Bold choices in Billy Crawford’s covers album 06/03/2009

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By Rito Asilo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:55:00 05/22/2009

Filed Under: Music
MANILA, Philippines—Billy Crawford’s decision to return to the Philippines and make the country his home base is something that needs to be emulated by other homegrown performers. Nope, we don’t see the move as a demotion, but a wise career gambit—and a sterling example of humility. Besides, there’s nothing better than performing for your own people and winning their approval.

“Groove,” Billy’s latest album of covers, won’t have a hard time finding enthusiastic approval, even from finicky music fans. The pop-flavored collection boasts of 16 sleekly produced tracks that draw their unified sound from the multitalented performer’s earnest, R&B-flavored singing style and full-bodied pipes.

What sets Billy’s compilation apart from many other all-covers albums in the market is the bold choice of songs in the hefty and impressive repertoire: A good number of tunes in the lineup are undoubtedly beautiful, but they’re not the easiest to sing. They include Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and “Human Nature,” Earth Wind and Fire’s “Let’s Groove,” Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy, Mercy Me” and Brian McKnight’s “One Last Cry.”

Youthful vigor

His covers are not necessarily better than the original versions, but we’re happy to note that Billy doesn’t embarrass himself in them. In fact, he gives the songs fresh makeovers that brim with energy, interpretive pertinence and youthful vigor.

Other than the aforementioned tracks, other notable cuts include “Steal Away,” “Never Let Her Slip Away,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love?” Most notably, his remakes of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” and El Debarge’s “Someone” are hard-to-resist, hit-bound pop confections.

Billy collaborates with Nikki Gil in Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend,” which demonstrates the couple’s easy chemistry.

So, if you’re looking for a pop-music album that doesn’t sound derivative or technologically enhanced, Billy’s “Groove” is for you.



Tracklisting:
Steal Away (originally popularized by Robbie Dupree)
Sexy Eyes (originally popularized by Dr. Hook)
Rock With You (originally popularized by Michael Jackson)
Let’s Groove (originally popularized by Earth, Wind & Fire)
Could It Be I’m Fallin’ In Love (originally popularized by The Spinners)
Lovely Day (originally popularized by Bill Withers)
You’ve Got a Friend feat. Nikki Gil (originally popularized by James Taylor)
How Sweet It Is (originally popularized by James Taylor)
Never Let Her Slip Away (originally popularized by Andrew Gold)
Human Nature (originally popularized by Michael Jackson)
One Last Cry (originally popularized by Brian McKnight)
Someone (originally popularized by El Debarge)
Mercy, Mercy Me (originally popularized by Marvin Gaye)
Human Nature (Acoustic Version)
You’ve Got a Friend feat. Nikki Gil (Acoustic Version)
Steal Away (Silverfilter Remix)

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