Search - Bebo Norman :: Myself When I Am Real

Correction...

12/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just wanted to comment on how someone said they wanted more "spiritual depth" and fewer "love songs," and mention Bebo says that one song that may have appeared romantic, "Beautiful You," is actually a song to God. I understand the desire for spiritual depth, but this CD definitely has it-- sure, there are a few tracks about human love too, but it's about time a Christian artist realizes that God created relationships with family, friends, and the opposite sex! That is a quality I have long appreciated in artists like Bebo Norman and Michael W. Smith-- they are willing to not mention God in every single song and talk about the other people in their lives as well, even though that's always looked on negatively by some members of the Christian community. Not every track should have to be a considered a worship song. And really, if you're heart's in the right place, these songs about relationships ultimately are as well: the relationships we enjoy with others are gifts from God.I love Bebo's rich vocals, beautiful acoustic guitar, and especially the fact that he can just talk about real life genuinely. Sometimes that includes questioning and doubting. Sometimes that includes loneliness. Sometimes that includes praising God and excitement about how cool he is. Sometimes that includes songs to his mom or songs about girls. But in all his songs, he conveys heartfelt emotions nearly everyone can relate to with a refreshing transparency. It's never just the surface "Yeah, life is pretty good, I guess": Bebo always has something relevant, deep, and meaningful to say-- lyrics always full of substance, even if they vary in complexity. Some might seem more sophisticated at first glance, but even the more "simple" songs have something important to express. Bebo is very real wih his audience, and his vivid, honest writing will not only help you understand his struggles and joys, but also begin to better understand your own.A breath-taking album from an incredible artist!"

Water for the Soul

Jen | California | 01/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have only recently become aware of the music of Bebo Norman, but I have enjoyed many of his songs on the radio even before I realized it was him. I bought his latest CD on impulse and I have enjoyed every minute of it. These songs speak to the soul and listening to them is like taking in the most refreshing drink of water I've ever had. I find myself praising God for bestowing such talent on this young man. I don't know if I could explain the far reaching effects the music has had on me, but from an all around music lover, this CD is definently worth the 14 bucks and so much more. KEEP IT UP BEBO!"

Bebo's Best

The Bard | Austin, TX United States | 09/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Bebo Norman's most cohesive work to date---start to finish there is not a poorly done song. Song order can very often determine the "flow" of a CD, and in this regard this effort is far superior to Bebo's previous works. "our mystery" and "back to me" are both upbeat works, so the CD begins and ends on a positive note. The beautiful "where the tress stand still" tends to gain and then lose momentum, but the energy of "everything" recaptures the spirit of "great light of the world", so it's logically sandwiched between these two tunes. Bebo's lyrics don't read well as stand alone poetry, but when heard in context with the music, they are as a effective as more cryptic lyricists such as Robert Hunter or David Crosby. The band is outstanding in the fact that their licks are all tasteful and restrained---no extended solos, just little stylish interjections. Jerry McPherson's jangly electric guitar is complemented nicely by Ed Cash's versatility. There is a tendency to want a little more, but an over-emphasis on instrumentation might possibly detract from the overall "song". My only criticism is that some of the percussion is programmed electric-synth junk. I suggest that if touches of Latin salsa are desired, hire the real thing---it would sound a lot less cheesy. The keyboard work is effective, and Bebo's acoustic guitar work is flawless. The backup vocals never overshadow Bebo's breathy voice, and the gentle introduction of banjo into several songs is very pleasant and well-done. "just to look at you" is the most ambitious work, with a Liverpudlian arrangement reminiscent of George Martin, though it plods along like an early Neil Young tune. A percussion bridge between "our mystery" and "beautiful you" might improve flow, since they have similar beats but carry different moods. All in all, this CD is a beautiful collection of songs that are Perfect for crickets and a full moon. Bebo's message is always about Love, whether it be romantic love or God's love. He is categorized as a "Christian" artist, and his career could suffer for it, except that he has such broad appeal. He is, unlike some others who have been similarly pidgeon-holed, a true artist who happens to be a Christian, and his songs of praise are subsequently less overt. This work provides a wonderful opportunity to expose others to the Word, and I AM sure that in this regard, "Myself When I Am Real" will prove to be Bebo Norman's greatest contribution."