I've always considered Siti Nurhaliza to be the Britney Spears of Malaysia, because of her immense popularity with the masses and goody-two-shoes image. However, that comparison is no longer valid today; unlike Britney, Siti does NOt have to resort to sex-kitten tactics to improve album sales. On top of that, Siti can actually sing. Truth be told, I used to be anti-Siti Nuhaliza in the past because of her derivative Malay pop sound. My opinions about her changed drastically after I heard (and fell in love with) the song Percayalah almost two years ago; since then, Siti has developed constantly as a singer, always evolving and exploring different genres and concepts to test the boundaries of her vocal abilities.
In her lastest album, Prasasti Seni, (loosely translated as Artistic Inscription) , Siti continues to experiment with atypical musical styles, similar to what she had done for a handful of the songs in her last album, EMAS. Prasasti Seni takes it a few steps further however, by totally abandoning the trademark Malay Pop "jiwang" concept (which originally made her successful back in the early 90s) and opting for a more matured, modern, and progressive pop sound. Most notably, Siti has employed the talents of songwriters from such diverse musical backgrounds such as Aidit Alfian, Andy from the M'sian band Flop Poppy, Yasin and Pongky from the Indon band, Jikustik. Siti herself tries her hand at being a lyricist for a couple of songs, with satisfactory results. Several tracks have even become regulars on my mp3 jukebox;
Dialah Di Hati (Aidit Alfian/Habsah Hassan)
The first single off the album showcases Siti's dynamic range beautifully in its soaring chorus. However, it's not an easy favorite for hard-core fans who may be expecting a "jiwang" song from her. This is definitely not your typical Siti Nurhaliza material.
Lagu Rindu (Yasin)
A wassini/waheedah knock-off but incredibly executed! It's obvious that Siti has the vocal chops to carry almost any type of genre. Bravo, Siti!! ;)
Sakti (Mohar/Loloq)
Subtlety and control are the keywords in this unique number. Originally an instrumental piece but with lyrics set to it, this song might be a tad too slow for some but it grew on me pretty quick. Very avant-garde...
Ku Menunggu (Aidit Alfian/Habsah Hassan)
This other Aidit Alfian number adopts a minimalist approach; apparently the better to emphasize the beauty of Siti's vocal tone.
Seindah Biasa (Pongky Jukustik)
This Indon-flavored song may not be the mush-fest Bukan Cinta Biasa was, but the chorus is just as catchy and irresistible... it stays in your head long after the song has ended.
Pejam Matamu (G Nola/Siti Nurhaliza)
Some touches of rock on this song gives it a certain bewitching edge.
Hanya Dirimu (Ajai/Hani MJ)
The token Ajai song on this album isnt really anything spectacular upon intial hearing but it's a pure pop confection for easy listening.
Cahaya Seribu Liku (Andy Flop Poppy/Siti Nurhaliza/Tanty)
This upbeat track has an unusual freshness about it. Definitely something new from Siti.
The rest of the songs on the album arent really very distinctive; they're formulaic but along the lines of Ku Milikmu or Debaran Cinta rather than in soppy ballad territory. I must admit that the concepts in Prasasti Seni are waaaayy different than anything Siti has ever done before and thus, fans expecting blatant displays of vocal acrobatics ala Kau KeKasihmu, Nian Di Hati or even Percayalah, will be sorely disappointed. On the contrary, this is by far, the most adventurous album from Siti Nurhaliza and signifies a bold and matured outlook which is truly commendable. It is good to see that a magnificient singer like her has realized that the only way for an artiste to mature and evolve is by seeking out new experiences... I was getting sick of the old Siti anyway; the new one rocks!!! my rating - 4.5/5 stars~!
