On the record: Joy Tobing

On the record: Joy Tobing

Artist : Joy Tobing

Album : Terima Kasih (BMG Indonesia)

Somebody should really do the right thing and rescue the
unwitting finalists of the star search shows.

Cash cows for some mighty greedy folks, they are herded
together and stretched to the scheduling limit (concert tours, TV
sitcoms, albums), without getting the chance to hone their
individual talent.

Indonesian Idol champion Joy Tobing has just released her
first solo album since winning the title, perhaps the executives'
carpe diem but for all the wrong reasons.

The report that it was recorded in a mere 42 hours explains
the poor quality of the album despite Joy's excellent vocals. The
10 tracks are new but soulless arrangements of old hits the
show's finalists often perform on stage, from Chrisye's Seperti
Yang Kau Minta (Like You Asked Me To) to Ari Lasso's Hampa
(Hollow) to Titi DJ's Ekspresi (Expression) and, of course, the
theme song, Karena Cinta (Because of Love).

Poor Joy; even American Idol's champions are given a set of
new songs, however musically crappy they are.

Now, it's clear you have what it takes to be a singer, Joy, so
run for your musical life! Oh, tied into an interminable
contract, are you? Well, better get back to work then. -- Hera Diani