Gretchen Espina back in the groove

MANILA, Philippines - A debut album for Gretchen Espina should’ve followed right after winning GMA 7’s Pinoy Idol but no news nor any plan was heard about her musical career since then. Some surmised she’s merely a flash in the pan while others who disliked her seemed to rejoice silently about what they deem was the “bleakness of her career.”

But instead of losing heart, Gretchen has become more determined to make her mark in the music scene. She prepares not only vocally but physically — by developing curves in the right places.

“I know I cannot please everybody but I’d rather learn and grow from the criticisms. Pasok sa isang tenga, digest; think about things I could learn from them then ilabas na lang yung iba sa kabilang tenga,” Gretchen says.

Now, Gretchen is back in the groove with a debut album, Shining Through, under Sony Music which was launched recently. And though it took a year for the album to be released, Gretchen is just too happy with the result.

“I believe in proper timing. Besides, I completely trust the Artist Center and Sony (people) because they know when the proper time is for my (singing) career,” Gretchen offers. “The album would come out raw, if let’s say, it will be released two or three months after winning in Idol.”

Besides, one year is just enough for Gretchen and the Sony Music team to carefully select and arrange the tracks to be included in the album. “Mas kumpleto, mas nag-improve ako and the result came out well.”

Shining Through consists of 11 tracks — a mix of original and remakes of OPM hits — that showcase Gretchen’s vocal power and her ability to perform different types of music genres. Although she often heard a lot about her dad’s favorite Eagles songs while growing up, her inclination for pop, R&B and soulful tunes grew when she started honing her singing ability.

“Ogie (Alcasid) said my forte is a kind that is filled with so much emotion…yung makabagbag damdamin na mababagal. It’s good Kasalanan Nga Ba? is included in the line-up as it really fits my style,” Gretchen shares.

She, too, relates that she recorded Kasalanan Nga Ba? at the time she had just broken up with her boyfriend. “That’s why all the emotions were there.”

Pangako Sa’yo, One More Try and Di Man Sabihin are tracks in the line-up Gretchen finds easy to the ear.

“I can do mostly ballads at kaya ko din bumirit but for me it’s nice to hear those easy-listening types yung wala masyado birit, swabe lang,” she avers.

Also included in the album are Shining Through, I Promise, Never in My Life, I Know You By Heart, To You, So Slow, Suntok sa Buwan and the R&B version of Kasalanan Nga Ba?

Who are her musical favorites?

“Lani Misalucha because of her impressive voice range. She can also get the crowd’s attention even when she’s just standing there (on stage). I hope to be like her one day.”

Gretchen also admires Leona Lewis and Gary Valenciano.

With the release of Shining Through, Gretchen proves that her time to shine has come.