STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 14968- LABEL: Brentwood 50022 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Simon Carpenter
Being steeped in the English cathedral tradition and with a dislike of slushy "Hollywood" choral arrangements I struggled with this album by an American tenor accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra. It is all very American, despite the presence of the LSO (presumably booked to increase the international appeal of the recording - it would have been better for them to have some English arrangements to play). And Frederico is no Pavarotti - in fact his voice is pretty ordinary. The orchestrations are predictable, and sonic music just doesn't deserve to be "Christianised" with spiritual lyrics - "O Sole Mio", "Down From His Glory" - come off it! However, what cannot be disputed is Frederico's obvious determination to use his gifts for God's glory, as expressed in the choice of music, the sleeve notes und the new lyrics. That quality of dedication has to be admired even by the most hard-bitten reviewer.
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I think it's wonderful. As does the rest of my family and friends. Frederico has an excellent voice!