Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin – Martin Nievera

Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (You're Everything to Me), released in 1994 by Philippine independent Vicor Records, is a "best of" collection of songs recorded by Martin Nievera for the label in the 1980s. Martin Nievera is one of the country's most popular recording artists, and has also gained a reputation as an energetic, first-rate live performer. Martin Nievera is known as a balladeer, and this album is dominated by middle-of-the-road love songs, a popular style of music in the Philippines, along with easy listening love songs. As soon as the opening title song, "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin" (You're Everything to Me), is heard, Martin Nievera's singing talent is immediately recognized. He has a grand voice, full of depth and sincerity, and breathes passion into every note he sings. All 12 songs are by Philippine composers, and all songs are pleasant and soothing, if mostly nondescript as well. While this music has a big audience inside the country, most of it wouldn't attract much attention outside the country. One of the better songs is the majestic "Say That You Love Me," which soars on the beautiful chorus, sung wonderfully by Martin Nievera. This song could attract international attention. The pensive "Looks Like Love" also has depth and sounds like it belongs in a Broadway production. The album's two upbeat songs are "I Don't Care" and &Paradise," both of which are a bit too glitzy. The best thing about this album is Martin Nievera's grand voice. ~ David Gonzales, All Music Guide