The Normals

A Place Where You Belong
Forefront Records

Everyone longs for a place to belong. On their latest release, “A Place Where You Belong,” the Normals take the listener on a journey from the trappings of sin and the struggles of personal relationships to a place of rest and belonging before God. Though the band has drawn comparisons to other modern rock acts like U2 and Sting, the Normals carry the listener along from acoustic ballads to anthems that are so powerful that the band felt the need to incorporate a garbage can into their rhythm section.

The journey begins with “I’ll Be Home Soon,” a gentle ballad that expresses a longing to return home. The band offers a remorseful ode to a simple life that many will never know in the song “Innocent.” “Grace” is a heartfelt tale that extends a call to men to remain pure until marriage. “Brittle Bone” offers resolution to life’s struggles as it contemplates communion with God. “And I tear this brittle bone/ and I drink deep this wine/ I live rich on the meat of this table/ ‘Cause it’s here where I can find/ the grace of a Savior/ I’m not alone, for here I’ve found my home.”

The Normals are a very talented band with a grasp on the struggles that we all face in this life. As with most other storytellers, the Normals understand that the journey of life will only find its fulfillment in Christ. “A Place Where You Belong” is an album that offers words of comfort and encouragement from fellow travelers who face the challenges of everyday life but have found hope in the promises of God.