 Press Release On the cover of his new album “Little Boy”, Janno Gibbs seems just like your normal guy: earphones stuck in his ears, portable music player on one hand, face gazing towards nothingness. It seems like he is enjoying the ordinariness of the situation. Surprisingly, the cover’s mundane metaphor represents a more personal, individual experience as what this ten-track record attests. “Little Boy” is the result of Janno’s applied attention to his eighth studio material. He co-produced the album and wrote seven songs. Such thought processing is clearly suggestive of what Janno is capable of. He is extensively acknowledged as one of the country’s leading artist in the singer-songwriter genre but is also able to adapt to the changing times. Hence, his second full length record under GMA Records is liberally sprinkled with convincing gems, tackling themes of love and confusion, misery and tricky situations. On the subject of tricky situations, opening salvo “Walang Kadala-dala” exemplifies one. This carrier anthem narrates natural shortcomings, crucially centering on the aspect of not realizing the lessons—and distress—of feeling affection for someone. Pop rock is the basic formula of this single as a mélange of catchy strings and simple beats lays the foundation for Janno’s powerful delivery. The video is also worth checking; the plot’s droll sense of humor is memorable and displays Janno’s equally commendable comic flair. Classic musical moments follow in “Ikaw Lang at Ako” and “You are to Me”. These slow-paced ballads are a staple in any Janno album or any local artist for that matter. Oozing with charm is title track “Little Boy”, a sweet-sounding, honest declaration of, well, being a little boy at heart (I’m just a little boy with big dreams/A fine high so I can touch the sky/I’m just a little boy hoping and longing to be loved by you/And be cared for by you/I’m just a little boy). The charisma of the song is further heightened by the backing vocals provided by Janno’s daughter and presumably her friends. For all its drama, “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” , a remake of a Rey Valera hit, is another well executed ditty. The opening piano chords remind one of a serious, plaintive scene. It’s fitting as a melodic setting of a first-class dramatic film. Abruptly changing the tempo and direction is the lone buoyant single “Sexy Mama”. Equipped with old-school synths and samples, the track embraces a similar dance tune, which is evocative of early 90s Pinoy dance/musical movies. Andrew E also lends a hand with a likable rap part. But this sudden change in pulse brings back the Janno everybody is familiar with. “Let Me Be The One” (with Jolina Magdangal), “Pinakamamahal”, and “Ako si Superman” is evident of Janno’s grasp on R&B-influenced/piano and guitar based ballads. He sings each (all about varying degrees of love) with radiant power and passion that increases his stature to something like an “arena balladeer”. No matter how good everything sounds, there will always be something that comparatively stands out. After the torrent comes the loveliest ballad, arguably of the last few years, “Moments of Love”. Janno and Jennylyn Mercado’s duet carefully close the album with grandiosity and splendor. Considering that “Little Boy” is his eighth album, it’s probably the first time that Janno shows his more private side. The CD inlay include photos of his childhood, all cute and cuddly. The self-penned songs speak of Janno’s life, though not necessarily literally, but more appropriately in how he’s grown both musically and individually. .
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