Larry Norman Beam

Item: Shouting In The Storm (Flevo 2)
Author: James Stewart

Shouting In The Storm (Flevo 2)

(1998)

Reviewed by James Stewart

Discogs YouTube

Label Solid Rock RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1999

ccm classic rock folk rock

Recorded live at the Flevo Festival in Holland, this is a retrospective collection for Larry Norman. Norman's vocals are accompanied by the instrumental talents of Netherlanders Beam, and together they put together some melodic rock with a classic feel.

Norman's vocals sound clear, if a little whiney, and the band are tight. The material has a timeless feel, as much straight ahead rock does in a live setting. There is nothing particularly remarkable in it, but tracks like "God Part 3" can still get the crowds going, and given the regular cycles of "retro" music, the distinctly '60s feel of "Six Sixty Six" feels more than appropriate.

Norman's lyrics need little introduction, save to say he's still as uncompromising in that department as ever. We may not all agree with some of his doctrinal positions and sometimes the phrasing's not perfect, but his zeal is obvious as are the strengths of those lyrics which have remained Christian music classics over several decades.

Unfortunately, Norman chose to end this album with his own take on DC Talk's "Jesus Freak," which ends up sounding rather messy - his vocals just aren't suited to this song. Norman completists will want this album regardless, and so may some people looking for an introduction to his work, but other than that there's nothing remarkable here.

3 tocks