Fernando who? Well, we won't be asking that question for long, if this release is anything to go by! It's the first time in a long while since I wanted to give an album 11/10. How I missed his debut 'This Bright Hour' is beyond me, and there's no wonder it won him a 1998 Dove Award. This new release is just filled with superb music and lyrics that tell of his life and God's influence in it. Hints of Michael Card cast a magic musical spell on the listener, with songs like 'Creation Song' and 'Lord Of Eternity' being so beautiful. The 'Road Song' is just out of this world and the meditational intrumental 'Don't Take Me...' is breathtaking. Soft and gentle, is the only way that I can describe 'When All Mercies...'and I really think that this album should be a compulsary purchase. 10/10. (November 1998, Album of the Month)
Fernando Ortega is described as a 'veteran pianist and songwriter' but it's only the last couple of years that I've caught up with this talented man. Opening with the simple praise of "This Good Day", Ortega shows that - despite the passing years - he isn't afraid to experiment with more modern, upbeat sounds. His mellow, warm vocals are almost hypnotic, and songs like "Lonely Road" and "Winter Song" are sheer magic. The haunting background vocals of Kelly Willard and Cathy Schreiner only add to the brilliance of the finished product, which should appeal to fans of Michael Card. Classic hymns "Give Me Jesus" and "Pass Me Not" are given bright, new arrangements but new songs such as "on the Line" and "Virgina Rose" should not be forgotten. The former sounds like Simon & Garfunkle, while the latter, complete with superb fiddles, reminded be of Eden Burning. Easy listening? Yes, and it's lovely. 9/10. (May 2000)
Let's get one thing straight from the start, a Fernando Ortega concert video is never going to be a visual extravaganza of special fx or screaming audiences. What you do get though is a brilliant pianist/songwriter, a tight array of backing musicans, and a video full of worship and love for his Saviour. As you might guess, most of the songs played are taken from his "Home" album, but one or two others do creep in along the way. "This Good Day" is one that I've personally played a lot over the last few months and it was really nice to sit and watch the man actually perform such a great song. The concert takes a little while for both the man himself and the audience to warm to each other but, once they do, there's a great rapport and bond. Between songs, his quiet humour comes out and provides another insight into a man who is not so well know in the UK. If you like his albums, you'll love the video but, if you've not yet caught up with Fernando, try this. Over 90 minutes of video footage with songs that will gently inspire and bring you closer to God. 9/10. (April 2001)
For his 10th studio album, Fernando Ortega looks at the storms of life that we pass through, and how certain people get through them. Here's a guy who's albums never disappoint me. You know the easy going style, yet each new release is different to the last. I instantly fell in love with the first track called "Traveller". It's mellow and calming sound is a prayer to the Lord for all those who travel or/and go astray. That's followed by an excellent duet with Amy Grant as they sing "Come Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy" - very beautiful indeed. Fernando then up's the tempo for a foot tapper, "Light of Heaven" and follows that with the title track. If you've never come across this brilliant artist then the nearest comparison I can give you is Michael Card. There again, as Card depicts Bible truths, Ortega writes about those truths in everyday situations. "This Time Next Year" is sung about yearly family gatherings and all that can happen during that time. There's an assurance that, although apart, God is always with us and makes us feel together. An album to relax and meditate with, an to share with others in need. 9/10. (March 2002, Album of the Month)
I always smile to myself whenever I receive one of Fernando Ortega's records to review. Why? Because, I'm rarely disappointed by the content, and his music never fails to bring a warmth within. This Cd sees him collect the best of his own compositions of hymns and worship songs, together with one or two well known tunes. "Creation Song" is a lovely song and I remember it well from it's original release. "Children of the Living God" is sung in a nursery rhyme style, while "All Creatures of Our God & King" has a distinct marching fell to it. The latter is of highest quality and very uplifting to the soul. Your not going to get any rock n' roll from Fernando, but what he does best is to quietly tell a story such as the gentle "Jesus, King of Angels". He's received two Dove Awards and had six No.1 hit radio singles, yet he remains, in the UK, one of the greatest undiscovered talents. 9/10. (April 2003)
