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Try
Bebo Norman – ©2004 Provident Records/BMG

Review by Jo van Leerdam
 

Bebo Norman is a vocalist from Georgia, USA. Try is Norman’s fifth album, and although I must confess that I hadn’t heard of him before, I am really impressed with the quality of this album, both musically and lyrically. The songs speak to the heart and soul as well as the ears, and as a whole this album is very pleasing.

This whole album has a “radio friendly” sound which is very easy to listen to. The tunes are memorable, with some catchy pop hooks and great melodies. This is not an acoustic album, but Try relies on an acoustic style which uses vocal harmonies and well crafted accompaniments to complement Norman’s voice and lyrics.

The songs on this album all reveal something of Norman’s character and his relationship with the Lord. He writes with honesty and conviction, and his passion for his Saviour comes through in every track. There are upbeat songs of confident faith such as “Finding You” and “Other Side of Day” which provide a contrast to the soul searching of “Disappear” and the poetic reflection of “Soldier”.

“Nothing Without You” is one song that really touched me. It expresses our dependence on God, and our need for His grace and mercy in every part of our lives. Whatever we do, even if we do it well, it is meaningless if we don’t do it for the Lord. It’s this perspective that puts the daily routine and sometimes hectic pace of life into a Godly perspective – whatever we do, we must do it for the Lord, because without Him, we are nothing.

The message of this song is complemented beautifully by the words of “Borrow Mine”, which Bebo Norman has written with great tenderness and sensitivity. It reflects Christ’s love and His sustaining grace when we feel that we have reached the end of our resources or ability to cope. “You can borrow mine, when your hope is gone; Borrow mine when you can’t go on…And the God who has saved us will not forsake us, He’s coming to take us, take us to our home.” This poignant song offers powerful reassurance and comfort to Christians who are struggling with the things this life has delivered to them.

Try is an album which has wide appeal. I think it would be particularly attractive to teens, young adults and families, but its audience is certainly not limited to those groups. I give this album my strong recommendation, and I look forward to hearing more albums from Bebo Norman.

 

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