Customer Reviews

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5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was eagerly waiting for the release of this album. If you liked any of Fernando's other CDs, this one is a must-buy! Fernando can take an old hymn and create a beautiful piece of music - on this CD, he does "Pass Me Not", a hymn you might not be familiar with.

The first song on the CD, "This Good Day" is quite upbeat and has a tune that really sticks in your head. Fernando has a song on this album that's about a homeless woman, and another about a man with Alzheimer's. Fernando did a lot of touring this past year and he wrote a song called "Lonely Road" for his wife Margee, who he misses greatly when he's on the road a lot.

If you have an opportunity to see Fernando Ortega in concert, GO! I've seen him several times and he's such a humble man. He's also extremely funny and he has people rolling in the aisles with laughter one minute and tearing up with a touching song the next minute.

I'd also recommend all his previous albums, especially "This Bright Hour" and "Breaking of the Dawn". His "Hymns and Meditations" is in a class by itself - the most beautiful collection of hymns that I own. You simply must hear "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" from that album! It's nothing short of incredible, but not in a showy way. If you see him in concert, you'll probably get to see/hear his cellist Cameron Stone who has been touring with Fernando and playing on his albums for years.

I hope I've convinced you to order this new release from Fernando *today*! You won't be sorry you did!

I have listened and enjoyed two of Fernando's other albums. SO it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to his latest album, "Home". Overall, it was a pretty good album, but it seemed that the slick, packaged sound of contemporary Christian music has slipped into parts. His beautiful voice and wonderful arrangements were still there, but they were crowded by more studio instruments, more drums and a synthesized flavor. THe power of Fernando's other albums was in the timeless beauty of simple, pure instrumentation coupled with deep lyrics. A few songs on this latest album did have that "Fernando" sound, such as "Pass Me Not", "Give Me Jesus", even the second track "Old Girl" has a melody that grabs something in your heart. One main problem I had with the album was that it had more of a band feel- fernando playing with a full band behind him. This creates a distance between he, the listener, and even the lyrics occasionally. The first track "this good day" was like this, as well as "No One Else". Yet, with all these negative comments, "Home" is still a pretty good record. But i do hope this album is not the start of a cross-over to glitzy, plastic music. The world needs more of the honest, profoundly beautiful music of Fernando Ortega.

After seeing Fernando Ortega on Christian television, I went hunting for some of the songs I'd heard. As it turns out, I LOVE this CD, for meditation and contemplative time. Being a depressive sort, I go into my time, with the positive and uplifting "This Good Day", and am deep into sincere prayer, as I sing, with the CD, "Pass Me Not". By the time this CD is over, I'm relaxed, DE-stressed, and regrouped, ready to go on with whatever is to come. Therefore, if you're looking for something calming, soothing, and yet positive, this is the CD for you.

Fernando Ortega is a gem of a Christian artist: thoughtful, talented, and direct in his approach, not manipulative, without being heavy-handed.

"Home" is an excellent album; listening, really listening to it, is a worship experience. The songs that most appeal to me are perhaps the ones that are most quintessential Fernando: I start at track 5 and play it to the end, the "meat of the order". "Give Me Jesus" is a song that will be sung and played until His Kingdom comes, and maybe even on from there.

Funny, when I first listened to Fernando Ortega, I thought, "not bad, but BLAND". Repeated listenings taught me differently, because I had to adjust to the fact that Fernando operates differently from many contemporary Christian artists.

See, what's great about Fernando Ortega is not just his humbly passionate voice, but the fact that his beautiful melodies stay understated. His lyrics are true and devout; Fernando's music is pure (that's the best word) when so much music, even and especially much CCM, is slick.

I just wish "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior" was longer!!!!

This was the first Fernando Ortega album I listened to. I kept playing it over and over. My wife and I have probably listened to it a hundred times. It is artistically, technically and spiritually the best Christian album I have ever heard. I later went out and bought four more of his albums, and they are all great, but I still go back to this one.

