Rock takes over from novelty songs

In June, 2004, these were the songs heard constantly on the radio. Otso Otso by Bayani Agbayani, Kikay and Bulaklak by the Viva Hot Babes, Pamela One by Vhong Navarro, Jumbo Hot Dog by the Masculados, Spagheti and Halukay Ube by the Sexbomb Girls, Sasakyan Kita by Gladys & the Boxers, Babae Po Ako by Tuesday Vargas, Pelukang Itim by Eddie Gil and others of a similar bent.

How times change. Today, only a year later, local radio stations are boasting of a drastically different playlist. Most of the songs being played are First Day Funk by Parokya ni Edgar, Broken Sonnet and The Day You Said Goodnight by Hale, Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin, Bulong and Same Ground by Kitchie Nadal, Get Me by MYMP, Hanggang Kailan by Oranges & Lemon, KLSP by Spongecola, Hallelujah by Bamboo, Stay by Cuesche, Jopay by Mayonnaise and other Pinoy rock tunes.

This change is a clear indication that the novelty song has given way to rock music and we now have a new batch of stars lording it over the airlanes. Some are familiar faces who have weathered various music trends over the years like Parokya ni Edgar. Others like Hale and Cueshe are new and should consider themselves very blessed for being given the opportunity to show off their talents at a most opportune time.

The best thing about this development though is that just like what happened with Pinoy rock during the early ‘70s that led to the arrival of the Manila Sound, this current explosion of new talents can lead to another exciting period in contemporary Filipino music. Given the popularity of these new rock artists, they are introducing Filipino music to buyers who normally buy foreign albums and will not, for the life of them, touch anything like Kikay. Of course, those new fans will find lots of things to like about our music and before they know it, will be listening to other acts and buying more. Given the state of the music industry these days, we really need more buyers.

This is not to denigrate novelty recordings, which are always inventive and charming in a unique way. Besides, it should always be remembered that the likes of Spagheti kept the music industry alive during a difficult period. The fact that these songs are now taking the backseat only means that listeners have become fascinated with something new and will remain so until some ingenious producer comes up with something more interesting. Then the cycle will begin again.

There is also no need for those who like their music cute and funny to feel disheartened about losing the Sexbomb Girls and the Hot Babes because it is now the time for Kitchie Nadal. They are still very much around. In fact, the Sexbomb Girls have recently released an all-hit collection titled Sumayaw, Sumunod after the dance hit by the Boyfriends. And when you have the Boyfriends, VST&Co. will not be far behind. So the Sexbomb have also included Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko.

The other cuts in the album are of course the phenomenal Spagheti Song with Joey de Leon, Bakit Papa, Pretty Little Baby, Crush Kita, Di Ko Na Mapigilan, Tulog Na Baby, Ang Gusto Namin, Choto Mate Kudasai, Loveless, Kiss Sabay Hug, Halukay Ube, Tong Song, Daisy Siete, Amoy ng Papa and Dance Tayo Forever.

Meanwhile a year ago, aside from the novelty song craze, there were also other hit songs by Filipino artists. Rainbow by South Border, Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala by Aiza Seguerra and Ogie Alcasid, Kung Mahal Mo Sya by Jay R, The Way You Look at Me by Christian Bautista, Noypi by Bamboo, How Did You Know by Gary Valenciano, Sa ‘yo by Sarah Geronimo, Come in Out of the Rain by Sheryn Regis and Balisong by Rivermaya. The top selling album was the neither novelty nor rock but truly Filipino Great Filipino Love Songs produced and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab and performed by the San Miguel Orchestra.

Come to think of it, we are halfway through the month of June and almost halfway through 2005. In fact, there are now only 190 days to go until Christmas Day and a week later it will be 2006. Is that thought chilling? Thrilling? Whatever, let us just make ours a life worth living.