Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
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JFH Music Review




Bebo Norman
Try



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 44 minutes, 24 seconds
Street Date: August 24, 2004


Bebo Norman's fifth studio album Try releases two years after his last acclaimed effort Myself When I Am Real. Norman's sound has evolved nicely from his signature stripped-down folk pop to catchy pop/rock, never once losing the transparent, open, and honest approach Norman has become known for. Norman has always stood out from the rest with his textured folk backdrops accompanying his deep, intimate vocals and genuine lyrical poetry.

Lyrically, Norman has become popular for his openness to write about the loneliness he struggles with and fear of forever remaining alone. His ability to wear his heart on his sleeve makes his music inviting. But while Bebo has solidified himself as bachelor's-best-friend, a recent marriage and renewed outlook on life has turned his newest release Try into a whole new affair.

The themes on Try range from straight-up heartfelt worship to expressions of love and happiness, a far cry from the fragility expressed on Myself When I Am Real. So is this new side of Bebo a bad thing? Of course not, but his music does lose that beautiful edge that made some of his best songs that much better. The title track, however, shows Norman addressing his bittersweet feelings about getting older and growing up. The sound is more pop while being more folk this time around but all the while never losing the sensitivity that makes Bebo Norman such a joy to listen to.

In the past, Bebo's songs like "Great Light Of The World" have proven he's a fine worship songwriter. "Nothing Without You," featured in two different recordings on Try, and "Disappear" are humbling worship songs, offering a fresh and more intricate approach to the praise and worship genre than most other songs available. "The Other Side Of Day" is another album highlight, a song about looking to our future in Heaven, while "Standing In Your Silence" expresses Norman's thoughts on falling in love. "Drifting" is a real emotional gem in the same vein as "So Afraid" and "Break Me Through" as Norman writes once again about his experiences with loneliness, however this time meditating further on the love and peace that comes when God lifts us out of it. "Yes I Will" is a simple acoustic love song to Jesus written following a screening of The Passion Of The Christ that reaffirms Bebo's heart to follow Him.

Try succeeds on many levels as Bebo Norman continues to write relevant and meaningful songs for listeners to associate with and worship along to. While maybe not as powerful in some respects as Myself..., Try marks a new chapter in the life of an incredible artist and musician, and like in any good book, continues to carry the listener along Bebo Norman's life story quite nicely.

- Review date: 8/22/04, written by John DiBiase



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. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Essential Records
. Album length: 12 tracks, 44 minutes and 24 seconds
. Street Date: August 24, 2004
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Finding You
  2. Nothing Without You
  3. Disappear
  4. Try
  5. Standing In Your Silence
  6. Other Side Of Day
  7. Soldier
  8. Drifting
  9. How You Love Me
  10. Yes I Will
  11. Borrow Mine
  12. Nothing Without You (Alternate Version)
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This Friday, November 7, 2025
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) [Warner Music]
Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - EP [Circle Back]
Jekalyn Carr JEKALYN X LEGENDS [WayNorth]
DAMIAN DAMIAN [DREAM]
Every Nation Music Revive [NWN]
Josh Garrels Peace To All Who Enter Here, Vol. 2 (independent)
Amy Jay Mnemonics (independent)
JERUB The Wonder Years [Elevate]
JSP No More (independent)
New Wine Worship Praise King Jesus (Live from New Wine Festival) (independent)
Jeremy Rosado Feliz Navidad - EP [Capitol CMG]
(UN)WORTHY From the Belly of the Beast - EP (independent)

SINGLES
Dave Barnes Santa's Gotta Go - Single (independent)
Gracie Binion Gunpowder - Single [BEC]
Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - Single [Circle Back]
Blanca O Come, All Ye Faithful (Gloria) - Single [BEC]
Andrea Bocelli The Blessing (feat. Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes) - Single [Universal]
Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas Is All In The Heart (with CeCe Winans) - Single [The Fuel]
Cutright Gram Cracker - Single [Syntax]
Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Ellie Holcomb It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Magnolia]
Elevation Worship God I'm Just Grateful (feat. Chandler Moore) - Single [Provident]
FrenchyRiff Steps - Single [La Resistance]
Garett and Kate Serban O Holy Night / Holy Forever - Single [Bethel]
Good Things Collective Rejoice! - Single [Real Fun]
Hillside Recording Everlasting Father - Single (independent)
Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Somewhere Far - Single (independent)
K3hlab Lord You Are - Single [Syntax]
Kelo The Break-Up - Single [Syntax]
Lakewood Music Rejoice Again (feat. Alexander Pappas) - Single (independent)
Colony House Life Goes On/You’re Right Where You’re Meant To Be - Single [LastDaze]
Ben Lawrence Moving (feat. Pyramid Park) - Single (independent)
Tasha Layton Christmas All Year Long - Single [BEC]
Life.Church Worship Tanto - Single (independent)
Limoblaze Esé - Single [Reach]
Myles Maestro falling 4 u - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Yeen ain't wit it - Single [Syntax]
Jeannie Ortega Boyfriend - Single [Syntax]
Presence Music Band Who Knew (Gift Wrapped) [feat. Blake Whiteley] - Single (independent)
Prodi Da Prodigal Modus Operandi - Single [Syntax]
Road to Restoration, Fridayy The Truth - Single [BMG]
Sacrificial Betrayal Take Risk - Single (independent)
Zane Walls YOU ARE THE FIRE (feat. JontheKid) - Single (independent)
Rhett Walker Carol of the Bells - Single [BEC]

This Saturday, November 8, 2025
SINGLES
Seth Davey I Can't Sing it Loud Enough - Single (independent)

Next Friday, November 14, 2025
ALBUMS
Emery White Line Fever (Remastered) - Disc One (independent)
Kings Kaleidoscope Asaph's Arrows II EP [BEC]
Ronnie Martin Evergreen Melodie [Velvet Blue]
NF FEAR - EP [Capitol]
Blessing Offor To All A Good Night [Capitol CMG]
Rave Jesus I MET GOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR [Provident]
The Young Escape Not Done Yet [BEC]

SINGLES
Biscuits Drifting Off (Hayloft) - Single [Circle Back]
Richard Lynch Why Me Lord - Single [MTS]
NEEDTOBREATHE Where You Call Home - Single [Omnivore]
Hunter Plake Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Single [BEC]


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