Ning Baizura - East To West

Ning Baizura

EastToWest

(EQ Music)

Ning Baizura is a household name in Malaysia. If I had to make a comparison, she’s the Malaysian Mariah Carey—like MC, Ning has a huge, instantly recognisable voice. After firmly establishing her position as one of the big divas of Malaysian music, she sets her sights on Europe with EastToWest, an all-English album. Working with Luigi Bogana (who approached Ning after seeing her perform at Planet Hollywood KL), this album is supposed to explore the foreign territory of “class-tronic”. What? That’s classical music meets electronica. If you think that’s a bad idea, you’re right because this album does nothing to showcase the extent of Ning’s talents. Her vocals don’t go anywhere on this album nor does it set her apart from other female vocalists dabbling in the electronica genre. Anyone could’ve sung her parts as they’re not very challenging. Secondly, the tracks here lack any oomph. It feels like they’re written and produced by people who have a vague idea of what current electronica sounds like, with no firm grasp on how to update the sound. In the end, the album sounds like something from the ‘90s. East To West just doesn’t deliver the magic of Ning.

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Sarah

If you like this also check out Melissa Indot, Ace of Base

www.myspace.com/ningbaizura

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