For Jennylyn Mercado,it's time to let go

Many have embarked on a full-time career in showbiz during their teens by winning a prestigious celebrity search show. Few have remained visibly consistent throughout their profession despite cutting controversies. Yet none has delivered as gracefully and convincingly as Jennylyn Mercado.

This young woman has faced sporadic hurdles but has held on to her faith to overcome the most troublesome adversaries. So after a relatively long hiatus, Jennylyn is back with her sophomore effort ironically tagged Letting Go. Astonishingly, this album signals a change in direction for Jennylyn, both musically and emotionally.

First single Sa Aking Panaginip sees Jennylyn singing with more assurance, more purity about love and loss that offers listeners an initial glimpse of a renewed star. Created by veteran Vehnee Saturno, Jennylyn is well complemented with the orchestral backing but she never drowns in the sea of musical arrangements. In fact, during the grand climax she funnels her rich voice as if declaring her valiant comeback, proving that she is a woman on a mission.

Tanging Ikaw and Nalilimutan Mo Na Ba slip back to the sweet, sappy, and syrupy territory that Jennylyn and her fans have grown accustomed to. Formulaic but effective nevertheless. Skipping on the constant ballad supply, Devil In Disguise suggests a Shakira-like capability to be sexy and groovy. With oriental histrionics, Jennylyn belts out "What they don't know, he makes me feel alive/I love the danger in his eyes." This breath of innovation further establishes Jennylyn as a more well-rounded artist instead of sticking to the usual arsenal of songs.

Title track, The Art Of Letting Go, gets an aesthetically acoustic treatment, different from the original. Here, Jennylyn sings with genuine sentiment about losing someone special. Wrapped with tender guitars, supple piano works, and delicate instrumentation, the minimalism of this song is cleverly planned, giving more focus on Jennylyn's performance and definitely standing out as one of the best tracks on the album.

The bouncy energy evident early on continues on No Way, a Jonathan Ong number bordering on pop rock. Clearly, Jennylyn showcases another side, one that is harder in edge and attitude as she delivers enough grit and angst to pull off a Lindsay Lohan resemblance. Kaya Mo Bang Ibalik seems to be a standard track but as the song develops, Jennylyn resonates with much depth that is so impressive for someone so young. Meanwhile, her version of I'd Still Say Yes manages to stay simple and sincere.

Whereas most of the tracks were written by veteran songwriters, Pangako Mo boasts Jennylyn's flexibility, composing this song herself. For a newbie she succeeds in creating a connection with her listeners due mostly to the simple but effective lyrics she penned.

Jennylyn closes the album with the lush Moments Of Love, enjoying a great deal of airplay these days. Her newfound confidence and maturity glows throughout the loveliest ballad of the year. And if this is an indication of the future, fans and critics could only hunger for more.

Her second album is a testimony of how much Jennylyn trusts her individualism and personality; that within her, she is capable of producing great music. Letting Go displays her talent even more-her endearing voice, her animated personality, her unshakable determination-and no matter where her career will take her, fans and critics will surely welcome her back. For, who can resist that fabulous and adorable girl-next-door?

Featuring 10 beautiful cuts, her second album Letting Go is now available nationwide only from GMA Records and distributed by Ivory Music and Video.