Bebo Norman - Ocean

Published Saturday 2nd April 2011
Bebo Norman - Ocean
Bebo Norman - Ocean

STYLE: Pop
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 101971-17611
LABEL: BEC Recordings 5099964237725
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2010-10-22
RRP: £12.98

Reviewed by Gareth Hills

The 10th album from the well-established singer/songwriter, wears the CCM label a little too well - the top-notch production, the reverb-drenched guitars and anthemic, though not too original choruses. Yet despite the slick production, is a wealth of accomplished songwriting - Norman seems to excel at that rare art of capturing a genuine outpouring of emotion, whether it be desperation ("God Of My Everything") or praise (the title track) and encapsulating it perfectly within a song which remains pleasurably listenable, while never losing its raw edge. This is a very good thing, as 'Ocean' is, at times, a dark album. "Could You Ever Look At Me", is an achingly beautiful example of this. While musically the album has a commercial veneer, Norman makes great use of instrumentation. The repeating piano motif which holds "We Fall Apart" together, or the glockenspiel on "Sing Over Me", for instance. 'Ocean' is a great example of raw, honest songwriting, and the many layers found within will reward repeated listening.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Product Description
Bebo continues to stretch the musical arrangements to his often worshipful melodies. “You can’t understand light unless you understand darkness, because that’s where life is most often lived – somewhere between the two. It’s messy and it’s beautiful all at the same time,” says Bebo Norman.

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