Morissette puts gospel spin to ‘Shine’
Asia’s Phoenix Morissette is finally releasing today her official recording of “Shine” in celebration of the song’s silver anniversary this year.
The timely release is a re-introduction of “Shine’s” original lyrics composed by multi-awarded songwriter Trina Belamide who has joined forces with Star Music to reproduce the well-loved composition originally sung by Ima Castro and later rendered by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.
ABS-CBN Music creative director and OPM hitmaker Jonathan Manalo has teamed up with Filipino-American musical director Troy Laureta to give “Shine” a fresh gospel waltz vibe while retaining its overall feel.
Morissette’s version happens after years of singing the OPM tune live on numerous occasions here and abroad. The Kapamilya artist’s YouTube performance video of “Shine” on the Wish Bus has garnered over 7.9 million views and has figured in numerous reaction videos of vocal coaches from different countries who were blown away by her rendition.
“Shine” was originally a Metropop entry first recorded by Ima and performed live by Sweet Plantado during the 1996 Metropop Song Festival held at the Araneta Coliseum where it won second place.
In 2004, the Asia’s Songbird recorded the song for a product commercial and has since then become part of her various shows’ repertoire.
A trivia: Morisette is as old as “Shine” which was composed for the Metropop. As Ms. Trina said, “I wanted a birit song for the contest, ‘yung tipong papalakpakan ng mga tao. The song talks about someone who brings out the best in a person.”
Ms.Trina also explained the song’s message changes depending on the one who sings it. “Some people saw it like a gospel song, an inspirational song. When Regine sang it for a commercial, it became like a ballad and became more popular because of Regine. The story of Shine continues with Morissette.”
When Mori was informed that she will be recording a new version of “Shine,” she wanted the song to have that gospel flavor.
“I want it to be sort of a praise song for the Lord. Despite the pandemic, I have managed to have some achievements, little miracles that I would like to be thankful for. I want it also to be a thank you song for my fans and family. If not for the Lord’s light, wala tayong lahat dito ngayon,” shared Mori at yesterday’s Zoom presscon.
And since she’s celebrating her 10th anniversary in the music business, Mori says her recording of “Shine” can be considered one of the small victories she has achieved and is a reason to celebrate.
Now that she has been a decade in the biz, Mori expressed desire to grow more as an artist. “I want to write more songs, produce music and grow more as an artist. I also would want to collaborate with other artists.
“And since I’ve recorded my own version of ‘Shine,’ I would like the song to be identified with me as well. I know it’s an anthem song for a lot of people and that makes it even more special.”
She may not have won a major singing contest that she has joined in (she was the interpreter of “Akin Ka Na Lang” in Himig Handog) but still doors opened for her.
“I consider myself blessed. The Lord may not have given me the things that I wished for but He blessed me in some other way. The Lord brought me unexpected things like that duet with Michael Bolton and A1. And I am proud to say that I have made my own sound that people listen to. But I am fovever grateful to the people who have helped me like Sarah (Geronimo), Regine (Velasquzez), Martin (Nievera) and Gary Valenciano.”
Morissette is looking forward to more exciting possibilities in her career despite the pandemic.
Check out Morissette’s official version of “Shine,” now out on music streaming services. The song’s music video will be out on May 30 (Sunday) on Morissette’s YouTube channel with a TV launch on “ASAP Natin ‘To” the same day.
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