After hearing this album you can definitely tell why they are named 'Few Left Standing'. Definitely not a band for the feint-hearted as their adrenalin packed music throws everything at you; insane drumming, screaming vocals and amazing guitar riffs that will leave your ears ringing. If you don't listen to the lyrics it is hard to imagine that they are a Christian band, purely because it is not the stereotypical Christian-rock that we have come to know. However when you actually listen to what is being said in the songs, you can tell that they are really trying to get the message across in a way that today's youth can relate to. With more and more young people listening to bands such as 'Slipknot' and 'Linkin Park', it is a perfect time for bands like 'Few Left Standing' to get out there. As I went to look on www.fls-online.com to see if they had any previous releases I sadly discovered that 'Few Left Standing' has now split up to concentrate on other areas of their ministry. Nevertheless, in spite of this split, Wormwood is definitely worth a listen for those hard-rock fans. 8/10. Richard Howlett. (June 2002)
I reviewed "Wormwood", the band's previous release, and, being the intrepid reporter that I am, tracked down their website. I did enjoy their last release and so it was to my utter dismay that I found out they had split up! So here I am with their next release… Ok, so somehow I messed up. But at least we get another album and that's all that matters. Now I'm not usually a fan of screamed vocals that you can't really understand, as I usually like the kind of lyrics you can sing along to. However there will be no sitting round the campfire singing the likes of "Blistered Spirit" or "Tears Of A Fallen Man". The offerings from this band may not be to my usual liking but there is just something about them that captivates the ears. What's more the music is not just a backing for these intense vocals from Christopher Stafford, it matches his ferocity beat for beat, you only have to listen to some of the drumming on "Restoration" to discover this. Combined with the impressive guitar and bass work this makes for a very good album. Like I said last time, not for the feint-hearted but an extremely good tool in spreading the good news to the youth of today. 8/10 Rik Howlett. (October 2003)
Three guys and a girl make up this Crowded House style band, with a twelve song album that is uncluttered, and very well produced. The songs are based on acoustic guitar, which are then cleverly added to, making a very polished end product. The tracks themselves are quite strong throughout without being spectacular. "One of These Days" starts things off, followed by "Take Me As I Am" - a cry to Jesus - both bouncing along at a steady pace. The title track is in a similar, easy, vein, but "I'm Alright" leans more towards the lbues, andis a turn off as far as this reviewer is concerned. The male vocalist works better than the female and "Wholly To You" shows him in great form, with a beautiful song. As I say, not a spectacular release but certainly one of the better offerings on show this month. With a debut like this, FFH should be around for some time to come. 8/10. (April 1999)
It's a while since we've heard from FFH, but the wait has really been worthwhile. This is one of the best pop praise albums that I've heard for a long time. There's loads of catchy hooks and the guitar playing just has a certain edge. There's so many potential radio hits on this album it's one glorious song after another. "You'll Drive I'll Ride" would be my pick of the bunch, but it's a hard decision t make, because the songs are just so good all the way through. "Without You" praises God for all He does in our lives, including those things that we take for granted. "Still the Cross" is contemporary praise at it's best while, the knowing that God is with you, every moment of the day, comes to the fore on "In This Moment". There's a theme of personal relationship running throughout the listing, but it's not just God that's praised. A loved one is given praise, too, on the delicious "Another Day With You". Believe me, it will be hard to find a better pop praise album out at the moment. 10/10. (January 2005)
Yeah … me too. Cheap joke I know, and probably unfair, but by the time this album reached the end of its first play I was about ready to chew my own foot off!! To be fair to Fine China, there is nothing here that I would describe as "bad", it is just terribly dull and lives, musically, in about 1985. Half the tracks sound just like "The Cure", another couple like "The Smiths" and even one like Hull's "The Housemartins". If you were into those bands (and I never was) you may well like this album but, for me, it doesn't get out of 2nd gear. Subjective tastes aside, the major irritation is one of production. The vocalist "can't sing" in the same way that Robert Smith (of "The Cure") "can't sing" and it suits the backing quite well, but his quiet voice just gets lost in the jangly guitars, and it is impossible to hear what he is singing about - something that is very high up my list of priorities where Christian music is concerned. On the positive side, the middle two tracks ("You were a Saint" and "Boo to the Freaks") are pretty good, and break the general monotony by introducing some nice acoustic guitar playing. Unfortunately, whichever way you look from there it is downhill all the way. 4/10 David Cooper (June 2002)
