On Monday afternoon I opened my mailbox to find that my friend Lori at Overture-Media had sent me the newest CD from one of my favorite artists, Bebo Norman. The CD is called “Ocean” and is available now on iTunes or where you get your music. I have long been a fan of Bebo Norman. His last CD landed at a perfect time and season in my life. His lyrics are honest and true and often openly dialog the struggles of faith and failure. I will always respect him for the song “Britney” which was written from one artist to another (Bebo to Britney Spears). As the world celebrated her breakdown, Bebo extended grace through lyrics.
After having “Ocean” on constant play for the past 24 hours or so, I am no less impressed by Bebo Norman. This collection of 11 songs is as honest and real as all other Bebo Norman CD’s. He openly shares his struggles with fear and the faith we should all maintain at these times. There are a few songs that I just can’t seem to get enough of. If I would recommend any for immediate download it would be:
“God of My Everything”
“I Hope You See Jesus”
“Could You Ever Look At Me”
“We Fall Apart”
“The Middle”
According to Bebo Norman, “God of my Everything” is written “from despairing stories involving ‘people as close to me as anyone on this planet who had to rebuild their lives based on their identity in God rather than their own.'” Of all the songs on the CD I instantly connected with this one. “I Hope You See Jesus” is an incredible song written as an open letter to the outside world. It speaks to the perception many have of Christians and the reality of where our hope and our passion for truth comes from. The song “Could You Ever Look At Me” was written for his wife and “admits his weakness”.
Bebo’s personal favorite song on this collection is called “The Middle” and is a song written from the perspective of a mother searching to find her place in life after the children have become independent. Something tells me that this song will resonate with many that hear it. Bebo’s acoustic songs and his strong vocals tell stories like not many artists can. As the press release noted, he has a very “James Taylor-Like” sound. Those are big shoes to fill and there is only one James Taylor.
There is also only one Bebo Norman.
I give “Ocean” a 5 out of 5!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Overture-Media sent me a free copy of this CD as part of their music review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
