Himig Pagbalik Tanaw Sa Musika't Kalinangan Ng Dekada '70

In 2000, Philippine male singer Wency Cornejo released Himig: Pagbalik Tanaw Sa Musika't Kalinangan Ng Dekada '70 (Hymn: Looking Back to the Music of the 70's Decade). All 12 tracks on the album are remakes of famous Philippine songs first heard in the 1970s. Cornejo is a former member of Philippine rock band AfterImage. As a member of AfterImage, he composed and sang "Habang May Buhay" (While Still Alive), one of the Philippines' most well-known songs. This latest Cornejo album was produced by respected music figure Bob Aves. Aside from producing, Aves also contributed the outstanding guitar work. He mostly plays acoustic guitar here, which helps make the songs sparkle, including the opening "Kumusta Mga Kaibigan" (How Are You Friends), which features gritty, blues-inspired singing by Wency Cornejo. The album also contains mellow love songs that are given endearing treatments, including "Kung Sakali" (If Ever), "Tao" (People), and "Himig Natin" (Our Hymn), among several others, such as "Himig Ng Pag-ibig," which has a charming, romantic melody. Cornejo has a strong, charismatic voice and imbues much passion and sincerity. A string section comprising violins, violas, and cellos is heard on many songs, and adds a hypnotic, dramatic touch to "Ibon" (Bird). "Ikaw Pa Rin" (It's Still You) features raw-edged, cacophonous electric guitar. The album's exquisite production, along with Aves' fine guitar and Cornejo's passionate voice, makes this album interesting.