By their own admission, The Fiona Simpson Band are not really going to have mass appeal to your run of the mill teenager or person in their early 20's. But, for the last 3 years, the four members of the group have played God's music to countless folk around the UK. The album was made as a result of pressure from concert audiences and part financed by faithful supporters. If you're going to pick a fault, then the overall production is not quite in the same league as, say, Avalon. There again, we're only talking about a budget which is a fraction of that used by our Atlantic brothers & sisters, and that should be taken into account. What you get is 10 tracks that cover such songs as "Champion of the World", Sir Cliff's "From a Distance", and "Come and See". Fiona's vocals are very much in the Marilla Ness style (recorded at the same studio) and are very warming to the ear. I really loved the version of "We Are More Than Conquerors" and will continue to play it over and over again. Graham Kendrick's "Thorns in the Straw" is simply beautiful and the clever delivery of Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise" gives the listener a sense of peace and tranquillity that only God can give. A lovely album. 8/10. (May 1999)
Radio 1 listeners and local IRL Station listeners will, no doubt, turn away from this release. However, for those of us who like the more melodic tones of Radio 2 and BBC Stations, the new FSB album will go down like tea and scones on a June afternoon. Hopefully, that June afternoon will be bright and sunny, because that is just what this release reminds me of. The content is a mixture of cover versions and originals, the latter showing just how the band members, themselves, are beginning to mature. The opening "Nothing Will Ever Be The Same Again" is a Kendrick number that immediately shows off the warmth and depth of Fiona's vocals. "Shout For Justice" is the first 'home grown' offering and is, perhaps, the weakest track on offer. Sentiments about N. Ireland and Bosnia are touching but the finished article sounds rather dis-jointed. However, "Why Me?" proves that their songwriting talent is emerging with this gentler sound. Concerts over the last 12 months have only served to improve the musicianship of the FSB and, together, they prove a solid outfit. "I Saw You There" is a catchy little thing that I had never heard of before, and "All You Have To Do", is a lovely song with a simple message on how to accept the Lord in your life. 9/10 (May 2000)
My second triple box set review this month, consists of "50 of the most popular praise & worship songs sung in churches today. On these sort of compilations, you usually find the same musicians and singers appearing time after time, and this is no exception. Simon Goodall, Ingrid DuMosch, and Calvin Bottoms all flex their vocal talents, while Andrew Green's keyboard and programming techniques beef up the music. As for the songs, there's nothing to really dislike, it just depends on your preference of church music. There's too many songs to list individually here but I did enjoy hearing the likes of "So Freely", and Be Still and Know" for the first time in ages. Then, there's "I Will Call Upon the Lord" and "Holy Holy", both great songs in their own right. My only other advice would be to check out the full listing before buying and weigh up just how many of the songs you like. 6/10. (July 2003)
I first bumped into this lot at last year's JAM Festival and filmed a couple of songs, they were quite impressive. This album has now been dusted, polished, and fine tuned by ICC and it is a good debut. Today's music critics will liken them to Sleeper but I, as a mature student of the arts, think they've got the Blondie panache. "I Never Said" has that such style about it, crossed with the Brit feel that I think it's Top 10 material. Nesse Hodges' vocals carry an eerie resemblance to Debbie Harry and this shines out on "Limelighter". "Zion" is another strong song which is only one of many that is driven by purposeful guitars and rhythms. With the right media push, I can sense Flow growing. 8/10. (July 1997)
