FOR VANCOUVER-BASED SINGER Joey Albert, distance is not a problem when it comes to waxing an album that is blessed with an interesting concept. The songstress came home last year not only to record the album, but also to perform in the show, ?Legends of OPM.?

Her new CD, ?Songs of the Heart,? is made up of original Filipino compositions carefully chosen by producer Eugene Villaluz for Viva Records. Joey shares, ?The album contains some of my personal favorites, as well as hits that came out after I left the Philippines 20 years ago. I was happy to discover that the songs of our new composers are unique.?

Best friend

Side A?s ?Forevermore? is a top pick. Some years ago, the popular band revived Joey?s signature hit, ?Tell Me.? Joey personally asked permission to record Iwi Laurel?s ?Special Memory,? as well as ?Minsan Pa,? which was originally sung by her best friend, Janet Basco.

?Rainbow,? a South Border tune, is the album?s carrier single. Other notable covers include The Company?s ?Muntik Na Kitang Minahal,? Bituin Escalante?s ?Kung Ako Na Lang Sana,? and Janno Gibbs? ?I Believe in Dreams.?