The spice of life in these new albums

Julien Drolon’s “Phil So Good”: Easygoing dance and reggae rhythms

If variety is the spice of life, let’s find out what these new albums can offer to our sometimes humdrum existence.

Julien Drolon

“Phil So Good”

Entertainment Circuit

Imagine yourself lazing around the beach or countryside and listening to songs about peace, love and the beauty of this country.

That’s the vibe that dominates Frenchman Julien Drolon’s debut album, the six-track EP (extended play) “Phil So Good” —whose title is his own homage to the place he fell in love with, the Philippines.

All the songs—written and sung by Drolon—groove on easygoing dance, pop and reggae rhythms sprinkled with funk-inspired guitars. The feel-good music leads us to Drolon’s visions of liberty (“Free To Love”), equality (“No More Divisions”), social awareness (“Wake Up”), harmony (“Peace Through Music”) and bliss (“End of Time”).

The album’s centerpiece, the title track, is an impressionist view of this land in the eyes of a foreigner, with engaging rap lines by guest singer Rhian Ramos.

Cheers to Drolon and his all-Pinoy backup band and producers for spreading love and happiness through this record—which, incidentally, is available only in digital format via USB flash drive.

Shaped like a door key, the flash drive also contains the songs’ lyrics, photos and the music video of “Phil So Good.” Log on to juliendrolon.com and entertainmentcircuit.com.

Myrus’ “Wanted (Just Alive)”: Smooth, ice-cool pop vocals

Myrus

“Wanted (Just Alive)”

Distributed by Viva Records

The carefree days of youth get more exciting with dizzying thoughts of romance and all its implications and consequences.

That’s what pop singer Myrus immerses himself with in this five-track EP—all the songs of which he also wrote.

His voice reminds us of Babyface and other American R&B singers, which means that it’s a pleasure to hear his smooth, ice-cool rendition of tunes about shyly confessing one’s love (“Sige Na Nga”), the dilemma of having two loves (“Pusong Lito”), and the struggle to win back a lost love (“Ano’ng Kailangan Kong Gawin”), among other related issues.

However, the lyrics don’t make much of a difference—lines such as “araw-araw nasasabik” and “maghihintay ako sa yo” having been used a million times in a formulaic pop vein. But of course the teenage crowd would love them and probably tell us that we’re just too old for this type of songs.

The surprise here is a bonus track, Myrus’ duet version (with Princess Velasco) of Buklod’s “Kanlungan,” which originally appeared on the “Tunog Natin: Songs From Home” CD.

That alone is enough to send us to flights of euphoria.

Eurika

“Kung Pwede Lang”

Aika Records

The mind of an adolescent gets confused and thrilled at the same time over the prospect of infatuation and other concerns.

That’s what 12-year-old singer Eurika tries to express in “Kung Puwede Lang,” her 10-track debut CD. Not everyone is afforded the chance and privilege to have a record at such a young age, but Eurika’s parents are pulling out all the stops to support their daughter’s passion.

Eurika’s singing style veers away from the birit trend, thank God, so what we hear in this album is the natural vocal tone and pitch of someone in that awkward, pre-teenage phase.

Most of the songs (“Sige Na, Sige Na,” “Listen To Your Heart,” “Papampam,” “Topak,” and the title track) are about dealing with one’s crush at school or in the neighborhood—the lyrics light and easy, though the mood is filled with the tingling nervousness we’ve all felt at one time or another.

The title track stands out with Eurika’s slightly trebly vocals that glide into a falsetto on the high notes. The earnest tone in her voice, if properly guided, is her ticket to fame in the future.

Richard Merk

“Forever”

Distributed by Star Records

Sitting alone at night with wine and music can trigger sad or bittersweet memories.

That’s what we remember from listening to this 11-track CD by Richard Merk—a scarred survivor of countless personal battles and conflicts. There is a tinge of despondency in his interpretation of such standards as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Here’s That Rainy Day,” “Where Is Love?,” “Smile,” and even supposedly happy tunes as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “What a Wonderful World.”

But whatever somber mood Richard inhabits here is brilliantly countered by Elhmir Saison’s playful piano work. Not to be ignored as well is Richard’s trademark scatting which he imbues with a minimalist stance in the album’s optimistic ender, “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.”

This record makes us look back at our worst faults and mistakes, remembering that love and faith are life’s saving graces.