Having had Fernando on two radio programs I have produced; having listened to "everyone" of his album works...going back to 1989's "In A Welcome Field"; having shared a stage with him, hosting a concert to help benefit Christian children; having had the great pleasure of being considered a friend and working associate of Fernando's one & only album producer & musical director...John Andrew Schreiner; and even after having lunch with Fernado back in 1991 at a Thai Restaurant...where I was so brave to smuggle in my own Del Taco Bean & Cheese Burrito...because I loathe the "exotic" foods he so enjoys!; (yes ladies & gentlemen, I am going way over my head in tooting my horn way too obnoxiously....someone please shoot me in my soap box! ), I can clearly say, that after reading the previous 7 reviews on "HOME" and the somewhat "unfavorable" marks it received, may I stand out on a limp by "simply" saying that possibly Fernando is "simply" showing us all that he can indeed "Praise", can indeed "Worship", and can successfully explore many other avenues in the realm of today's Christian culture...while staying very true to his Calling, his Passion, his Music. With the ever so present direction of producer John Andrew Schreiner at the helm, I have yet to hear a work from Fernando that was indeed NOT "simply" him.

Yep, Fernando has done it again. Another GREAT album. I agree with some of the other reviewers that this one is a bit 'different' than his others (and yes, I have ALL of them!), but 'different' is not necessarily bad. I love his songs, they help me feel at peace (especially in times of stress)and I listen to them over and over again. In fact, Fernando Ortega is my FAVORITE Christian artist. I've introduced him to many others and they also have become great fans (I think my mom is now his biggest fan, driving great distances to see him in concert!) "Home" has so many wonderful, meaningful songs on it. I love "No one else" and "Old Girl"...their melodies stir my soul, as do the lyrics. But I guess I can't really pick a favorite, I love them all. This is a can't miss album. Even if you are hesitating about it because of some of the other reviews, try it. It grows on you and if you love Fernando Ortega's other albums, this one will find a place in your heart as well. I also agree with others who say if you can see him in concert, DO. He's wonderful, wonderful!

I had to add a review after reading the other, more negative ones. Yes, this album does have a more upbeat, ensemble feel than his previous works have. But this does not mean it sounds "slicker" or that it fails to connect with the listener. Fernando has different co-writers here, and I think that accounts in large part for the different sound.

I for one appreciate the more upbeat mood of this album. It's a refreshing change without being a total departure. The lyrics are still deep and still minister to the soul. You can tell it's still the same Fernando - he hasn't compromised his fundamental message in the least. Yes, it's different, but give it a chance... I think you'll find this album grows on you with each hearing.

Fernando Ortega combines an easy-going style with a real love for God in this CD. He mixes sacred songs, such as "This Good Day" and "Prayer for Home", with more secular songs like "Old Girl" and "Virginia Rose". The secular songs are carefully selected to reflect a philosophy which demonstrates compassion and love for others. This is an enjoyable and inspiring album which demonstrates Ortega's core value which is summed up in the final song on the CD, "Give Me Jesus". It is highly recommended
listening.

It is because of Fernando Ortega that I began listening to contemporary Christian music again, after a 15-year sabbatical. His music is a very close match for my tastes. I had previously purchased This Bright Hour and The Breaking of the Dawn, but in my opinion, this album is far superior. I am flabbergasted when I read the reviews from people who accuse Fernando of becoming more "slick" or "rocky"; he is nothing of the sort. When I hear his music I think "here is a man who is close to the heart of God". The only track that I don't care for is "Old Girl"; not really sure where he was trying to go with that one. But I love "This Good Day", "There is No One Else" and "Give Me Jesus". My top pick from the album is "Beyond the Sky"; funny I haven't seen anyone else mention this one. "Pass Me Not" is ok, but I really don't believe that the old hymns are Fernando's forte; is voice is not really rich enough to do justice to them. Overall though, his best yet, and will keep me coming back for more.