"Ang masasabi ko diyan sa album na iyan, walang tapon."
This is how Christian Bautista described his third album titled Captured during the press launch held yesterday, July 16, at the Red Box Karaoke, TriNoma in Quezon City.
He further explained, "Walang tapon sa CD na iyan. 'Yong gusto namin, kapag nagtratrabaho kami sa Warner, lagi dapat lahat ng songs, potential singles."
The 27-year-old balladeer was so proud that he was able to put out an all-original album, something different from his previous albums that contained mostly cover songs. In fact, he said initially had doubts about making this album since most musicians were doing cover songs.
"Medyo nagdalawang isip nga ako," Christian narrated, "‘Ano kaya, ready na ba ako dito? Mag-all-original na ako?' Pero kapag nakakarinig ako ng original song na hit sa radio, whether foreigner or not, at least may hope.
With all the twelve original songs in the album Captured, Christian realized that it's still possible to satisfy listeners even without revival songs. "Pwede pa rin talaga, it just has to an exceptional song that will really touch some people's lives and they can sing along. It's risky pero pwede pa rin talaga. This is taking the harder route kumbaga."
Talking about exceptional songs, Christian hopes that another song from his latest album would be able to touch the heart of his listeners.
"Dpat mayroon ding kanta dito na mag-top pa sa ‘The Way You Look At Me' para magkaroon ulit ng another big hit because that what singers or performers really need. As I've said a while ago we are competing with the rest of the world already, hindi na lang tayo," said Christian.
He was worried that he might not be able to live up to the title "Asia's Pop Idol" given to him by Warner Music Philippines. His second album, Completely, achieved platinum status in Indonesia; while its single "The Way You Look At Me," became a number one song in Singapore.
"Parang dapat talaga itong album na ito, e, ma-push namin to the extent na talagang maghi-hit ulit siya sa Asian market, Malaysia or Singapore," said Christian.
Amidst the pressure, the Star In A Million alumnus said that people close to him were there to support him. "Ang sinasabi nga nila, ‘It's not that, Christian, it's because nagawa mo na so that's why this is the title. So, this is just a follow-up.' So, hopefully it'll get the same success like the first one."
BALLADEER TRIES NEW GENRES. Christian's third album Captured offers different types of music. "Meron diyang balance—parang may movie theme, mayroon Tagalog, merong parang R&B. It's still all about love," said Christian.
Aside from this, Christian was also thankful that he was able to work with different people from the music industry—like Ogie Alcasid, who wrote "Could Have Been The One;" Martin Nievera, who wrote "Forever In Your Eyes;" Jimmy Borja, who contributed the lyrics of "Nakalimutan Kong Sabihin;" and Acel Van Ommen (formerly of Moonstar 88); for the song "I Believe." But what brings him pride is the inclusion of a song written by his younger brother Joshua—an acoustic track titled "Hope."
Christian said that Joshua is not really a singer but he is fond of writing poems. "Talagang nagsusulat lang siya ng mga random thoughts lang niya na nabuo niya at naging poem, 'tapos, ‘O, pwede ito, ah,' 'tapos pinasok namin [sa album]."
Before the press conference started, Christian performed the album's opening track called "The One Who Won My Heart." Its music video, shot entirely at the Heritage Park, was also shown to the invited media people.
"‘The One Who Won My Heart' is the typical Christian Bautista ballad and, well, it's close to my heart right now," said Christian.
Another person who participated in the creation of the album was Andrew Fromm, the man behind the word of Christian's signature song "The Way You Look At Me."
The singer was delighted to work with the songwriter again especially since the new song is not the typical ballad songs that he performs. "What's cool about Andrew Fromm is nakakagawa siya ng different kinds of songs. Last song na ginawa niya sa akin is ‘She Could Be' sa second album, medyo rock ng konti. Itong ‘Creation,' medyo R&B ng konti."
The album would also feature the other side of the Bossa Nova Queen Sitti. They performed a duet in the album title track "Captured."
"For Sitti fans nga, this is not Bossa Nova, this is pop. So, it'll be exciting for them to check it out and how we do our duet, kasi it's another side of Sitti. At saka masaya siyang kanta," he described.
The 12-track album was released two weeks ago and Christian excitedly told the press that it is doing well in the market. Captured will be officially launched this Sunday, July 20, on ABS-CBN's Sunday variety show ASAP '08.
TRACK LISTING.
1. The One Who Won My Heart
2. Creation
3. Take a Ride
4. I Believe
5. Hope
6. Limutin na Lang
7. Just This Time
8. Nakalimutan Kong Sabihin
9. Forever In Your Eyes
10. Could Have Been the One
11. Captured
12. I Want to be the One