Musikalye

Yeng Constantino has made waves in the Filipino music scene during her stay in the Pinoy Dream Academy (via the anthemic song Hawak Kamay) and after she became Grand Star Dreamer of the very first season. Her album Salamat has already gone multiple platinum or whatnot, all I know is it sold like isaw (chitterlings a.k.a. pig intestines) and fishballs (you know, balls made out of fish), which are sold in pretty much every block in the Philippines.

Just like what I said in my review of Paramita’s self-titled, an artist may be measured by his/her second album. So, this album must be important to Yeng. And yes, I have her first album, and I must say it deserves all the recognition it garnered.

In this album, Yeng continues her pop-rock-ery and sings songs straight from her heart. Now that her band Morning Glory (comprised of her longtime friends) is ready and set to back her up during gigs, she punks out a little harder in some songs in the album. Her Journey has just started, really.

Pros:

• Catchiness. She writes most of the songs, and boy some of them are really hit-worthy. Ikaw Lang Talaga and Di Na Ganun, the first two singles off the album, will catch your attention all the time.
• Honesty. Yeng’s voice is very emotive, and some songs in the album bring out the best in her. Her expressions range from bittersweet (Promise) to assuring (Ikaw Lang Talaga) to heartbreaking (Tao Lang Ako). Even her cover of Asin’s Himig ng Pag-ibig sounds her own. Her singing style actually reminds me of Michelle Branch (oh, how I miss her).
• Song order. Kinda reminds me of Avril Lavigne’s Let Go, with that punk-a-minute-sentimental-the-next style of songs.

Possible Cons:

• Instrumentations. Maybe I’m just not a fan of too-polished pop-rock instruments played by studio musicians. But then again, even Michelle Branch doesn’t record her own guitars.
• Album art. It’s just too cluttered for me. Too many fonts and colors for my liking. Reminds me of the Let Go artwork again. To the producers, please don’t turn Yeng into an Avril. She’s way too better than to be just that.
• Replay value. I think Yeng’s debut is still better than this one. The replay value of that album is quite higher compared to this album. Some songs in this album could have been written better. But then again, it’s just me.

Ratings:

• Music - 80%
• Lyrics - 85%
• Album Art - 70%
• Replay Value - 75%
• Overall - 77.5%

Standout Tracks: Di Na Ganun, Ikaw Lang Talaga, Himig ng Pag-ibig, Habambuhay

While listening to the album: Eat, or chat with your bestfriend over the net or over the phone.

Chock full of Links:

Buy Journey online
Yengsters Unplugged on Multiply
Yeng Constantino Network
Yeng Constantino Rocks
Yengnatix
Preview the album

Music Video for Di Na Ganun:

Tags: Bakit Nga Ba, Di Na Ganun, Himig Ng Pag-Ibig, If You Go, Ikaw Lang Talaga, journey, Pili Ka Lang, Promise, sophomore, Tala, Tao Lang Ako, What About Us, Why Can't You, yeng constantino

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