Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics

Jay R took the local music-biz by storm, when his smash ballad "Bakit Pa Ba" became one of the biggest OPM ballads of 2003. He was crowned the "Philippines' Prince of R&B", because of his smooth and soulful vocal styling, which eventually spawned several local clones. His debut album Gameface was certified Platinum and he became a household name. Movies, commercial endorsements, gigs and regular TV stints came his way and a new OPM superstar was born. His Gold-certified self-titled second album produced another hit "Ngayo'y Narito", but it was his 2008 album Soul in Love that surprised everyone in the music industry. The album is filled with a solid track list, unbelievable instrumentation, a great live feel and an outstanding vocal performance. It's no wonder it became one of the biggest albums of 2008, and also solidified his status as Platinum recording artist, when the album became his second Platinum record. With Soul in Love, he was able to capture a new audience with his easy listening vocal style, without losing his signature soulful delivery.[3]

Although he still has problems in speaking fluent Filipino language, recording an all-Tagalog album has always been his dream.[4] A line which states, "Growing up as a Filipino musician in a foreign land, it has always been my lifelong goal to record an OPM album", can be found on the album's sleeve.[5]

Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics performed well, placing in the top 10 of CD retailers in the country. Like Soul in Love, it also received high positive response from music critics and listeners. On a review given by Pocholo Concepcion of Inquirer Entertainment, he praised Jay R's outstanding vocal performance. He stated, "The singer (Jay R) is gifted with a voice suited for classy, urban R&B and he practically breezes through most of the ballads". He was also impressed with the tandem of Jay R and Nina, saying "His duet with Nina in Gary Valenciano’s "Muli" should make Nyoy Volante green with envy". The review ended with Concepcion, praising the songs "Paalam Na" and "Wala na Bang Pag-ibig", saying "But it’s the love-lost tunes [...] that shine best under Jay R’s command".[8]

On the second PMPC Star Awards for Music in 2010, Jay R won the R&B Artist of the Year award for the album.[9] Also on the second Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards in 2010, he was nominated for Best Male Soul/R&B Artist. In the Myx Music Awards 2011, "Himala" was nominated for Favorite Remake. On the 24th Awit Awards in 2011, the album earned two nomination. "Muli", his duet with Nina, was nominated for Best Collaboration, while the album was nominated for Album of the Year.

All tracks were produced by Ito Rapadas.[10]