Kaya

In 2000, Philippine vocal group Kaya released their self-titled debut album. The group is composed of four singers, one male and three females. The group members are in their teen years.

The music on Kaya is soulful, pop-inflected, and modern, seemingly influenced by such music as that of female teen star Britney Spears and boy vocal group Backstreet Boys. Significantly, three songs on Kaya were published by Zomba Enterprises; Zomba is the parent label of Jive Records, to which Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys are signed.

The music of Kaya is a far cry from the easy listening love songs so popular in the Philippines. Aside from the three Zomba songs, three other compositions are by international songwriters. The remaining six compositions are by respected Philippine music figure Ryan Cayabyab, who also produced the album. The songwriting quality of all songs is high.

The album is well produced. "Oblivious" starts on an adventurous, reverb-edged guitar line, joined by sprightly, pop-inflected keyboards. The song contains an interesting, sinuous melody sung with panache and harmonious synergy by Kaya. The vocal inflections on the soulful ballad "I Know," composed by Ryan Cayabyab, sound like those of Toni Braxton.

Several songs, including "Told You" and "We Can Start By Falling in Love," are pleasant and tuneful. The female singing on "Just an Old Boyfriend," published by Zomba Enterprises, reminds one of Britney Spears' vocal style. The spirited, pop-styled "Gotta Next to That," another Zomba Enterprises composition, is outstanding and performed energetically by Kaya.