The first time this CD was mentioned to me, I have to admit that I was not interested at all. Nor did I even think of writing a review of it. Yes, Jay R was one of those whose career rose at breakneck speed crowned with a huge hit so popular it could be heard performed in bars and played in every public utility vehicle. “Bakit Pa Ba?” was a jukebox hit and Jay R became a household name. Unfortunately, due to wrong career moves and terrible magazine exposures, his career plummeted just as quick. And then there was silence.
In the world of entertainment, artists come and go and an artists’ decision of signing up with the right company or agency truly matters in the longevity of one’s career. Jay R must be blessed for he is with if not the best, one of the best record companies in the country. Armed with an amazing team of executives, decision makers and music geniuses, Universal Records not only produces quality records, but also crafts careers with impeccable timing and imaging. The result; A whole new package and amazing album that showcases Jay R in his strongest suit.
OPM Love Classics as mentioned by Jay R in the introduction has been his lifelong goal. A musical journey as he says, not only speaks well of Jay R’s musicality, but of how much he has matured as a musician as well.
At first hearing, one feels as though Jay R simply hums through each song as though being self indulgent and not minding his audience. But once one listens carefully, to how each song is brought to life, one will see and feel that the versions are done in such an elegant manner that the singer does not try to catch your attention with vocal calisthenics but instead conveys the emotions written underneath each song. Jay R performs each song in a very humble way there is no hint of wanting to show off. But one can hear he has a voice that has grown warmer and deeper. It’s as if he has simply surrendered to the music, closed his eyes and sang. Simple, honest and true.
As much as I would like to go per song on this album, there is absolutely no way as the crafting of the album was done so well it is as though you are listening to a musical love story. Even the sequence of songs tells a story of young man wishing for his greatest love to come in “Himala”. Finding her and declaring their loyalty in “Ako’y Sa ‘Yo…”, the joy of discovering love’s true meaning in “Ikaw Lamang”, and pain of separation in “Paalam Na”, the longing for reunion in “Muli” – impeccably sung with “Soul Siren” Nina. As a whole, this is the first time I have heard Jay R sing with such simplicity and elegance. And wow, what a beautiful voice and ease, moving from one note to the other with such smooth lines.
The love story continue to unfold and each track captures me by surprise. Not because each song is so well sung but how amazing the entire team has put together an album so well produced. Ito Rapadas must have a special spot for this album as this for me is one of the best produced albums I have listened to in years. Elegant arrangements by Bobby Velasco! Tracks well orchestrated and arranged not a single song sounds out of place. Each arrangement decked with just the right amount of instrumentation and embellishments at the right spots. I think the mistake other producers make is that they tend to do so much in a song, the singer and other instruments drown and we are bombarded with a version so loud the musicality suffers. But in this album, every song is crafted carefully, making sure each line, stanza and segment delivers just the right amount of ingredient to the entire recipe. Hence, a perfect blend of musical flavors.
My praises as well to the creative team, as in unison with the music team, the album cover, design, photography and styling all sit so well with the concept of the entire album. From the photography of Doc Marlon Pecjo, cover design by Jay Lumboy, simple and elegant styling and make-up by Luis Espiritu, Barbie Chan and Nelson Cruz – they have created what is for me, a real OPM album with class, humility and warmth of a real Filipino singer. Not wanting to look foreign, but just the simple great singing and well bred Filipinos that we are. Thank God for once here is an album that is not trying to look and sound foreign. A very difficult task, but given the right team, very possible. The result, an album that is 100% OPM but of international quality.
How wonderful to listen to an album that is so well produced. I cannot remember how long it has been since I have listened to an OPM album wherein I listened to each song from start to finish, and wanting to hear more - not only because of Jay R’s impeccable delivery but also because of the great arrangements and musicality.
This is an album that I will definitely keep in my playlist for a very very long time. For the versions in this album I know, I can still play even 10 years from now.
:o)
Artist: Jay R
Album: Sings OPM Love Classics
Original Release Date: February 2010
Disc/s: 1
Label: Universal Records
Track Listing:
1. Himala
2. Ako'y Sa 'Yo, Ika'y Akin
3. Ikaw Lamang
4. Paalam Na
5. Muli (featuring Nina)
6. Kahit Kailan
7. Huwag Na Lang Kaya
8. Sa Isip Ko
9. Sa Kanya
10. Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin
11. Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga
12. Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig
13. Hagkan
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