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‘Hoku’ a solid debut
for rising pop star
Hoku Ho

By John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin

THINK Britney. Think Christina. Remember LeAnn back when she was a hot pop chart act. Hoku Ho's debut album has much the same top-of-the-pop-charts potential.

"Another Dumb Blonde," the lead single off the album, will certainly stand as the most memorable thing about "Snow Day," the movie it was first linked to.

The song is a solid piece of teen-oriented pop -- catchy beat, good hook, interesting title. It's a great calling card and she sings it well.

The only puzzling thing is why "Another Dumb Blonde" doesn't seem to be getting the play it deserves on Hawaii's teen-oriented radio stations.

"Hoku" Hoku Ho (Geffen 06949-06462) Mpeg Audio Clips: Another Dumb Blonde How Do I Feel (The Burrito Song) Nothing In This World Quicktime | MPEG-3 info

http://www.hokuonline.com

There are several other songs here that have similar potential as pop hits. Producer Antonina Armoto wrote or co-wrote all but one song.

Hoku proves to have a good ear for memorable phrases [in "How do I Feel (The Burrito Song)" an ex is informed that, "More and more I miss you less and less"]. Hoku (the label has dropped her surname) is consistently appealing across a spectrum of ballads and dance tracks and with tales of love found, love lost and love anticipated.

"Nothing in this World" is one of the stand-out songs. Hoku starts off fragile and builds in strength as a choir and synth-orchestra rises behind her. "I'm Scared" is also a promising number. It addresses in memorable style the fears many people face when embarking on a relationship. Hoku and an unidentified guy explore the emotions of the situation perfectly.

Two other songs bode well for the future. Hoku co-wrote "We Will Follow the Sun" with Armoto and Ron Harris. The tune marks one of Hoku's most appealing vocal performances.

"You First Believed" closes the disc on a beautiful romantic note. The song is a tranquil acoustic ballad that Hoku wrote, performed and produced on herself. It's an exquisite piece for her in all respects.

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