a close, "Your Promises" leaves us with a reminder that God is faithful and wants to bless us. Informed by her family's experience, it has taken on added meaning for Rebekah. After Rebekah's mother gave birth to her sister Melinda, who has Down's Syndrome, rather than being disheartened by the voices that surrounded her, as she held her baby girl her mother held tight to God's promises.

Closing Thoughts:
Radiant You is a shimmering introduction for Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam. The project is a good blend of giddy pop numbers, thoughtful ballads, and inspired worship songs. In f - NEWRELEASETUESDAY