The first album in this series "Renewing the Heart" not only ministered to many, but also won a Dove Award for the best Praise & Worship release. Here, Kim Hill is, once again, the woman at the forefront of things for this second collection. With contributions from writers such as Matt Redman, Martin smith, and Brian Doerksen, we're treated to songs and hymns, old and new. In typical fashion, the album begins with a couple of fine bouncy praises. "Come, Now Is the Time To Worship" sets things off, and "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name" continues the great feeling of what it really means to be a child of God. You know the formula with these live albums and everything is just what you expect. They slow things down for some gentle worship, and then it's back to the joyful sounds of "For Such A Time As This" and, my favourite, "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever". Apart from the dreadful version of "Blessed Assurance", all the old songs are given just respect and delivered well. Another successful release. 9/10. (July 1999)
4200 ladies met together from many churches in Ireland and from other parts of the world, to worship and hear God's word at this ecumenical event, Focusfest 2000. Geraldine Latty, once again, skillfully leads worship combining a superb collection of, mostly, modern p&w songs. The album opens with an old favourite "Amazing Grace", and then "All Heaven Declares" (Noel & Tricia Richards). My favourite track comes next, "Lord, I Come", written by Latty herself. This is a beautiful, heartfelt, prayerful song. It is the most recently written song on the album and, therefore, I had not heard it before. There's a good selection of songs, put together well, and well supported by the singing and music. Writers such as Matt Redman, Stuart Townend, and Graham Kendrick, all feature on an album that mixes quiet and reflective times with lively numbers such as "Lord I Lift Your Name". All in all, a very nice, live worship album. 9/10. Pam Robinson. (December 2000)
When 5000 women join in exuberant praise and intimate worship, it can only be the sound of a live recording from this year's Focusfest Event. Led by Geraldine Latty, there's also contributions by Maire Brennan and Kristyn Lennox. Using Celtic, gospel, traditional and contemporary styles of music, this is an album that the male population will also enjoy. It's a little slow to get started but once you've listened to the medley of "What Can Wash Away My Sin" and "Have You Been to Jesus", you'll be worshipping along with the rest of the album. Brennan sings a lovely version of "O Jesus Friend Unfailing" in that old folk style while "Over All the Earth" will have you singing it for days. Using a good celtic drum beat, there's a new feel to that old favourite "Praise to the Lord God Almighty". "Forgiven" is sung with such feeling by Lennox and accompanied by the gentle piano playing of Jonathan Rea. So, whether you're male or female, this album should fulfill everyone's taste in praise and worship. 9/10.
More than 2000 women from Ireland and beyond gathered together in Belfast for the annual Focusfest event to explore themes of identity, intimacy and impacting their communities for Jesus. Under the leadership of Geraldine Latty, this album captures a glimpse of the celebration and awe that was experienced within the worship as the women expressed their thankfulness and praise to the God of perfect love. There's something about an album of pure female voices that results in a freshness in the sound and the album itself seems to gather momentum as the listing proceeds. "Almighty God My Redeemer" and "Everlasting God" are two early highlights but it's "Jesus Hope of the Nations" which really sets this recording alight. From then on, the songs literally jump out at you, embracing you in the Father's love and soaking you with the spirit. The accapella version of "Immortal Invisible" is very moving, while "Faithful One" exudes a warmth of praise. Certainly, this is one recording worth adding to your praise and worship collection. 8/10. (December 2005)
Ever since these guys were picked to play support to Bon Jovi in Milton Keynes, it seemed certain that it was just a matter of time before they made it big, in Christian Music. With all songs written by Guitarist and vocalist, Del Currie, this is the big debut. What's it like? It's like Jars of Clay meets Radiohead, with Therapy overtones. It's loud, and it's quiet. It's brash, and it's bold. "Under My Skin" is an obvious track for a single and would go down well on both sides of the Atlantic. Driving guitars run alongside Currie's raw vocals in a cocophony of radio rock. "Something Must Be Happening" continues in similar vain but "Strangest Thing" slows things down for the first time. It's aplodding number that is very Radiohead, although not an instant favourite. The obligatory acoustic rocker comes in at track 7, "Now She's 24", a number that tells of a girl full of hurt finally giving her life to Jesus. It really is a bout time that another British band took the CCM market by storm and, with the Gig Guy's help, Fono could well be the ones. 8/10. (November 1998)
