Reviewed by Alan & Angeline Chesters It's been a privilege listening to this album while driving to work in Devon. Norman, from the US state of Georgia, a popular singer with a great voice, has 11 new tracks here, generally concerned with searching for, finding and experiencing faith. He has a change of producer for this album, working with Matt Bronleewe (Rebecca St James) and Mitch Dane (Jars Of Clay). While Bebo still writes his own songs, he now also includes collaborations with other writers and there are two songs, "Disappear" (Chad and Jess Cates, who have written for Avalon and Rebecca St James) and 'Soldier' (Brandon Heath), which are not even co-written by him. Each song seems to fit him like a glove and with arrangements easy and varied on the ear, from ballad to up-tempo, there's not a dud track to be found. Personal favourites are "Soldier", with its jangly guitar sound and anthemic chorus, and "Borrow Mine", with its encouraging lyrics.
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Try combines Bebo Norman's intimate songwriting with a new musical territory, working for the first time with producers Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, City On A Hill series) and Matt Bronleewe (Michael W. Smith, Natalie Imbruglia, Michael Tait).
Norman says, 'I've never been as excited about one of my records as I am about Try, and the reason is simple - I think I've rediscovered the joy of songwriting with this new project. The songs are very simple, very straightforward, and more than ever, at the heart of where God has me right this minute in this life that I feel so blessed to live.'
Norman's lyrics continue to pull from his own life experiences, as his sincerity is revealed throughout each song. Described by the producers as 'intellectually organic,' this album incorporates well-thought-out instrumentation, including mandolins, dobro and steel guitar. |