Sam Concepcion (Self-Titled Album)

Sam Concepcion
Artist: Sam Concepcion
Record Label: Universal Records
Released: 2007

3.5 out of 5 stars!

After a long, agonizing wait, Sam’s fans are finally given what they’ve always been waiting for—Sam’s debut album. This teen star is out to show his vocal versatility in his new album under Universal Records, going through various covers and originals handpicked for young and old fans alike.

Starting off with a cover of the 2 Be 3 original, “Even If,” Sam gets his listeners going with the catchy beat and tune. The song is sure to grab the attention of his fans that are early in love.

Another cover from the album, “Happy,” is a Michael Jackson original. The purity of Sam’s vocals combined with his sense of innocence transcended my expectations on his cover of the song—simple, yet sincere.

A moderately fast love song entitled “I’ll Find Your Heart” follows. Sam is very in-tune and adept in rendering songs of this genre, it almost makes you feel like you’re listening to an international teen star. I can even picture the likes of Zac Efron (which incidentally plays the original Troy Bolton that Sam also characterizes in the theatre production of Disney's "High School Musical") singing this song.

Sam brings us his version of Joey McIntyre’s “Stay the Same,” a song that drives through the heart. After listening to the original, I felt that Sam’s version just did not convey the message of the song as well. Arrangement-wise, his cut also lacked color. The crescendo was dampened too much that it does not arouse the euphoric feeling this song should naturally deliver.

“Hanggang Tingin” is another song dedicated to young love with a mature twist. Although the lyrics relay the feeling of teenage infatuation, the song is made to sound like it is sung by a rock band vocalist. Sam’s voice sounds more mature in this cut than in any other song from the album.

For a 14-year old, “Wishing You’ll Be Mine” is not the song that best fits Sam, what with all the overwhelming metaphors and complexity of long-distance relationships that this song packs itself with. It’s silly for someone Sam’s age to talk about being far apart and dreaming for everlasting love.

“Kay Dali” is, sadly, no different from the previous song. It’s just too mature for Sam’s age.

Another testament of young love is heard in “Paano Kita.” Although the beat is enjoyable, it clashes with the sad message of the song. Breakups and pop rock just don’t mix.

At last, Sam puts an end to the unnecessary amount of love songs in his album as he transitions to a song of friendship in “Walang Hanggan.” The song is very easy to listen to, coupled with a catchy, informal tune.

Sam’s cover of The Crystals’ “Da Doo Ron Ron” is simply amazing. This song of fascination does not bear overpowering messages of love that are too mature for Sam like in previous tracks. The arrangement is so nifty that it fits right in with songs of this generation despite its roots from the 1960s.

Finally, Sam finishes with a party song entitled “Come Everybody.” This song emphasizes Sam’s exceptional skill to sing upbeat songs. It’s the best way for Sam to put his album’s listening experience to a close.

Overall, Sam’s self-titled debut album is a good way to jumpstart his singing career. Going through a combination of songs with various underlying messages, it is very easy to identify Sam’s adeptness to the fun, light, and upbeat cuts in the album. On the other hand, I am not convinced that it was smart to add songs that sounded too mature for Sam. It is very awkward to listen to a young singer cry his heart out in a song about fallen love, long-distance relationships, and the like. I would recommend Sam to focus on songs that are appropriate to a younger audience, which comprises many of his fans. The final three songs in the album best describe the songs that suit Sam at his age, and I particularly enjoyed them.

All the best for Sam in his budding career and here’s to hoping for his fruitful stay in showbiz.