Posted on: Thursday, May 18, 2000

CD Review: Solo CD shows promising career

HOKU by Hoku, Geffen, 069490646-2

Hoku’s first solo CD, fueled by her hit "Another Dumb Blonde" from the "Snow Day" soundtrack, represents the singer’s plunge into pop music geared to preteen and teenage girls.

Under the capable eyes of producer and songwriter Antonina Armoto, Hoku is at ease here in delivering ballads and light-rock originals. She co-wrote one tune and solo-composed another.

It’s a promising debut.

"How Do I Feel (The Burrito Song)," her forthcoming single release, is one of those missing-you, time-to-let-go laments that suits her sweet and gentle singing style. (The burrito reference is cute; listen for the connection.)

"What You Need" is a love song about mutual commitment, rendered with powerful sincerity.

"We Will Follow the Sun," similarly, addresses the boyfriend-girlfriend togetherness issue. And fretting over a splintered relationship is the theme of "I’m Scared."

Hoku’s self-penned "You First Believed" is open to interpretation - addressed to her Lord, a sweetheart, a sibling or other supporter, with lines such as "It was you who first believed in all that I was made to be."