Mad Music Monday – Bebo Norman: Bebo Norman
Well after a extended break from our Mad Music Mondays we are back with Bebo Norman’s latest self-titled release. I have been meaning to review this album for sometime now, but Mondays kept slipping by me. Bebo Norman has been making music for over a decade now, and has left a considerable fingerprint on the CCM industry. His newest self-titled release is his ninth album, not including the rerelease of his original independent project, Fabric of Verse. Unlike most artists Bebo has waited until album number nine to self-title a project, claiming that this album is the most honest and stripped down one yet. Stylistically it feels most like an extension of his previous album, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True. I am not sure I would say it is my favorite album of his collection, but it certainly ranks high on the list.
The first track on the album, Pull Me Out, was also the first radio release and sets the stytlistic and lyrical tone of the project as it proclaims the need for reliance on God more and more each day. Track 2, Hear it From Me, is a poignant rock ballad that examines the need for us to express our prayers to God regardless of the fact that “its all been said before.” Next we have Not Living in the In-Between. This track is more remnisent of Bebo’s earlier folk style, and was born out of the real world expression of love and devotion he has experienced through his marriage. Track 4 simply entitled Britney was radio release number 2 from this project and deviates slightly from Bebo’s habit of writing about his own life. This song, inspired by Britney Spears, is more a social statement about how our society has and continues to degrade and dispose of females and beauty, yet God’s love can still redeem. Ruins is the centerpiece and theme of the album. It simply proclaims Christ’s perfection in our brokeness. The album continues on its theme of rebuilding from the brokeness with Never Saw You Coming, A Million Raindrops, The Only Hope, Can’t Live Without You, and One Bright Hour. Starting with the upbeat pop inspired Never Saw You Coming the album seems to descend to a peaceful resolution as each song slows down and becomes more simple instrumentation.
If you are a fan of Bebo this album will definitely not disappoint. If you are new to Bebo this is also a great place to start as it give you a great mix of his styles and lyrics. You can pick up Bebo’s self-titled project at www.independentbands.com for $12 or on iTunes for $10.
As always Buy don’t Burn!
–Wholly Surrender!