Pops Fernandez launches "Hope"

Considering her recent brush with heartbreak, the theme of Pops Fernandez's latest album is totally unexpected.

"Actually, most of the songs are happy love songs," Pops pointed out. "Kasi nung nire-record namin ‘yong album it's really meant to be inspirational and very happy. Usually kasi lahat ng albums ‘di ba it's about heartbreak and all that."

Not that Hope was a premeditated effort on the Concert Queen's part to offset the aftermath of her failed romance. Truth is, production work for the album preceded the meltdown of her relationship with actor, Jomari Yllana.

"We recorded a long time ago," said Pops, matter-of-factly.

WELCOME FOLLOW-UP. Hope is the follow-up to Pops's 2006 album, Silver, which was a celebration of her 25 years in the entertainment business.

Explaining the album's title, Pops explained: "Because the album is very positive." She might as well be pertaining about her own personal state when she added, "In life we need we need a lot of hope regardless of what it is we go through."

The 12-track album contains cover of familiar and well-loved pop staples spanning from the ‘70s and ‘80s. A bonus track titled, "One Family Under God," penned by Trina Belamide, is also included.

Pops pays tribute to some of the biggest and influential singers and songwriters like Barry Manilow, Todd Rundgren, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins and David Gates.

The Concert Queen brandished her vocal versatility while at the same time instilling her own style to render new life to the classic hits such as "One of These Days," "Love Is the Answer," "It's You," "Imagine," "If We Hold On Together," "Old Friend," "My Love," among others.

Kris Lawrence joined Pops in recording "It's You." But the Concert Queen's greatest pride was reserved for eldest son, Robin, who performed "You'll Be In My Heart."

Returning the favor this time around was ex-husband, Martin Nievera, who recorded the David Gates solo hit, "Goodbye Girl."

Pops revisited her 1983 hit, "Little Star"--giving it a feel of poignant maturity.

Hope is released under the label MCA Music and is now available in all record bars nationwide.

TRACK LISTING.

1. One Of These Days
2. Love Is The Answer
3. It's You
4. Awit Ng Pag-Ibig
5. Imagine
6. If We Hold On Together
7. Old Friend
8. My Love
9. That's What Love Is For
10. You'll Be In My Heart
11. Little Star
12. Goodbye Girl

Bonus Track: One Family Under God