Four guys, and four superb voices are the main product behind the name 4 Him. Actually, it's the first time that I've come across them and I was expecting a rather dull offering, judging by the cover photograph. But, as the saying goes, never judge a book by it's cover! Some lovely vocal harmonies are backed by the cream of US session musicians to give a good, finished product. I had to look closely at the songwriting credits as on numerous occasions, I could swear it sounded like ex-ELO man, Jeff Lynne. 'Songs and Wonders' being just one of those to instantly make the mark. 'Let the Lion Run Free' is more US pop and a strong number to start. The album tends to fade towards the end, with the funky 'Who's at the Wheel' sounding distinctly odd compared to the rest of the songs. Ballads such as 'Great Awakening' and 'The Hand of God' will make sure that 4 Him have a hit record on their hands. 8/10. (September 1998)
Nine years since their first album, and seven albums to their credit, 4 Him have now produced a collection of greatest hits. I have to admit that when I was asked to review this CD, I had never heard of this band before. I am pleased, however, that I was asked as they are good and have produced a quality recording, with excellent vocals, music, and lyrics. I would compare their sound with some of the boy bands in the charts at the moment. My favourite track is "The Basics of Life", a similar sound to Boyzone - my husband disagrees, he says they are better than Boyzone. I also track 9 "Before the River Came". The words are soul searching and I imagine they would echo the feelings of most Christians. The whole album is good and well worth listening to. 9/10. Pam Robinson. (July 1999)
As producer Brent Bourgois says on the sleeve notes, 4 Him are "the finest man band in a sea of boy bands". Quite a claim, but one that seems to have stood the test of time. Indeed, time and again, this quartet have come up with polished, God centred pop music that just draws you in to the sincerity and passion of the band. The slick harmonies are on show throughout but shine even brighter on tunes like "Let The Healing Begin" and "The Waiting". "Surrender" is 'pop perfect' - what a brilliant song. I cringed a little on the rocky "I Know you Now" as it felt really out of character to the rest of the track listing but that was soon forgotten as the guys belt out classics such as "One Foot in the Water" and "Eyes of the World". The only other disappointment was the closing "Love Boomerang" which got a bit bluesy and a messy towards the end. Otherwise, another hit for 4 Him. 9/10. (April 2002)
4 Him are four good old American boys who have constantly made good pop albums over the last few years, such as the excellent "Walk On". "Visible" continues the success story but relies, somewhat, on a format, perhaps, too similar to the last two releases. "Fill the Earth" is the strongest cut on offer and is very radio friendly. I can see that being a No.1 hit all over the US. There's a happy feel about "the Final Word", as well as the slow stomping "Candle in the Rain". The usual harmonies work well and the musical background is sound without being OTT. The title track and "Let Your Kingdom Come" are rather weak in presentation but, otherwise, it's another polished affair. 7/10 (January 2004)
Expectations were high, and I got the distinct impression that this was going to be a Vineyard-like CD, which meant that it was going to have a lot to live up to. Featuring the Worship Leaders from the Detling Summer Conference, (which I must admit to having never heard of before). The album starts well enough, with a meaty guitar intro to the first song "Whatever it Takes", which is a good, strong and well put together, as is the second "My God is Strong", - although it never quite reaches the same level. After that, it all goes a bit downhill I'm afraid, with only one other song, "Everybody, Everywhere" really worthy of mention. Having begun strongly, it loses it's edge, the guitar disappearing well back into the mix to be replaced by piano and keyboard. This means that the whole thing slips into standard worship album mode, and a little too clichéd for my taste, offering nothing in terms of originality. This is a shame, because I feel that with a little more thought and experimentation, some of these songs would really shine. The overall feel is not helped by some of the vocals having a "Cliff Richard" type quality, which doesn't really suit what I think they are trying to achieve, or by a female vocal that suffers from some poor intonation on the higher notes. The vocals, on the whole, are a bit of a let down. However, one of the biggest mistakes they make is in ripping themselves off. The hook lines to both "Mercy" and "Thank You" are practically identical (and they both sound like a Boyzone song) which is a bit unforgivable. So sorry folks, I really wanted to like this album, and its only a few steps away from that, but I couldn't warrant spending my money on this over the latest Vineyard release. 5/10 Robin Thompson (December 2003)
