ISLAND SOUNDS
Singers hear praises for follow-up albums

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Follow-up albums are often a challenge for an act; can you improve on the maiden voyage?

This pair did.

• Genre: Contemporary, island rhythms.
• Distinguishing notes: This is Solanna Duque's second CD and one that exhibits a variety of styles. "Take Me Down" has unquestionable Jamaican influence; "You Were Wrong" is a rock ballad richly nourished with the dulcet tones of Damon Williams; for Jawaiian juice, try sipping "Hold On"; and for a dreamy stroll down memory lane, an update of Sue Thompson's "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)" is a jewel (didn't think anybody remembered this 1961 chestnut).
• The outlook: Overall, an accomplishment to be proud of; smartly produced, crisply-recorded; stylishly packaged.
• Our take: With a scarcity of solo pop female singers making it, Solanna should be fuel for the fire.

"Take Me Down" by Solanna. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Island rhythms.
• Distinguishing notes: Cool Change has expanded from a duo (Fabian Verece and Bryan Canencia) to a quintet (Vince Moe, Kalani Kealoha, Guy Paredes, the latter also the producer). Eight of the 11 titles are originals; the covers are smothered with sweet Jawaiian and blues harmonies.
• The outlook: A tropical version of "Karma Chameleon," the Boy George hit, has appeal, introducing the '70s hit to a new audience. The chameleon aspect spills over into the repertoire — different shades of music from different genres.
• Our take: Cool changes from Cool Change.

"Don't Crowd My Moon" by Cool Change. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.