In 1994, Philippine record company Vicor Music Corporation released
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I'll Never Forget You), a compilation of songs recorded by Philippine male singer
Basil Valdez for the label in the 1970s and 1980s. The album is dominated by passionate, easy listening love songs, a style of music quite popular in the Philippines.
Basil Valdez has a smooth voice, full of depth and elegance. He puts a lot of emotion into these easy listening songs, as heard on the otherwise mundane "Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan" (Once Again Let's Kiss the Past), where his voice soars into the proverbial heavens.
One of the album's better songs is "Say that You Love Me," which contains a strong, memorable chorus. It is also a famous Philippines evergreen. "Salamin Ng Buhay" (Mirror of Life) is very interesting and features violins, violas, and cellos playing dramatic, classical-type music while
Basil Valdez navigates the melodramatic melody. No other instruments appear on the song.
The song isn't entirely successful, as the melody needs strengthening, but it certainly is interesting, one of the most interesting songs ever recorded in the Philippines, particularly in the field of easy listening. "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo" (If You're Leaving Me), "Tuwing Umuulan At Kapilang Ka" (Every Time It Rains and You're With Me), and "Ngayon" (Now) contain horn sections that play spirited and dramatic passages.
Unfortunately, there is a tendency for the slow, easy listening songs to sound alike, and the album is desperately in need of some upbeat numbers. The occasional horn section livens things up, as do the occasional female backing choruses, but overall the compilation is drab and weary, despite
Basil Valdez's fine voice. ~ David Gonzales