Kuh Ledesma - The Best of Kuh (1996)

In 1996, Philippine female singer Kuh Ledesma released The Best of Kuh, a compilation of songs recorded for Philippine independent label Universal Records. The album also includes remakes of songs first recorded for Philippine independent label Vicor Records. Opening the album is a remake of the international hit "Betcha By Golly Wow," which Kuh Ledesma first recorded in 1981 on the Vicor Records album Kuh's Magic. Where Kuh Ledesma's first version of this song had a piano introduction, this new version features only acoustic guitar. One can tell that Kuh Ledesma has gained experience, and she sings in a masterful, more confident manner. The difference in Kuh Ledesma's voice is immediately evident on the updated versions of other Vicor Records remakes such as "A Long, Long Time Ago" and Elton John's "Your Song," among others. There is more depth to Kuh Ledesma's voice, and she is very much in control. Most songs on The Best of Kuh are slow, sophisticated middle-of-the-road numbers. Many songs are by Philippine composers, and the caliber of songwriting is very good. However, the album doesn't have much diversity, and it can get tiresome for a listener. Some of the album's better songs come from 1994's The Voice & the Violin, which features the appearance of American jazz violinist Noel Pointer. One excellent song from that album is the interesting "Save the Sunlight," which contains a magnetic violin solo.© David Gonzales /TiVo