The year has come to a close and votes for Christian music's best of 2001 are pouring in. Among those favored by editors and music critics alike is the sophomore release from Essential/Watershed Records singer/songwriter Bebo Norman, Big Blue Sky.

Turning up on multiple "Top 10" lists, Big Blue Sky is being hailed as one of the year's best by numerous media sources including Amazon.com, the Dallas Morning News (both featured Big Blue Sky as their No.1 pick), ChristianityToday.com, CMCentral.com and the Baptist Press.

Big Blue Sky reigns at the top of Amazon.com's "10 Best Christian & Gospel CDs of 2001," and according to staff writer Michael Lyttle, "Norman writes and sings of a God never more alive and ever-present than in the rich lyrical imagery this burgeoning talent presents." Among Amazon.com's other picks were Yolanda Adams, Point of Grace, Nicole C. Mullen, SONICFLOOd and P.O.D.

"It is an honor to be listed among such great artists in contemporary Christian music," Norman commented. "I had a great time making Big Blue Sky, and I hope to continue making music that is relevant and that people enjoy."

Big Blue Sky also led the polls in the Dallas Morning News, where the No. 1 spot was given to "the album that resonated, both in heart and head, the most." CMCentral's senior editor, Robin Parrish, also chose Big Blue Sky as his favorite, citing "For deeply personal reasons, [it] has been the soundtrack to my soul this entire year. Piercingly, penetratingly honest lyrics and stunningly beautiful music."

In addition, Big Blue Sky made appearances on Baptist Press News' "Top 10 Christian Albums of the Year" coming in at No.7 and on ChristianityToday.com's "Top 12 Christian Albums of 2001"at No. 6. Michael Herman, co-director of the latter's music channel commented, "Bebo's textured voice, his perspectives on life through his songwriting, his unique guitar playing . . . and his personable presence make me want to listen to his music over and over again."

After a busy fall during which he headlined a 60-city national tour, Bebo Norman is gearing up to go out on the road again, this time with label mates Third Day and Paul Colman Trio. Third Day's "Come Together" tour kicks off in mid-February and runs through early May. The tour is slated to hit 45 major markets including Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Phoenix, Portland, Ore., Seattle, Oklahoma City, Houston, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, Mich., Nashville, Tenn., among others.

Bebo Norman's highly anticipated Essential/Watershed Records project, Big Blue Sky, released to critical acclaim on May 15, 2001. Big Blue Sky sold more than 9,500 units in its first week at retail, earning him a place among the top five best-selling Christian albums of the week and landing him at No. 4 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. In addition, Norman debuted at No 5 on Billboard's Top Internet Album Sales chart. The only Christian artist on the chart, Norman outsold Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Mark Knopfler and Weezer. For more information on Bebo Norman and Big Blue Sky, visit www.bebonorman.com.