In 1997, Philippine female singer
Cacai Velasquez released
As Still as a Photograph on PolyEast Records, a division of PolyCosmic Records.
Velasquez is the sister of highly popular Philippine singer
Regine Velasquez, a fact that immediately drew attention to the album.
As Still as a Photograph is a motley mix of musical styles -- "Buwan" is an easy listening love song, while the mellow "You and Me" and the spirited "If It Was Up to Me" strongly recall American country music -- but the majority of the songs are rock-influenced. Several of these rock-influenced numbers have an edgy, experimental/alternative feel to them, including "Kiss Me," "Goodbye," and the title track. "Kiss Me" opens with dissonant boogie-woogie piano, which immediately gives the song a nervous, edgy ambience, while "Goodbye" and "It's Too Late" both contain ethnic-sounding elements. Unfortunately, the album's various styles aren't linked in a cohesive manner, and the presentation can be jarring.
Velasquez has a fine voice, and she navigates the challenge here as well as can be expected. While the album cannot be called a success, since the music is more experimental than enjoyable,
Velasquez's daring deserves notice.