Zion Aquino has a grateful heart

Zion Aquino debuts in an album titled Grateful Soul. And this guy really has so much to be grateful about. For one, this is a time when even big names have found themselves ditched by labels and without new albums. You know how the new technology is wrecking havoc on the music industry. But here he is with an album of 10 cuts, all of them of very good recording quality, all of them originals and all of them composed and produced by Trina Belamide.

  Trina is one of our big-shot songwriters. That she is unstinting in her support for Zion says a lot. This guy must be really good. Trina, after all, is the composer behind Tell The World Of His Love which was picked by the Vatican to be the theme of the World Youth Day celebrated during 1995 Papal visit. She also did Now That I Have You for The CompanY, You Made Me Stronger for Regine Velasquez and other songs. She is a member of the Ateneo Chamber Singers. She has been in the music business for 25 years now. She certainly knows a lot about singing and making hits.

Then also eternally to be grateful for is Zion’s new lease on life. This is something truly miraculous. The young man was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer four years ago and once even had to perform with a colostomy bag.  But he probably still has a lot of important tasks to accomplish on earth as his health has been restored. His healing encouraged him to go full time into singing so as to be able to share what he believes is the greatest gift he has received, his voice.

Zion sings soul and he is very good with naturally smooth tones. His singing hews close to John Legend which I am sure listeners find impressive. The 10 songs in the album are arranged in this style and it is quite pleasant to listen to. The Internet hit Ever My Only Love with its wide range requirement is the standout cut. My favorite though is the romantic ballad Only I. It is simpler and Zion’s relaxed delivery brings focus to his vocals. 

Also included are Really Over You, Give You My Heart And Soul, For Love (What People Would Do), Defenseless, Brave For You, Unyielding, Everything About This featuring Kidwolf and So Grateful.

All very well and good. But I have a complaint to make. It would have been better if Trina had included at least one song in Tagalog in the album. A sweet soul tune done in Filipino packs a mighty wallop. 

Sad news. Blakdyak, Joseph Formaran in real life, was found dead in his condominium unit in Sampaloc. He was 46 years old.  He left behind his wife Twinkle Estanislao and four children. His death has been declared a suicide, most probably due to depression. This makes everything sadder for Blakdyak, a gifted performer, talented lyricist, natural actor and singer who excelled in reggae, hip-hop and even ballads. 

Among his hit songs were Modelong Charing, Bilin Ni Lola, Noon At Ngayon, Magic Kapote, Papa, Bumbay, Asin at Paminta which was made into a movie that paired him with Eddie Garcia and Good Boy, which contains the popular phrase, “Good boy, good boy, sana kunin ka na ni Lord.” He also appeared in comedies like S2pid Luv and serious drama like Gangland.

And to close more about original Filipino music. Here are the Top 20 videos in the Pinoy MYX Countdown:  Alam by Darren Espanto; Rescue Me by Alden Richards; The Great Unknown by Sarah Geronimo feat. Hale; Tayo Na by Elmo Magalona; Kay Dali also by Elmo Magalona; Lagi Mong Tandaan by Parokya Ni Edgar; Tayo Ay Maglaro by Lyca Gairanod feat. Reynan Dal-Anay; Fall For Me by Kyle Echarri; Is This Love by Judy Ann San Jose; Is This Love by Callalily.

Dahan Dahan Lang by Ylona Garcia; Can You Be My Girl by Bailey May; Pause by Gracenote; Dating Tayo by TJ Monterde; Paraan by Sharlene San Pedro; Harana Na Na Na Na by Janella Salvador; Hanggang Dito Na Lang by Enchong Dee; Good Vibes by Quest x Mayonnaise; Mistakes by Q-York feat. Jay R; and Love At Website by Ronnie Alonte.