Main Review
It’s been five years since Fernando Ortega released Shadow of Your Wings, but with his newest album, Come Down, O
Love Divine, he picks right back up where he left off, carrying the flavorful style his fans have become familiar with and
adore. This album has a great collection of songs, combining hymns and originals, and including choirs, piano
instrumentals, and powerful worship.
The first two tracks, “Kyrie I” and “Kyrie II”, are soothing recreations of the older classic, with beautiful pianos and a divine
choir that brings out goose bumps. “Just As I Am” is a passionate song with a tribute to the great Billy Graham.
“Trisagion”, while seemingly an ordinary song, carries some of the most powerful lyrics in this album. The light and airy
“Ruby’s Advent Song” is an instrumental dedicated to his daughter, Ruby. “Doxology” comes in with a slight ethnic feel,
encouraging His people to earnestly praise the Lord. “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”, although short at just over a
minute, is soulful with only a men’s choir. While the title track, “Come Down, O Love Divine” enters into a new level of
worship, one of my favorites on this record is “The God of Abraham Praise”, a rich piano instrumental. Just when you feel
the album has reached it peak, “Our Great God” comes in with deep, impacting lyrics, drawing the listener in to a higher
level of praise.
Another rather short but remarkable track is “Sanctus”, with only a choir reminiscent of a host of angels. “Of the Father’s
Begotten” is a simple, but majestic instrumental of piano and violin. The album wraps up with the two-minute “Aaron’s
Blessing”, a popular prayer put to awe-inspiring music.
Throughout this album, you will find a peace settling over you as the Spirit ministers and speaks, even in the quiet,
instrumental songs. I believe Ortega will make many new fans through this inspiring record.
Closing Thoughts
Being quite unfamiliar with Fernando Ortega prior to this review, I went in not knowing what to expect. What I experienced
was Spirit-stirring, sensitive, rich songs. There is no doubt God’s got His hand on this artist’s music.
Review Written By: Lori Haire [lori.haire@christianmusicreview.org] on 7/7/2011
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