MANILA, Philippines ? Jericho Rosales and Gabby Concepcion are more known for their good looks and acting prowess than their singing skills. While they?re not about to give up their day jobs as TV actors and film stars, like most Pinoys, they also find comfort in singing.

In fact, the heartthrobs of ABS-CBN?s telenovela, ?Dahil May Isang Ikaw,? have just released their sophomore recording endeavors?with Echo leaving behind the grungy alternative-rock sound of his recording debut in favor of mainstream pop, and Gabby taking the standards-and-ballroom route:

Musicality

If Rosales? self-titled debut was a showcase for his musicality, his more accomplished second album, ?Change,? takes great care in displaying his capacity as a singer?which, truthfully, isn?t much when heard live, as his performances on ?A.S.A.P.? attest.
Fortunately, in the age of the Internet, recording is a medium that?s for the most part dependent on technology, whose wonders bring out the unique texture of Echo?s baritone. It likewise enables the passionate artist to deliver carefully calibrated vocal renditions and a more accessible sound.

The album?s 14-track repertoire has a good number of winners: Echo gives a stirring, almost vibrato-free version of David Gates? ?Lost Without Your Love,? and sizzles in Bobby Velasco?s sexy, groove-heavy revival of Eric Clapton?s ?Change The World.? Mon Espia?s reggae-revisionist take on the Beatles? ?And I Love Her? is likewise too precious to miss.

All three original tunes??Pusong Ligaw,? ?I Love Your Ways? and ?Hanggang Ngayon??are characterized by catchy hooks and memorable, radio-friendly melodies.

In a heady fusion of ukulele, guitars, drums and bass, the Jonas brothers? lilting ?Love Bug,? with the notable participation of Paolo Valenciano and the

Philippine Christian Foundation, gets a rousing makeover from arranger Gino Cruz. Paolo?s brother, Gab, is also onboard to give Rey Valera?s classic ballad, ?Naaalala Ka,? a simple but sophisticated arrangement that captures the tune?s lyrical beauty?but, what?s with the additional lyrics? As they say, if it ain?t broke, don?t fix it.

Our quibbles: Jericho tends to subconsciously place his voice in his throat and nose when he gets carried away. Also, he?s better off without his falsetto (?Tin Man?) and should choose songs whose tricky speed doesn?t expose his shaky grasp of the notes (?Your Smiling Face?).

Like Echo, Gabby brims with confidence and ambition in his second album. In ?Unforgettable,? he amps up the groove by getting on the ballroom bandwagon?with mixed results. Note-worthy tracks include the cha-cha-inspired ?Fly Me To The Moon,? the vocally accomplished ?Put Your Head On My Shoulder? and the playfully flirtatious ?Sway.?

Light and leisurely

But, while most of his renditions are serviceable, Gabby?s 15-track effort doesn?t really deliver a bolder or better sound, only a faster one. The actor?s vocal quality is simply too heavy for ballroom?s light and leisurely rhythmic measures and intrinsic musical sway, so he occasionally sounds ponderous (?Can?t Take My Eyes Off You,? ?Cool Change?) and sometimes plays catch-up (?Sunday Morning?). Truly, a performer?s choice of songs is key to his success?or failure.