Shea Norman (My Heart Depends On You) - Reviews

Shea Norman
My Heart Depends On You

Shea Norman is a wonderful talent. What you see is what you get. He is a very humble guy. He's a skilled musician and he has a story to tell. I believe that he's going to do well and go far in the industry, and in the music ministry.

—Fred Hammond (from interview)

Like attracts like, and as with Joann Rosario before him, Shea Norman's ascent into the world of solo Gospel debuts is noteworthy for the fact that it's Fred Hammond who's opening the doors.

My Heart Depends On You is the F.Hammond Music/Verity Records debut for this passionate vocalist, and all throughout his impressive debut, Norman makes it clear that his is a voice to heed —and how can you not do so? At once familiar, but with enough of a

distinctive (almost Kim Burrell-esque) edge to it to create a stir, Norman jettisons any entry project jitters to deliver a wonderful record.

"Tis So Sweet" is one of three songs that Alex Asaph Ward produces on the project; here Ward lets the color of Norman's voice lead the way, choosing to surround it with minimal instrumentation (Norman's own piano work). It makes for a intimate setting that is entirely appropriate for the familiar hymn. Contemporized lyrics add to the closeness and tenderness of the song.

Both "More & More To Me" and "Fell In Love With Jesus (A Long Time Ago)" make use of a compelling, walking bass line (thank you, Fred!), with Norman piling vocals on top. "Lift Your Name On High" is another Fred Hammond production, this one tied to a catchy rhythmic motif that pulls you in from the get-go, and then unfolds into a praise jam. Interestingly, the song is reprised as an instrumental at album's end.

My Heart Depends On You

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On the midtempo "Stand Within Us", Fred Hammond takes the mic alongside Norman, the two trading solo lines over a close vocal ensemble of backing vocalists. The song is a prayerful invitation for God to abide in the midst of our lives.

"Lucky", another of the cuts produced (and written) by Ward, elegantly addresses the fact that "luck" has nothing to do with a Christian's life. The jazzy chorus goes "You think you're so lucky, Just in case you don't know, it's just His mercy".

Jon Reddick pens and produces "God Of Love", a worship piece that will quickly find its place in praise team repertoires, and brings in his ensemble Ephiphany, to support. Shea Norman smoothly fits his pipes around the song's slow build.

The more you explore this offering of Shea Norman, the more there is to appreciate ("Finally Found", "This Is The Day"). You may as well start now!

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Producers: Fred Hammond, Alex Asaph Ward album release date: September 14, 2004
Verity Records

— reviewed by Stan North —