Various Artists
Saviour: The Story of God's Passion for His People
(1995)
Reviewed by Roger Appelinski / Julie Henry
Majestic, sweeping orchestrations, sophisticated pop, reminiscent of theater legends such as Naughty Marietta, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Miserables--these are just a few of the descriptions one could use to describe Saviour: The Story Of God's Passion For His People. The project combines the mega-talents of Wayne Watson, Twila Paris, Steve Green, Wintley Phipps, and Larnelle Harris with the London Orchestra and 26 voice choir.
Greg Nelson and Bob Farrell are the creative force behind this unique project. The duo wrote and produced the 17 tracks that create this story that comes across similar to a soundtrack for a musical.
The lyrical journey through the Bible makes historical stops such as the creation ("In the Beginning"), the garden of Eden ("Where Are You Adam"), and the Jews' entrance into the promised land ("The Promised Land"). "My Heart Belongs to You" is a joyous rendition of what God may have been saying and feeling as He decided to create man. Others sum up our need for the Messiah and how He came ("We Need a Saviour," "Man of Sorrows," and "Cross of Love"). The album ends with the glorious revelation of the eternal life that Christ purchased for us in "So Shall We Live" and the praise of the Lord in "For All These Things."
Saviour has moments which will remind the listener of the newer versions of The Young Messiah, especially the number called "Kings of the Earth," which features the solo voices of Harris, Green, and Phipps.
This isn't a common piece in contemporary Christian music. It feels more like a Broadway soundtrack, but stands alone as an impressive collection of songs in an inspirational style.
