NOW HEAR THIS
by Gerod Bass
CHRIS SAYBURN
Saved By Grace
COREY VOSS
Songs of Heaven and Earth
enough to keep things interesting. There are a
few songs that could definitely make their way
into your Sunday morning repertoire.
FERNANDO ORTEGA
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Chris Sayburn’s name may be new to many Corey Voss is the Worship & Creative Arts
U.S. worship music fans, but he is well known Pastor for Gateway Church in Shelbyville,
in the U.K. as he serves as curate for St. Philips Tennessee and has written songs recorded by
Chapel Street in Salford, Manchester. He is also Selah (“I Got Saved”), Paul Baloche (“Psalm 92”
one of the main worship leaders for New Wine / “We Come To You, Jesus”), Jaci Velasquez
Worship. Sayburn has been writing for and (“Praise The King”) and Dustin Smith (“How
collaborating on Integrity Music projects for Great” / “Consume Us”) among others. His
several years, and his latest release, Saved By latest EP, Songs of Heaven and Earth, is a
Grace, is a simple yet profound collection of ten collection of newly penned worship tracks that
new vertical worship songs that are perfect for includes co-writes with such artists as All Sons
corporate and individual worship. and Daughters and Krissy Nordhoff, just to
There is an old saying that “less is more”, and name a few.
Sayburn’s songs reflect this idea well. These Stylistically, the album fits with such artists
songs are written for the common pew sitter as Bethel, Jesus Culture, and Hillsong Young
as most feature very simple melodies written in and Free, yet differs with a more laid-back
song keys that just about anyone could sing. worshipful feel with a few hints of celebratory
But don’t be fooled into thinking there is a lack anthem thrown in for good measure. This is
of depth or scripture in these offerings. These nowhere more evident than on the opening
are simple prayers, felt and sung from the heart track “The King Is Here”, which speaks of how
to our God. all of Creation worships our God, and features
Sayburn has a great talent for writing catchy a Hook-laden chorus reminding us that God’s
melodies and phrases that stick, as songs like presence is always near.
“Praise His Name Forever” and “Spirit and Truth” Lyrically, Voss provides listeners with more than
could definitely catch on as congregational meaningless Christian Cliché’s and the over-
favorites. The meat of this album however sung phrases that we are being inundated with
is captured in it’s quieter moments, such as these days. There is a genuine hunger for the
“Spirit and Truth”, which explores the very heart of God here that comes through on every
nature of worship and how it brings us closer song on this little EP, and it is infectious.
to the heart of God. “Trust In You” takes us on “Canyons” begins with subdued finger-picking
a lyrical journey of the unchanging attributes of guitars and ethereal pads as Voss cries out to
our God, while “Nothing But Grace” reminds us for Christ to fill his empty soul, while “As It Is
that we are nothing without the saving grace In Heaven”, which was written by Alisa Turner
of Christ. and Dove award winner Michael Farren, is a
These are nice songs that speak theological soft and melodic prayer that foreshadows the
truth and were written by the local church for eternity we have in heaven while also calling
the local church. There were no real “wow” God’s people to make a difference for God’s
moments for me with this album either lyrically kingdom while here on Earth.
or instrumentally, and a few song arrangements This is a nice offering from Voss, and even
were a bit dry, but still there are some great though most of the arrangements were similar in
songs here for your congregation. the instrumentation and overall musical feel, the
tempos and song structures were just different
August 2017
Sometimes a worship album comes out that
completely shatters modern CCM stereotypes
of what modern worship should sound like,
while reminding us that creativity and a passion
for God’s word do still exist in the world of
modern worship. The Crucifixion of Jesus is
Fernando Ortega’s 20th album but his first
since 2015, and it is definitely worth the wait
for those who appreciate something a bit more
relaxed and traditional.
Most of the cuts here are rooted in somber
retrospection, as the crucifixion of Jesus is
obviously the main theme, but there are also
a few songs that vary the emotions such as
the bright and celebratory “Prepare the Way O
Zion”, which tells us the coming of the messiah
and features gorgeous piano arpeggios that
work well with Ortega’s soft flowing vocal tones.
“In My Father’s Kingdom” takes us to the upper
room as Jesus shares the last supper with his
disciples. The glorious mix of the mid-tone
piano and cello relate the bitter-sweet moment
that Jesus and His disciples must have felt on
their last night together.
The readings between most of the songs are
absolutely perfect and help the album feel more
like a worship service than just a collection of
random songs.
The Crucifixion of Jesus is more than just a
worship album, it is a liturgical experience that
takes the worshiper from the prophecies of the
Old Testament to the foot of the cross. This is a
beautifully written album and the mixing is spot
on. This entire album could be used in order as
a Holy Week service or broken up and done
during the season of Lent much like Holden’s
Evening Prayer. Well done Mr. Ortega.
WorshipMusician.com
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