Sarah Balabagan

In 1999, 19-year-old Philippine artist Sarah Balabagan released her self-titled debut album. Before embarking on a recording career, Balabagan had gained attention for her well-publicized ordeal as an overseas worker in the United Arab Emirates, where she was sentenced to die for stabbing a man to death while allegedly defending herself from rape. The sentence was commuted and she was allowed to return to the Philippines. "Buhay Kulungan" ("Life in Jail"), to which Balabagan wrote the lyrics, reflects her trauma while imprisoned, and also serves as a message of inspiration as well as a warning to others to avoid the same fate. Not all songs deal with her plight, but the memory of her ordeal certainly pervades the album. The sound of Sarah Balabagan is mostly easy listening in tone, though some songs exhibit more spunk than others, as in the relatively spirited "Jack en Poy" ("Jack and Poy") and "Dalaga" ("Lady"). Obviously, much care was devoted to the album, and the musicianship and arrangements are all first-rate. Balabagan's voice and delivery, however, need developing, as she doesn't seem entirely comfortable here. While she shows much passion and sincerity, which accounts for much of the album's appeal, her voice isn't always on the mark technically and is sometimes flat. Not a gifted singer, it remains to be seen if she can fully develop her potential. ~ David Gonzales, Rovi