Coming to Life

Normals | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 27, 2000)
• Original Release Date: June 27, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Forefront
• ASIN: B00004TWKI
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #206,599 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Unlike many artists who stay stuck in the mold cast by their debut, the Normals have transcended to a new place of inspiration with their sophomore release, Coming to Life. This project has the same mix of brooding power and gentle swell that one would find in the forces of nature, drawing admiration as well as respect. The focus of its punch is found within the subject matter, which poetically crafts a bittersweet picture of life by zeroing in on the pain and failure that accompany being human. God's ability to redeem these darkened situations is offered as the hope that always delivers. Surrounding and invading the message, the musical dynamic rises and falls without jolting you from your seat. This music sneaks up on you. Its down-to-earth quality draws out a relaxed sentiment, while its otherworldly intensity stirs up emotion that challenges even the stoic. Some of the surreal guitar work and passionate vocal flavors are clearly influenced by U2, but the Normals do not come across as a U2 wipe-up band. Mixed with their unique folk-pop styling and artistic stretch, Coming to Life has a brilliance that is both accessible and daring. --Israel Button

From CCM Magazine -- Subscribe Now!

Every once in a blue moon an album comes out of nowhere, transcending by-rote pop mentalities, communicating truth without bowing to predictable "godspeak." Such a record offers songs that may never get much radio airplay yet become the subjects of countless conversations among music lovers who digest records the way one might peel an onion, layer by layer by layer.

Coming to Life, The Normals' sophomore effort, is that kind of an album-haunting, mysterious, artful and uplifting. It might be the best combination to date of smart, biblically-influenced lyrics and delicious, seductive accompaniment. Much credit goes to monster producer Malcolm Burn, the architect behind timeless creations by the likes of Emmylou Harris, John Mellencamp and Chris Whitley. His New Orleans home became the crucible for The Normals' newly found sound-the lion's share of which was created live in the studio-that's at once ethereal and rustic and dense.

Some highlights include the brave, intelligent "Black Dress" that discusses lust from the perspective of King David and is helped by a frenetic acoustic guitar that seems to mirror the tempted character's quickened heartbeat. The sweet ballad "We Are the Beggars at the Foot of God's Door" is propelled by a loopy bass and beautiful, thoughtful lyrics about grace. "Don't Hold Back (Full On)" contains a full-throated vocal chorus reflecting its theme of piercing brokenness. "No Alibis" has Burns' signature guitar production-earthy-yet-ghostly torrents of noise-all over it. And "Hillary," tracking at less than a minute in length, might have the best lyric of all.

This is a memorable record. If you love good music that stays with your gray matter for more reasons than catchy hooks, Coming to Life is your ticket to satisfaction. -- Dave Urbanski (c) 2000 CCM Communications, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, September 25, 2000

By 

Nathan Miller (Castleton, VT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coming to Life (Audio CD)

In trying to find a few words or one word which sums up this amazing new album, I could only think "spectacular." This new album by the normals is gorgeous. The band has taken a more stripped approach much like jars took to accomplish "if I left...." Just by listening to the first few songs, one can quickly realize that the normals have matured and have been blessed. "Every Moment" is a U2ish anthem, replete with Osenga's passion laden vocals. From there, the cd only progresses. "Black Dress" is a sensational treatment of the human flaw of lust. "We are the beggars..." is simply put, incredible! Guitar solo included! With intelligent and wistful lyrics like "Cinderella's slipper fits us perfectly" Osenga has matured in his lyrical prowess as well. "Hillary" is a sweet little tune, short, poignant, and pretty. "Don't Hold back" is another U2 like tune. "No alibis" is the kind of ballad which other ballads are based on, poignant, beautiful, and realistic. The wonderful songs continue. "Coming to life" is as beautiful as they come. I cannot express how much this cd has impressed me. I doubted the other reviews that this cd was far superior to the first, but I know now. This is leaps and bounds from "better than this." I feel like this band gave it all to Jesus and was just magnificently blessed. This is music to dream to, music to worship to, music which is the soundtrack of our very lives. Pop it in and be assuaged.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Normals are the Great Thinkers of our age, June 14, 2001

By 

"uriahtestament" (Washington Court House, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coming to Life (Audio CD)

I was recently reading an article from Moody Monthly Magazine that said that our time didn't have any great Christian thinkers like CS Lewis or Francis Schaffer. I agreed at first but the more I thought about I decided that many of our time's great Christian thinkers are musicians. Rich Mullins comes to mind the quickest but I think the Normals are there. Each song is a well thought reflection of who were are as God's people. Musically I felt this CD has about the same edge as their first. I still like their first CD better but I am sure this one will grow on me more and more. Lyrically check out "We are beggars at the foot of God's door," " No Alibis," and "Coming to Life." If you want a CD to get you thinking this is it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Tapestry of Word And Sound, March 24, 2002

By 

Nathan Huth (Shiner "Bock", Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coming to Life (Audio CD)

The Normals artfully combine modern and classic rock sounds with lyrics that tackle heavy issues with rare intelligence. "Every Moment" looks towards heaven, "We Are Beggars At The Foot Of God's Door" celebrates the grace that gets us there and the title song is the celebration of new creation. A compelling tapestry of word and sound!