Lights of Distant Cities is the eighth and final studio album by contemporary Christian musician Bebo Norman.

Bebo Norman told CCM Magazine's Caroline Lusk in the October 2012 edition that he "'found that this particular record is one of the more pure representations of me in a long time,...I just feel like I'm at a place that I'm okay with whatever happens on a musical and life level.

'"[1] He shines some light on the evolution of how this album came into existence, which Norman told "'this all just snuck up on me and in the process of expressing those songs I wanted to be really honest,...I didn't have an answer for everything.

'"[1] About.com's Kim Jones said that the album contains "Satisfying songwriting meets memorable music and the end result is 11 songs that offer light and hope to a world in desperate need of both.

"[2] In addition, Jones wrote that "Bebo Norman has long been known for his meaningful lyrics and Lights of Distant Cities shows that as he ages, he just gets better with his writing.

"[2] Jones gave credence that "Lights of Distant Cities could easily be called Bebo's best project yet -- no small feat after the eight powerhouse albums he has recorded since 1996".

[2] AllMusic's Robert Ham praised "The breathy tone of Bebo Norman's vocals suggests a man completely under the full sway of a spiritual/emotional trance of some kind.

But for Norman, a CCM artist who has been part of the worship community for over a decade now, it adds so much poignancy and weight to these smartly appointed songs of struggle and redemption.

"[3] However, Ham was quite critical, when he wrote that "What upends songs like the dramatic title track and the fist-pumping 'Outside Her Window Was the World' is when Norman aims for the cheap seats.

"[3] Ham concluded on an upbeat note, and that was when he wrote that Bebo Norman "...is much better served when the tone of the album quiets to meet up with his delicate vibrato, adding depth and power to minimalist gems like 'Wine from Water' and 'Daylight Breaking.

[4] Christian Broadcasting Network's Chris Carpenter wrote that "Bebo Norman takes the basic concept of honest, heartfelt lyrics and wraps them around atmospheric musical arrangements.

"[5] In addition, Carpenter stated that Norman is "Not afraid of testing his tried and true folksy formula, this album is a gem that needs to be appreciated for its honest, worshipful charm.

A sense of real freedom in the 11 offerings from Lights Of Distant Cities and a stark change to some of the radio friendly albums he recorded in the past, is also shown; and this unique track list has given me an appreciation to listen to songs free from the expectation of radio and commercial success; as Bebo has said previously, that his career is past its commercial peak.

Regardless of 'tags' and 'brands' though, and whether Lights Of Distant Cities receives any commercial or critical acclaim and success, Bebo’s new album is one to savour, and will show us parts of ourselves that we may not even be aware of.

Such a revealing album, this one may be Bebo’s best and most exposed yet, propelling him to near the top of my favourite songwriters, along with Andrew Peterson, Brandon Heath, and Steven Curtis Chapman.

[6] Christianity Today's Andrew Greer said that "For longtime fans, Lights serves as a homecoming of sorts, to the song, to the lyric, to the heart behind a man who has lived nearly half his life musically testifying to an unchanging God.

And for Norman the artist, these songs are a poignant journal from one who has wandered the desert a time or two, only to come home a bit wiser and truer to his craft than before.

With much of these songs along the vein of previous ones like ‘Pull Me Out’, ‘Sing Over Me’ and ‘Cover Me’, Light of Distant Cities offers us a hope for our souls and the motivation to press on with our lives when times feel like it's slipping away, or if there seems to be a circumstance we cannot rid ourselves of.

"[9] Jesus Freak Hideout's Alex "Tincan" Caldwell said that "Lights of Distant Cities surrounds Bebo's always solid songwriting with atmospherics that lift the songs to stratospheric heights without losing his trademark lyrical intimacy.

"[10] Also, Caldwell noted that "For those who wish Bebo Norman would return to the folksy roots of his first few albums, he manages the neat trick of adding texture and production to his acoustic guitar strumming on many tunes like "Daylight Breaking" and "World Gone Dark" and makes it all gel seamlessly.

Album highlight "Outside Her Window Was The World" sounds like mixture of the late Rich Mullins and an 80's era Cure record, using aggressive guitars and synthesizers to tell the story of a young girl's struggle with cutting and subsequent spiritual awakening.

His newest release, Lights of Distant Cities, continues this trend with his remarkable songwriting and memorable collection of music.

On his latest effort, Lights of Distant Cities, it’s no surprise to find that Bebo’s done it again -- unapologetically written an album full of raw desperation.

With his unmistakably buttery voice Norman has a solid track record of delivering beautifully complex and honest stories from the journey of life.

"[14] Akins said the album is "An absolute recommend for personal devotion, Lights reminds us that Norman is masterful at using the medium of music to draw your attention toward honoring and glorifying God in everyday moments.