Best of Truefaith in Dream Journal

It is always good to hear that a well-established band like Truefaith remains intact with all its original members and continues to create new music. Last I heard Medwin Marfil on vocals; Kenneth Ilagan and Eugene Marfil, guitars; Bimbo Yance, brass; Jake Lumacad, keyboards; and Benedict Esguerra, drums,  are still remarkably together. Would you believe that had been calling themselves Truefaith and performing ever since 1992 and that was over 15 years ago.

If I remember right, the last Truefaith album was Stray to be Found. That was the one that had Dahil Ikaw, the theme from the teleserye Sa Piling Mo. I recall Sayang ang Lahat as being particularly good. So I am sure there will be other hits out of this CD. But whether this happens or not, Truefaith already has enough to be assured of continuing fame for several lifetimes. I say this because I just listened to its hit collection Dream Journal and am truly amazed at their output. Take a look at what the CD has.

Subtitled The Very Best of Truefaith 1993-2007, Dream Journal is a two-disc collection containing some of the prettiest Pinoy pop compositions to emerge in recent times. Truefaith has never had something new to say. The band instead distinguished itself with the unique turns it takes with its simple melodies and conversational lyric writing.

These guys write the way people talk and listeners are only too glad to hear their sentiments expressed in the songs. Those sentiments are as Filipino as any kundiman could be, poetic and with a lot of drama thrown in, but delivered in a laidback, almost deadpan style that has become Truefaith’s trademark. 

Disc One has the first hit Perfect, plus Love Stings, Everything She Wore, How Much I Feel, Ambon, Sa Puso Ko, Huwag Na Lang Kaya, Muntik Nang Maabot ang Langit, Shotgun Baby Bang! Bang! Pure, Kahapon, Silence of The Heart, Alaala, Baliw, Kundi Rin Lang Ikaw, Bukas Liligaya Din Ako, Hi and Ika’y Mamahalin.

In Disc Two are Enjoy, Alam, Get It On, Awit Para Sa Kanya, Kung OK Lang Sa ‘yo, Minsan Lang Ako Umibig, Sumasarap ang Gising, Basta-Basta, Ngumiti Ka Lang, Dedma, Mistake Number 3, Dahil Ikaw, Sayang ang Lahat, Cross My Heart, Araw’t Gabi and Isang Pangarap Lamang.

Incidentally, Medwin’s composition Ikaw, which was recorded by Sarah Geronimo for her album Taking Flight is up for the Awit Award for Song of the Year. This bit of news tells us that Medwin’s songwriting skills are not limited to Truefaith. He can also compose beautifully for other artists. Now, what I want to know is if Truefaith intends to record Ikaw one of these days. I hope they do because I am very curious to find out how they are going to do it.

MYX’s Top 20 songs

Meanwhile, from out there at MYX, the Pilipino music channel, here are the top 20 songs in the Pinoy MYX Countdown for this week: A Very Special Love by Sarah Geronimo; Saludo by 6Cyclemind; Ang Pusa Mo by Pedicab; Pitong Araw by Hale; Sleep by Rivermaya; Betamax by Sandwich; Hear My Heart by Nikki Gil; Gumising by Delara; and Honestly by Rachelle Ann Go; Ikaw by Ronnie Liang.

Will of the Wind by Jolina Magdangal; Kung Sakali by Ogie Alcasid; One Hello by Toni Gonzaga; Kung Fu Fighting by Sam Concepcion; Stranded by Slapshock; Imposible by KC Concepcion; It’s Over Now by Kyla; I’m Missing You by Bea Alonzo; Disconnection Notice by Pupil; and It Can Only Get Better by Charice.

Speaking of Bea, the beautiful young actress of film and TV is now also a full-fledged recording artist. Her first hit I’m Missing You comes from her first ever CD release titled The Real Me. There are only five other cuts. Crazy About You, Close to You, You, I’ll Always Love You and Kagandahan, the theme from the local edition of Betty La Fea, where Bea plays the title role.

Bea is not likely to give our birit queens a run for their money. She sings well but her style is more of the relaxed whispery variety. Her effect is sweet and soothing and those qualities combined with her gorgeous photographs in the cover makes her CD a treat.