Review of Bebo Norman's Try

For years, I have counted Bebo Norman's song "A Page Is Turned" as one of my favorites. So much so, that my husband and I used it as the processional in our wedding almost 2 years ago. Having one his songs included in such an important ceremony in my life has forever endured me to his music. Even so, I still listen to each new release knowing that I may suffer disappointment if it doesn't meet up to the expectations I have set for Norman's music. However, I can confidently say that his fourth studio album Try is far from disappointing. Instead, it is yet another shining chapter in his almost 10 year career.

With this album, Norman has continued in the acoustic "folkish" pop style I have grown to love and expect from his music. However, this time he has gone for a more organic, simple sound by striving to make production secondary to lyrics. Of this, Norman explained that he wanted to "find out what the essence of the song is and build around that." Also, that "on this album you don't hear the production, you hear the songs, and that's what I like most."

While proving to remain true to the melancholy feel Norman's projects have become known for, the release does contain a new sense of optimism. Perhaps this is in part due to his recent marriage and the inclusion of a couple love songs such as "Standing In Your Silence," replacing songs of brokenness in relationships or longing for the one God has intended. Overall, Try is an album of hope featuring compelling thoughtful lyrics drawing the listener to the Savior. Of particular note are "Nothing Without You," which speaks of "Take these hands and lift them up/For I have not the strength to praise you near enough/I have nothing, I have nothing without you ... All my soul needs/Is all your love to cover me/So all the world will see/That I have nothing without you", and "Soldier," where Norman sings, "When everything is closing in on me/I know you set me free the day you died for me/And who is this man who calls me by name/And covers himself with all of my shame/But not even death could make you surrender/I remember."

Try is a perfect album for listening to on a cozy autumn evening, when the rain is gently falling outside and a fire quietly warming the room. An evening with your thoughts prove to be stilled in such a way that you find yourself especially reflective and thankful of God's goodness to us and love for us.