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rominent local soloist Glenn Fredly is finally back with his 10th album, Lovevolution. The singer surprisingly dubbed this piece as his last album, saying he has decided to retire from the bright light of the showbiz industry. What is it all about, Glenn?

Glenn Fredly has been in the spotlight for about 15 years, and his brilliant musical talents have made him one of the most successful male soloist in this country.

Until now, stories about Glenn are still all over the tabloids and newspapers, but unfortunately in the last two years most of these have been about his personal life, not music.

Glenn's private life, especially his divorce from singer Dewi Sandra, has become the target of many tabloids and infotainment shows.

There was a time that Glenn and Dewi were a golden couple in the local pop world, before marital problems entered the picture.

Now, Glenn has bravely returned to take us all on a musical tour through his 10th album, Lovevolution.

This album is about the story of his journey in life.

"Lovevolution reflects how I respect people, including you guys. Only with love can I accept anything that has happened in my life," he said recently during a press conference, announcing his latest album and concert plans.

"The divorce is also part of my story. I always accept it sincerely. No hard feelings."

Through Lovevolution's first single, "Cuma Kamu" (Only You), Glenn describes the recent condition of Indonesia.

In his mid-tempo song "Let's Say Love", Glenn collaborates with Sandhy Sondoro, a local musician who built his music career in Germany, and works with his former wife in "Brown Eyed Girl".

Love has always been Glenn's favorite theme. But it's not only about the love between a man and a woman.

For instance, Glenn created the song "Linda, I Want You", dedicating the piece to his mother, Linda.

The Maluku-born singer also shows his love for eastern Indonesia in "Timur" (East), with a touch of traditional music from the region.

Lovevolution will be launched on Feb. 6 at the Esplanade Theater in Singapore, where Glenn will hold his first-ever international solo concert, "Lovevolution: A Musical Love Journey From The Romantic Singer".

Surprisingly, yet sadly, this may be Glenn's last album, as he says he wants to retire from the music industry.

After the big concert, Glenn plans to do tours until 2011, before stepping out of the industry.

"I've been in the *music* business music for 15 years, since 1995 when I first started my career. I think that I have to take a break. It's not easy making this decision," Glenn said.

"It's about time. It all began with my divorce and now it's time for me to re-arrange my life. I want to start a new life."

He admits this decision may sound a bit controversial.

"But it opens up into a whole new level. I will leave as a Glenn Fredly, but I will not completely leave music," he said, adding that he has a new business.

"Even if I stop *from the music industry*, I believe that my creations will still be alive. I hope my music can inspire current and future generations."

His concert in Singapore will be his farewell concert. "This will be a legacy in my career because I'm going to introduce the image of Indonesia. I'm sure there will more Indonesian musicians performing there in future."

Apart from his shocking statement, there is really something different about Glenn.

When the Sunday Post met him for an interview last July, Glenn looked attractive, high-spirited and energetic. His eyes were bright and a smile was always on his face.

But the nice impression seemed gone in just a few months. When he appeared at the press conference, he was quite a different person.

He looked skinnier, less energetic. He had tried to cover it up by putting on white t-shirt, a checkered shirt and black jacket, but it was not very successful.

During the event, Glenn continually hid his eyes behind big sunglasses. He removed the glasses for a few seconds when photographers asked him to, before putting them back on again, saying "It's dazzling, guys".

The good thing was Glenn was willing to answer any questions, including on personal issues, opening himself to dozens of questions from journalists. He also refuted reports that he had contracted HIV.

"That's not true," he said, adding that his weight loss had been caused by a digestion problem.

"I suffer from a chronic digestion problem. One day, I passed out because the energy consumed and spent was out of balanced," he said, adding that he was becoming a vegetarian at the time.

"I was very weak when I was hospitalized. Thank God, I'm still here. I'm getting better. And I enjoy everything just the way it is."

Born Sept. 30, 1975, Glenn's bright talent stole public attention when he won first prize in "Cipta Pesona Bintang", a singing contest organized by a local TV station in 1995, and became a finalist in the Asian Song Festival in 1996.

Glenn then became the lead vocalist of the band Funk Section before finally deciding to go solo. His self-titled debut album "Glenn", launched in 1998, earned him big success.

During his 15-years career, Glenn has released 10 albums, including his latest Lovevolution.

He plans to dedicate his life and time to the development of people in Eastern of Indonesia, as well as his home town.

"I have big responsibilities for my people in eastern Indonesia. I will go back to Maluku. I will stay there because I have a home there. It's still in Indonesia, anyway," he said, smiling.