Sarah Geronimo (MNS Photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Sarah Geronimo releases her 11th album, “Perfectly Imperfect,” and, with it, the multi-hyphenate act may just change the way Pinoy pop albums sound.
What was initially a brave jump into R&B-tinged pop with last year’s hit “Ikot-Ikot” is now fully embraced here by Geronimo, who comes up with a like-sounding single, “Kilometro.” This R&B-leaning mid-tempo track sizzles with some EDM and, while most local listeners might be hard put to dig the likes of Tiesto, Calvin Harris and others, they might give Geronimo a chance.
Now this is good; this is new. It’s about time the pop radio listeners get something more than the formulaic love songs, cringe-inducing novelty pop and mind-numbing remakes. And if there’s anyone that can influence a shift in the music taste of the masses, it would be SG.
The album is highlighted by the keyboard-drenched track “Bangon,” a tune that kicks off with an infectious piano lick and SG’s skillful singing. Elsewhere, SG works with themes of yearning, anticipation and yes, love.
She waxes hopeful in the face of heartbreak drenched in echoing beats and tasty keyboards on “Dulo.” She changes tempo and mellows out, acoustic-style, on “This Fight.” Meanwhile, ballads like “Kung Sabagay” and “Minamahal” calls to mind Sarah’s pop roots.
But the kicker in this album is the bubblegum-pop sounding title track and the piano-decked ballad “Bulletproof.” Canadian import producer Adam Hurstfield (Ne-Yo, Superjunior and Backstreet Boys) gave a Top 40 sheen to SG’s sound that, unsurprisingly, fits the singer.
It’s an album of changes for Geronimo. If it sounds this good, then by all means, keep it coming. (MNS)