Pleasant surprise from Jericho

ROSALES. Hum-worthy, self-penned melodies.

OUR biggest and brightest stars are boldly breaking stereotypes in their latest film-theater-recording projects—with outstanding results: First, Aga Muhlach refuses to bask in his matinee-idol pluperfection and instead opts to “look right” for his role as a lonely loser in “Of All The Things.”

In Resorts World’s hit staging of the musical, “King & I,” Monique Wilson puts a thespic twist on English tutor, Anna Leonowens, whom she portrays as a scarred but self-willed divorcee seeking a fresh, new start in 19th century Siam.

Another winner on our “pleasant-surprises” list is Jericho Rosales, whose second solo album, “Korona,” is a turn up for the books—and musical hooks! True, the singer-actor doesn’t possess the strongest pipes in the music biz but, in his sleekly produced new album, he’s never sounded better and more confident (“Dahil Sa Pag-ibig”).

He more than makes up for his vocal shortcomings with hum-worthy, self-penned melodies (the moody “Kasama Ka,” “Pusong Ligaw”) and irresistible arrangements that don’t call attention to themselves (“Halaga” and his delectable cover of Sugarfree’s “Makita Kang Muli”). His contemporary take on Freddie Aguilar’s “Kumusta Ka, Aking Mahal,” will also find favor with today’s pop-music lovers!

Echo shows off his knack for dramatic yarn-spinning in “Korona’s” top tracks: The carrier single, “Paboritong Tag-ulan,” his light and breezy collaboration with Jonathan Manalo, and “Bumuhos Man Ang Ulan,” a stirringly optimistic ballad about lost love, beautifully arranged by Gab Valenciano.

1:43

The vocal quartet, 1:43, has been around since 2010—but, the group first made a strong impression on us was when we heard its catchy cover of Parokya Ni Edgar’s “Harana,” in the OPM compilation album, “Tunog Natin: Songs From Home.”

Known for their K-pop-like polish, the fresh-faced comers—composed of Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, newbie Kent Malunda (who replaced Kim Nicolas), and main vocalist Yuki Sakamoto—are riding high on the massive success of their latest No. 1 hit single, “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,” the Myrus-penned title track of their six-song second EP. Other radio-friendly tunes: “Halika Na,” “Umaga, Tanghali, Gabi” and “Hiling.”

Pink

Pink’s sixth studio recording, “The Truth About Love,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last month: Its mishmash of hip-hop (“Are We All We Are?”), Roxette-sounding ballads (“Beam Me Up”) and dance tunes (the irreverent and irresistible title track) may seem thematically discordant, but it’s rough-around-the-edges quality gives her album its fan-drawing hook.

Pink’s collaborations with pop luminaries are among the album’s top picks: She makes beautiful music with Fun’s Nate Ruess in “Just Give Me A Reason.” Her gruff vocals complement Lily Allen’s soft trills in “True Love.” Then, she shines the spotlight on Eminem’s witty, derisive wordplay in “Here Comes The Weekend”—her second duet with the master rapper after “Won’t Back Down.”