In 1997, Philippine female singer Rachel Alejandro released Mixed Emotions, her first album for major label Warner Music Philippines after recording a number of albums for local independent Alpha Records. Alejandro possesses an excellent voice full of versatility and depth. Her albums for Alpha Records showed off her voice, but she often had to make do with average or weak songwriting material. Fortunately, Alejandro has the ability to make an average song sound better than it should, and she applied this talent a number of times.
For a change, Mixed Emotions presents Alejandro with some first-rate material, and she rises confidently to the challenge. On past albums Alejandro has shown an affinity toward upbeat, dance-inflected songs (in addition to the easy-listening love song, a style of music quite popular in the Philippines) and Mixed Emotions contains a number of upbeat songs. The opening track, "Magic," has a modern, upbeat ambience and an exciting arrangement. Alejandro seems absolutely joyous here, singing her heart out with gusto and confidence. "Foolish Pride" is an interesting dance-inflected tune written in a minor key. There are a number of ballads, but these have more substance than the usual bland love song purveyed in the Philippines. "I Still Remember" is an emotive, penetrating ballad which Alejandro brings to full bloom. "Ba't Gano'n" ("Why Like That") is rooted in easy listening but also has more substance. Alejandro is one of the best female singers in the Philippines, and deserves the fine material she has on Mixed Emotions.
© David Gonzales /TiVo