Charice Pempengco came to everyone's knowledge while singing "I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the hit musical Dreamgirls, via a viral video on YOUTUBE.  The then 12 year old girl gave Jennifer Holiday a run for her money, while interpreting the song her own way and sometimes going far beyond the notes that Jennifer Holiday originally did.  Now at age 18, Charice is releasing her self-titled debut CD with the lead-off single "Pyramid", a song that's age appropriate and speaks of an unbreakable love she shares with her guy.  "Earthquakes can't shake us, Cyclones can't break us, Hurricanes can't take our love away", Charice sings. Her vocal power is one that is truly a gift from God. On this song, I don't necessarily hear the Charice influenced by Celine Dion, Whitney Houston. Instead I hear a much more Urban/R&B sound, which I'm sure is designed to achieve a more youthful appeal.  Also designed to give her more appeal are the Pyramid remixes, they are fire. At the writing of this article, Charice is enjoying the success of her first #1 single for the Dance Remix of Pyramid!! CONGRATS!!

It's good to know she can adapt to different styles but I was waiting for the big ballad songs as well. I got a little taste of what she can do on "In This Song" a beautiful, although subdued, vocal matched with David Foster's signature dramatic production. Charice really delivers what we've all been wanting on the very emotional "Note To God", (A JoJo cover) sung like she just left Sunday services at a baptist church in the south.  Well done!

Charice's debut CD is well produced, she gives great vocals, but the one thing that keeps this CD from being great, is the lack of radio friendly songs. The songs are melodious but are they competitive with today's radio? ...that remains to be seen. She will definitely find her way onto the AC playlists, but outside of Pyramid, I'm not so sure about the success at Top 40.  I hope I'm wrong, because I enjoy her talent and I wish the best for her.  She definitely deserves it!!

Click the link to hear: "Pyramid"

Click here for the SMOKIN Remix "Pyramid Remix"