Reviewed by Oscar Hyde

It's been 10 years since Norman's breakthrough release, 'Myself When I Am Real'; now, this veteran of CCM brings us his ninth album, and his first on an indie label. His lyrics are still the big drawing point here; no songs push at his musical boundaries, save for the bright and bubbly rhythmic synths sprinkled across songs, but really, when his lyrics are this good, I don't in the least mind safe and radio-friendly arrangements. None of the songs can be called any worse than "pleasant"; it's a pity, though, that a story as moving as "Outside Her Window Was The World" is set to music so, well, bland. On the other hand, when the music complements those wonderfully-penned words, the results are stellar. The title track's a swirling, synth-burbling anthem, with a similarly exhilarating feel to U2's similarly-themed "City Of Blinding Lights". The acoustic "Daylight Breaking" and "Wine From Water" both quietly hold fast to optimism in the midst of the world's darkness. "The Broken" bounces along in a brilliantly joyous and inclusive celebration. Norman's still at the top of his game; I can only expect this album's joys to increase upon further listening.

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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