Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

After completing his undergraduate studies, Bebo Norman decided to wait a year before entering Medical School to study to be a doctor. He recorded an inde­pendent solo project and went on the road. Somehow it doesn't look as if we'll ever have a Dr Norman! In his one-year sabbatical he made friends with Caedmon's Call and following their rootsy approach to making an impact, espe­cially with college students, he's continued on the road and has now released a second album, this time signed to Watershed Records, a label established by Cliff Young from Caedmon's. The grassroots buzz on this album is huge - at one point it was the highest selling album on the Internet {outselling every mainstream artist) and listening to it, it isn't hard to reason why. Bebo's song-writing and performances have a charm so that it's impossible not to be intrigued, moved and drawn into the warmth of his music. There are so many standout cuts here that I'll just tell you about my two favourites! The poppy "Stand" is an infectious little piece of pop about the freedom of God taking the burdens away, whilst the introspective "The Hammer Holds" only highlights the work of God's hand on a life as he uses circumstances to pound us into the likeness of Christ. Elsewhere, Bebo has the skill to pen songs that examine the human condition and the grace that can be discovered in the midst of broken-ness. There is healing and insight; truth in the midst of pain and plenty of grace emerging from struggle captured in these songs and they're delivered with a light rootsy musical touch built around Bebo's guitar. 'Ten Thousand Days' is a stunning understated introduction to Bebo's sensitive, vivid songwriting. Absolutely excellent.

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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