Customer Reviews

Coming to Life

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Every time I listen to this album, I love it more. This album sounds like a mixture of Paul Simon and U2. The depth and maturity of the song writing has improved since their first album. My favorite track is "Coming to Life". If the Normals continue to put out album as good as this one, they should go very far.

this album is terrific. It far surpasses their first album with flying colors. all the gutairs and vocals are outstanding. id say it is the best christan album out there. It is one fantastic concept album.

An album to make you reflect and be in awe of God's desire to hold us close - in spite of our imperfections. Read the lyrics and ponder.

When I bought the normals first realease "Better than than this" I was in awe. They said what I had wanted to say about my faith, problems, and christianity but just couldn't get out. This is why I eagerly anticipated their second album. I just bought it a few days ago and I can't stop listening from the first to last song this is a complete album. The lyrics seem to go into all different directions about faith, lust, love, and heartbreak. The musicianship on "Coming to life" seems to be more complete with nice accoustic and electric guitair work on every track. It is easy to hear why this should be a landmark christian album

The U2 sound is undeniable but not an "attempt" to mimic them. The guitars and percussion are lush and sometimes murky. Christian Faith tinged with the doubt of true seekers. A gift for the listener. Worth the price just for the last track "survivor" with the wonderful, sad lyric fade...I know it isn't safe here, I know it isn't safe here...but I know that it is good. (that's enlightened)

This is an Amazing Album! The Normals have set a very high bar for other artists (Christian and non- Christian alike) to cross. I recommend this album with my whole heart.

This CD is great. It has great lyrics upbeat song tempos and the vocals are excellent. The lyrics really let you know how they feel about God. From my point of view its a solid Christan CD.