Best in Me

In 1999, Philippine singer Agot Isidro released Best in Me. Her previous album, 1997's Winds of Change, was a dramatic change in style for her, as the music was rock-based instead of the easy listening music she usually performed. Winds of Change mostly succeeded, though her singing needed more warmth and emotional investment. For Best in Me, Isidro reverts to the easy listening love song, and as such, doesn't have much spunk or fire, though she mostly handles the songs well. However, one song stands out, and that is the acoustic-based "No One Home But Me," which is musically more interesting than the other songs, and would fit on 1997's Winds of Change. The rest of the album, however, consists of pleasant, easy listening material, which doesn't present a challenge to either the singer or listener. In addition, Isidro's singing seems less inspired and her voice sounds thinner than it did on the previous album. Her performance on "You Bring Out the Best," for example, is thin and weak. Nonetheless, she brings a pleasant touch to such love songs as "Iisa Pa Lamang" (There's Only One), "Thank You, Friend," "I Will Be There for You," and others. She shows some passion on "I Will Be There for You," and sounds happy and content. The musicianship is excellent, though by the very nature of easy listening music, it doesn't overwhelm. The slide guitar on "No One Home But Me" is melodically gritty, and the vibe-like sounds (presumably played on keyboards) heard on "Thank You, Friend" are enchanting.