Maja and Kim take the musical bull by the horns

Maja Salvador

With the surprise release last year of her debut recording, “Believe,” Maja Salvador deftly demonstrated that she was as proficient with singing as with dancing—and her second album, “Maja In Love,” about the vagaries of love and romance, proves that her initial effort’s critical and commercial success was no fluke!

We know only too well that some recording artists can’t sing to save their lives, but technology enables them to deliver Autotune-sanitized vocals in at least technically proficient albums.

If you listen closely to “Gaano Kalayo?,” Maja’s skillfully arranged collaboration with Sam Milby (and “In Love’s” best cut), you’ll realize that guts isn’t the only thing going for the singer-actress. She performs her part with unflappable confidence and aplomb.

The tune’s hum-worthy melody doesn’t just benefit from the duo’s potent vocal chemistry, it’s also made more memorable by easy-on-the-ear harmonizing and spot-on counterpointing!

Maja’s sassy cooing works best with the ravishing harmonies of Jonathan Ong’s “Nakawin Natin Ang Sandali,” the intense “Love Me, Kill Me” and the sultry carrier single, “Bakit Ganito Ang Pag-ibig?” She may not have J Hud’s powerful vocals—but, like J Lo, her performing savvy and interpretive perspicacity see her through.

Kim Chiu

‘Chinita Princess’

Kim Chiu, Maja’s former BFF, has also taken the musical bull by the horns with the release of her own sophomore effort, “Chinita Princess”—her first collection since 2007’s “Gwa Ai Di.” In the liner notes, she thanks Xian Lim for reintroducing music into her life—and “for bringing back my smile.”

The actress’ voice isn’t as stable as her estranged gal pal’s, her limitations made more apparent by a shrill and nasal singing style. Her album has its charms, nonetheless—it brims with optimism and “relatable” romantic frivolities.

With more composers onboard, its carefully calibrated sound commands attention for its variety—from Christian Martinez’s dreamy, radio-ready ballads (“Mr. Right,” “Someday”) to Rox Santos, Jug Ramos and Bebe Riz’s rousing sing-and-rap charmer, “Express Yourself.”

Chiu’s enthusiastic revival of Myrus’ “Wala Man Sa ‘Yo Ang Lahat” will win favor with her ballad-weaned, rom-com followers—as well as Francis Salazar’s “Say We Don’t Care,” a call to arms against bullies and bashers that Kim performs with kooky gusto!