The Light, the official debut album of the fast-rising P-Pop group, BGYO, is as impactful as any well-intended studio album should be.
From stripped-down beats to a compulsively danceable rhythm, from meaningful words about self-motivation to patriotic love, and from alternative hip-hop to acoustic ballad, the amount of variety, range, and sentiments this well-intended debut album has, is everything a devout fan could ever wish.
BGYO’s arrival to the music scene came in the midst of a harrowing pandemic. Anybody who has a little sense of how much music can change the world—or a life for that matter—would easily take a pass on BGYO. What can a newbie group offer, at this time when everybody is trying to survive? Inspiration, perhaps? But even before their arrival, Filipinos have already taken inspiration from Filipino acts like Moira de la Torre and The Juans, whose hugot songs practically replaced the national anthem for many people.
Well, believe it or not, BGYO does not pull off an effort to take a different lane. They did not necessarily have to do hugot songs, but the inspiration they can deliver since their launch eight months ago is equally important. That inspiration does not solely come from the meaningful words of their songs alone; their triumphant journey to success is one to take motivations from, too.
The Light embodies that journey, and it’s powerful, moving, and anthemic. Consisting of eight all-original and the Bahasa, Thai, Japanese, and Spanish versions of the group’s debut single (also called The Light), The Light feels like it needs to impart a good lesson.
The debut song, The Light, can be very well used as a campaign song for change—whatever that change exactly is, you have the power to decide. “Kinabukasan ating ilaban” it says, adding “You have to follow the light”. Does it tell you to do the right thing? Make sure you play this on repeat come May 9, 2022 polls.
Fly Away, an extremely relatable track is a lovely invitation. If the entire album is a form of therapy for those having a hard time dealing with the pandemic, then this track is its thematic center. It’s a validation of the struggles of most of us, but it’s a compelling encouragement to let go and fly away, too. Sabay seemingly echoes that sentiment but uses more danceable beats. On the other hand, Rocketman is a proud anthem for Filipinos, our resilience, and our undying spirit to move forward.
Radiating around matters of romance are Kundiman, He’s Into Her, The Baddest, and When I’m With You. When I’m With You is that rousing bubblegum earworm that feels like a summer anthem but could be played all year round and on every road trip. The Baddest has recently given the group milestones, as it pushed BGYO to capture global music charts, including Billboard’s Next Big Sound and Pandora’s Prediction charts. The song talks about an exceptional woman who makes someone’s world go round; she controls everything, she represents everything that someone wants. He’s Into Her is practically in that realm of thought; there’s this boy who is so…well, into her. Kundiman is a beautiful surprise as it featured the group’s layered vocals, especially JL’s and Akira’s.
The Light album won’t necessarily be a game-changer, but you have to at least root for BGYO and how they got where they are (and where they are still headed). At the very least, their entry to the now exploding P-Pop phenomenon draws a refreshing scene in a very vulnerable time mostly blurred by anxiety and emotional upheaval. We somewhat deserve the motivation and encouragement that are very well-embedded in every track of the album, especially now that we are confronting yet another life-changing decision.
