Storm
Fernando Ortega has entitled his fifth major-label albumStorm, which is cleverly appropriate when you consider the atmospheric feel of his record. Throughout the mix there's a quiet clarity of soft piano, rhythmic acoustic guitar, and even strings reminiscent ofGeorge WinstonorJim Brickman. The airy "Light of Heaven" is one of the most accessible tracks and draws comparison to Ortega's biggest previous hit, "This Good Day," from his 2000Homerelease. ThroughoutStormthere's sonic tension, as Ortega's minor-chord verses offset big, shiny choruses. "Our Great God," a majestic and powerful praise and worship piece cowritten withThird Day's Mac Powell, carries the most potential yet falls a bit flat. You can catch a more muscular version of the song on thesecondCity on a Hillrelease. Ortega also continues his tradition of reworking traditional hymns on a few songs, including a duet withAmy Granton "Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy."--Michael Lyttle