Gigi goes platinum with religious rock album
Gigi goes platinum with religious rock album
Artist: Gigi
Album: Raihlah Kemenangan
Label: Sony-BMG
Featured Single: Perdamaian
Rating: *** out of *****
Tari Danawidjaja, Contributor/Jakarta
Come this year's Ramadhan, Gigi has done a very impressive job
by releasing a re-packaged version of Raihlah Kemenangan,
following the success of the same album during last year's
Ramadhan.
In under a month, Raihlah Kemenangan has sold up to 170,000
copies. Gigi has pulled the album off really well, since no other
rock band has released religious music.
Raihlah Kemenangan is filled with cover songs originally
composed by long-time greats -- such as Chrisye and Dwiki
Dharmawan -- and includes other old hits previously sung by
Bimbo, the famous religious band.
The album is a mix of rock arrangements with added religious
messages as a seasonal reminder, and with only two new tracks --
Perdamaian and I'tiraf -- some might say that the album does not
offer anything new.
The rock is solid, maintaining its presence from one track to
the next. And since the arrangement is pretty similar to other
Gigi albums, the songs easily lodge into your soul -- especially
those of fans.
Despite the tried-and-tested Gigi arrangement, the band --
Armand (vocals), Budjana (guitar), Thomas (bass) and Gusti Hendy
(drummer) -- attempted to incorporate a catchy guitar riff and
musical arrangement in the two new tracks. Thanks to Armand's
voice, the songs are laced with a novel sound -- and brings out
the soul of Gigi.
Although the band is full-on rock, they have been trying to
bring a sense of peace to fans, especially during their Ramadhan
concerts.
"We perform by sitting on stage, because we don't want to
trigger the audience. We want to bring peace, and hopefully it
lasts (even) after Ramadhan," said Thomas after one such concert
in Jakarta.
He added that Raihlah Kemenangan was intended to bring peace
to the country also.
"We hope that the situation gets better, as with the people."
The album's sales has won the band a platinum award.
"I was surprised too," said Thomas. "I guess it's our luck
during Ramadhan."
During the Islamic holy month of fasting, the band has
traveled throughout Java and entertained audiences in small
cities, with concerts performed before the breaking of the fast.
Considering their decade-long career in the industry, it's no
wonder that the band has decided to release a new album, a DVD
and an autobiography at the end of the year.
If you think religious rock isn't to your taste, then this
album is not for you.
But if you love rock and are curious about how religious
messages might appeal in rock music, Raihlah Kemenangan might be
the most upbeat religious rock you'll could find.
Who knows? The message of peace within just might calm your
heart and soul.