Every once in a blue moon an album comes out of nowhere, transcending by-rote pop mentalities, communicating truth without bowing to predictable "Godspeak," and offering songs that may never get much radio airplay yet become the subject of countless conversations among music lovers who digest records the way one might peel an onion, layer by layer by layer.

Coming to Life, The Normals' sophomore effort, is that kind of an album—haunting, mysterious, artful, and uplifting. It might be the best combination to date of smart, biblically influenced lyrics and delicious, seductive accompaniment.

If you love good music that stays with your gray matter for more reasons than catchy hooks, Coming to Life is your ticket to satisfaction. There's a new standard in Christian music, folks, and its name is The Normals.