Not too sure what to make of Foreverafter. Sometimes they can be quite poppy, sometimes they can be downright morbid. Mind you, on "Holy Spirit" it's dancey, it's club, it's the sort of thing that wouldn't be lost on any WWMT release. "The One For Me", on the other hand, is more industrial in sound and the vocals get a bit lost in the mix. "Oasis" changes things, yet again, and is a lovely relaxing number with great vocals and harmonies. Based on Psalm 23 it tells of hope, peace, and the unconditional love that only God can bring. "You shouldn't worry about what you don't know, rather what you do know and how you live", so says "Who You Are". It's a light pop production but quite effective nonetheless. It's not a brilliant release but it's not bad either. 7/10. (December 1999)
This record is one of three in a new series exploring the great themes of the Christian faith. Reflections, Scripture, quotes and songs help groups or individuals to meditate on the fundamental aspect of the Gospel. The inlay notes with this release include extracts from the best selling book by Dr Jack Deere, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit. The songs themselves contain no surprises though with 'Purify My Heart', 'Send Us the Rain, Lord', and 'River of God' being only three of this well known collection. Saying that, the songs are all carefully and soundly arranged, giving a first class result.. If you use daily Bible notes, I think that you will find this album quite helpful but, if not, why not give this a try? 8/10. (December 1998)
Freddie Bruno was one half of a hip hop duo that surfaced in America during 2000. now, he's on his own and this album features 15 songs, still in that style. As I've stated many times before, this is not my favoured style of music but I do try and listen beyond my personal tastes, and get to what the artist is conveying. The songs are very much standard - the sort of things you hear on the radio these days. Nothing seems to really grab your attention especially, but "Miss Bonita" comes close. If I'm right, it tells the story of a lady of the night, and why you should keep away from her. "Rock the Beat Within Your Heart" tells you to keep the faith, and to do what's right in your heart, not your head. So, there's messages there and, if he's preaching to hip hop fans, then Freddie Bruno looks to have got it right. For me, though, it's just another album. 6/10. (September 2002)
Regular readers of NFN will know that Haydon Spenceley is a teenager who has cerebral palsy and has been given an award by Whizz Kidz, a national charity who provide mobility aids for disabled children, and the Millennium Commission to record and produce a CD. The 5 track Cd isn't perfect,let's not deny it, but it does have it's moments. The opening two songs "Fly" and "Real Love" are a mix of 70's rock and The Smiths. Indeed, Haydon's vocals, at times, do have that Morrisey inflection. "All I Want is You" on the other hand, doesn't work and Haydon's vocals become quite ragged at times. The music quality needs tightening a bit but there's nothing to suggest that a few more live gigs won't put that right. Haydon says that the band aims "to show the world that whatever ailment or disability a person may have, or think that they have, be it physical, emotional or whatever, it is possible to achieve your dreams," and "to show people the one true way to freedom - through faith in and life with Jesus.". Freeslave have done just that, and now need to build on this promising debut. 6/10. (October 2003)
Freeslave return after last year's debut EP with another recording
featuring 4 tracks. The first is, probably, the strongest, and
most likely to get them more airplay. "Hiding Place"
has a raw freshness and energy that you only get in a smaller
studio, and while the production isn't perfect, it does add a
lot to the performance. Haydon Spenceley has an engaging voice
which drones just enough to give it a certain quality. As for
"Nothing", I just don't like the song itself. The overall
sound is good, but the song leaves me cold - just a personal thing.
While the opening faster song works best, the slower ones do give
a glimpse into the band's armoury to show that Freeslave are more
than just a one-trick card. On "Crying Tonight" the
song shows just what God might say to the question "What
do you think of your world today"? This song highlights Sarah
Crays backing vocals and some tasty guitar work. It may not be
perfect, but the finished product show what Freeslave are about.
Maybe now they can move to a full album and show their true potential.
7/10.
(December 2004)
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