Big Blue Sky (CD) by Bebo Norman

CD. Norman's second label recording employs his cool sandpaper voice (very similar to Bob Carlisle, as far as CCM genre comparisons go) on a mix of up-tempo pop/rock anthems, inspirational reflections, and gentle ballads. The power pop hook of "I Am" is a singalong reminder of what God told Moses: "I am that I am" (i.e., God is in everything). Taking the point of view back to the human level, Norman asks the Lord to "Cover Me," a tune that begins quietly and atmospherically, then dives into another anthemic plea. Norman sets aside the power approach a bit on the folksy "Sons and Daughters," giving the listener a better feeling for his low-toned vocals. The following song, "Perhaps She'll Wait," is a plaintive ballad featuring a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. One of the more interesting tracks is "Break Me Through," less for its decent songwriting than for its ambient, new agey atmospheres. Mostly this is straightforward pop, but there's a bit of a blues influence throughout, most prominently on the title track, which features the Hammond B-3 of Mark Stallings. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi