from the album "Cool Change"
GMA Records
Directed by Louie Ignacio
Is it really over, Jaya? Over, now that you've managed to create one of your best work to date? Now that your rich, intense vocals sound better than before? Well, not quite. It's ironic really for the carrier single off Jaya's latest album to be titled "Is It Over?" since, in the first place, it doesn't really signal an end; in fact, it does the exact opposite in tremendous fashion.
The last time listeners heard soul sister Jaya was back in 2005 with the thematic "Fall In Love Again." Two years later, she is back with a vengeance and all guns blazing. Her ninth album "Cool Change" signifies the many changes she has undergone in the past years. A new look, a new sound, a new label. These are some of the changes visible after giving the 55-minute long CD a spin. And what glorious period it was.
From start to finish, Jaya delivers fitting sensuous vocals at precise moments all throughout. Although it is a remake album, "Cool Change" appears to be Jaya's strongest record yet, one that has stacks of variety and texture. It also stands as a testimonial of industry experience and wisdom in that she doesn't try too hard pulling off vintage soul; instead she delights in belting out these classic confections in her own sweet style.
Choice cut and first single "Is It Over?" drips with dual emotions of the ends and beginnings of a relationship. Here, Jaya funnels her vocal abilities to a bare minimum, letting it flow fluidly with the lovely musical backdrop. The new minimalist approach is evident early on. With a rhyme-like arrangement and sunny production, title track "Cool Change" makes it clear that changes are present this time around. "Just Once" and "Through the Fire", classic songs remade over and over again, offer a distinctive Jaya touch. On the latter, controlled vocal aggression and gentle instrumentation keeps the song from being bland and overboard at the same time. The result of Jaya's newfound self-containment is as addictive as her old timeless hits.
Meanwhile, "Points of View" features guest vocals from peer Regine Velasquez. This tandem, which is contrasting in terms of style, is probably one of the best. Jaya's full-bodied alto harmonies shine under layers of Regine's soaring vocals. "On The Radio" sees Jaya transforming herself to a disco/dance-pop diva in the image of Donna Summer. Another recognizable change comes in the tracks "Girlfriend" and "For the First Time" with their soothing, jazz-inspired vocals. She manages to restrain herself, understanding that a stable delivery will do rather than a powerful release.
Clearly, Jaya is attracted to melodrama with a heartrending version of "Why Can't It Be," the essence of which is fixed yet again on mellow voices, and with Janno Gibbs lending his vocals they both make the neat arrangement notable. "Living Inside Myself" offers a comparable amount of sweet elements, which also relies heavily on delicate keys and backing vocals.
After all that, the glorious ballad "Cody's Song" comes as a relief. Featuring Jaya's baby's giggle, this final cut is sung in a warm and kind voice that is as comforting as how this new album had managed to sound.
All tracks present a much-improved Jaya and it only shows that she is at her best when she maintains control. Some might dismiss this as one of those remakes album done a million times before but the key factor in this album's success is its straightforwardness. It's simple and true and that's enough reassurance that Jaya's glory days are not over yet.
Tags: Jaya GMA
![George Harrison GOVINDA JAYA JAYA [Prabhupada]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z9-9I7bL3gg/default.jpg)
