Eddie Gil, former presidential aspirant, turned celebrity and singer ... I never saw this coming. But with William Hung's success in releasing an album despite being an American Idol reject early on in the popular American singing contest, it was bound to happen that a Filipino conterpart was needed. And Eddie Gil in his debut album entitled "Pinoy Idol ?" fits perfectly.

The carrier single of his album, "Pelukang Itim", is the revival of the popular song "Bikining Itim" and revived by Blakdyak as the song "Modelong Charing". The lyrics were specifically written for him, being known to wear a black wig or "pelukang itim" as the title says.

The song selections are popular old Filipino songs which you usually hear on the AM radio dial. The songs can mostly be classified as the laid-back "harana" type as expressed in "Lumang Tindahan", "Laruang Puso" and "Baleleng", the "beerhouse" type of song in "Pusong Wasak" and "Hindi Ko Kaya" which incidentally are songs for the heartbroken, and the "cumbanchero" type for "Inday Oh Aking Inday" and "Carmelita". This is a purely revival album tailor-made to fit Eddie's unique character. That's just about it for the the album.

In terms of singing ability, Eddie Gil does know how to carry a tune, though there are songs though that are plainly just beyond his vocal range. You can actually hear the voice box struggle to reach them. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I've heard William Hung's album and I can honestly say that Eddie Gil actually has better vocal skills than William Hung, even when Ilistened to the rest of Pinoy Idol. Still, on the whole, I don't know whether to laugh or cringe at those close-to-off-key notes. The very obvious Visayan accent apparently makes you laugh more than cringe. And, if you can't get enough of his Peluka, there is a disco mix and sing-along version to Pelukang Itim for your dancing and singing amusement.

If you enjoy the lighter side of politics, like listening to old Filipino songs in the AM band, just like a good laugh, or have a fondness for William Hung, you'll appreciate this album.