Myself When I Am Real
Bebo Norman, one of Christian music's brightest songwriting talents, shows no signs of slowing down withMyself When I Am Real. Norman once again teams with writing partner-producer Ed Cash for another folk-tinged collection of essays on love, loss, and the need for spiritual companionship. Certainly, the opening "Our Mystery," "Falling Down," and "Everything" add melodic electricity to the release, but more ofMyselflies in the quieter, ambient tracks like "Beautiful You," "Just to Look at You," and the transcendent "Great Light of the World." Not to be overlooked is Norman's superb "Long Way Home," a strongly moving ode to commitment in a sometimes stormy yet loving relationship. While the trend toward softer pieces is more in line with Norman'sTen Thousand Daysdebut, he's clearly maturing in songwriting efficiency and lyrical deftness, while examining matters of heart and soul. There's little doubt thatMyselfwill garner good sales, yet Norman's talent deserves a larger audience.--Michael Lyttle