Silver Series - Donna Cruz

Singer Donna Cruz is a popular Philippine artist and movie/television personality, although her visibility has been reduced since her marriage in the late '90s. Nonetheless, her name brings much recognition. The Best of Donna Cruz collects some of her most famous songs. As with most albums by solo artists in the Philippines, the album is dominated by easy listening and middle-of-the-road love songs. Out of 12 songs, only one, "Kapag Tumibok ang Puso" (When Your Heart Beats), is upbeat — and it's a good song, too, with Donna Cruz easily handling the sinuous melody. One of the album's best songs is the touching "I Can," on which Donna Cruz sings the sophisticated melody with delicate passion, accompanied by suave acoustic guitar. Other highlights include the penetrating "Only Me and You," sung in an aching minor key, and "Muling Umawit ang Puso" (When the Heart Sings Again). Donna Cruz has an excellent voice, strong and expressive. In addition, the songwriting throughout the album is commendable and in most cases avoids being derivative. Donna Cruz is accompanied by Jason Everly, the son of Phil Everly, on the passionate "Wish."