Filipino-Canadian Elise Estrada released her debut self-titled album in September 2008. With the first single released back in 2007, the most recent single is doing quite well on MuchMoreMusic. This was the first time I heard of her and decided to give her album a try.
The album opens with “Unlove You,” which sets up the rest of the album nicely. Right off the bat, she has a really nice sounding voice. The track is almost a ballad, but still maintains a poppy sound. She steps it up with the next track, “Insatiable.” This was the first single released from the album and it’s cute, upbeat and catchy. This would definitely be a great summer song. “One Last Time” is the album’s first real ballad. The album, while being pop, also has a touch of r&b to the songs, such as this one. I’m not sure if it’s as good as the opening track, but it’s still a good song. with emotional lyrics and a fitting arrangement.
The next track is “Poison,” the most recent single. This song is probably the highlight of the album. It’s sexy and insanely catchy. The video is sort of lame, but she looks fantastic in it. This is more of a dance track than any of the previous songs on the album, which I find enjoyable. Although a bit repetitive, it all works. “Crash & Burn” is back to the r&b ballads. I’m usually not a fan of this kind of stuff, but she pulls them off nicely. Her vocals are a little screechy in the chorus and overall this track doesn’t quite stack up to it’s predecessor, “One Last Time.” Moving away from the ballads, “Just Want You (Feat. Jah Fus)” is another catchy track. I’m not sure if she writes any of her lyrics or music, but the lyrics certainly shouldn’t be the focal point of the album. They would be forgettable if not for the songs being so catchy. Jah Fus’ parts are annoying and seem out of place; the song would have been better without his rapping, regardless of how brief.
There seems to be quite a few ballads so far and “S.O.S.” is another one. None of them are all that different from each other, which is a bit disappointing. I think she could use more variety in the ballad area, but at the same time, they’ve all been generally good. “Torture”is yet another ballad, but there’s a more emotional performance from her here than the last few ballads and it even a little sexy sounding.
“These 3 Words” is reminiscent of “Insatiable” with a playful and upbeat composition and matching lyrics. Compared to the rest of the album, this song has a somewhat child-like sound to it. Not saying it’s bad, but that’s just what comes to mind. “Ix-Nay” really stands out among the other tracks, with her almost rapping the chorus. I wish this was placed a few tracks back, rather than the end. In the end, this song just doesn’t quite do it for me. It’s very hip hop sounding, which doesn’t exactly thrill me.
Overall, I’m actually really impressed with the album. Yes, it could use a bit more diversity in it’s track, or at least among its ballads, but I think it’s a fine debut album. I also think it could have done way better than it has up to this point. I guess she’s had some okay chartings with her singles, but I can’t see why these tracks couldn’t achieve greater success. She has a good voice and most of the songs, being pretty solid, will get stuck in your head.
Rating: 8/10
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