Bebo Norman                                                                                                Grade: B

Between the Dreaming and the Coming True

Essential Records

            I have in the past praised Bebo Norman for his singer/songwriter acoustic styling and on his latest release; he sheds that moniker and takes his music a step further.  With this album, Bebo employs a full-band sound with some strings as well.  The new arrangement works well and the album overall has a very good feel to it.  It takes him out of the usual storyteller mode, however the songs still maintain depth and meaningfulness as before.  If anything, the new sound just livens things up a bit from the usual acoustic arrangements. 

            It has been a long time since I first saw Bebo Norman live with Justin McRoberts and Jennifer Knapp.  To see where he has gone with his music is cool and I imagine the new sound is a reflection of not just where he has been, but also where he is going in his musical career.  For the old Bebo fans, I do not think they will be disappointed with the change, and for the new listeners, and fans of contemporary pop, the new album is likely to please.  In some ways it is kind of wistful pop similar to Chris.

- Ken W.