Bebo Norman

Bebo Norman’s self-titled album is very different from what Norman has shared on his previous albums. He has always been one to write thoughtful, intense songs, but this time, the album is full of songs looking outward into the world and mourning the brokenness found there. Yet in the midst of that mourning, Bebo Norman never fails to find the joy hiding in the world as well. In each song, he continues to celebrate the love, freedom and grace God gives freely. God’s heart is evident in each track.

The album opens with “Pull Me Out”, an anthemic rocker that launches the album into an energetic beginning. The lyrics are desperately honest, with Norman exploring the idea of being stuck in a good moment, rather than reaching out and continuing to move forward in life with God. He asks God, “Can you reach down here and pull me out / I want to scream but there’s no sound / I want to fly to you somehow / Can you reach me here and pull me out?” He eventually comes to the conclusion that he just needs to let go of the things he holds so tightly to, and allow God to move him forward. It is a sweeping, breathtaking song, and a perfect beginning to the album.

The next two songs on the album, “Hear It From Me” and “Not Living in the In-Between” are slower, average tracks. Unfortunately, they slow the momentum of the album considerably. Boredom creeps in around the edges.

But then Bebo Norman brings what is easily his most surprising song of the album, if not his entire career. The fourth track on the album captures the heart of grace in a way we’ve never seen before. “Britney” is a fresh, sincere apology to Britney Spears for the way the world consumed her and “Tore (her) down just so we could watch the show”. It is refreshing to hear an artist, especially one from the Christian music circle, reaching out to Britney Spears instead of joining the hordes of celebrities and tabloids chronicling her every misstep. The song is a tiny ray of grace, quietly shining, promising redemption.

“Never Saw You Coming” returns to the energy of “Pull Me Out,” again celebrating grace. Norman sings, “I am the lonely, the ones who slip away / I am the secret, the words we dare not say / I am the promise I’m about to break again”, yet God is faithful to come into the brokenness when we can’t see Him and bring new life.

Moving straight from “Never Saw You Coming,” Bebo Norman launches into “Only Hope,” begging God to keep holding on to him, saying, “I want a song, but You are the symphony/ I want a star, but You are a galaxy.” It is the most cinematic song on the album, bursting with beautiful metaphors and a desperate heart of worship.

The album closes with “One Bright Hour,” a silent, surprisingly mournful song. Musically, it is an excellent closer for an album, bringing a resolution to the intensity of the previous songs. However, the sweet, hopeful lyrics do not match the almost dirge-like melody. It is an odd, mismatched ending to a mostly beautiful album.

Bebo Norman is absolutely worth a listen. The artist’s hopeful, purposeful search for grace in the midst of sorrow can only serve to encourage all who hear. We are drawn into the unexpected, beautiful heart of God in each song. And what a beautiful place it is.

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