.jpg)
You can pre-save the album on this link: https://bfan.link/serye
Moving on, due to time constraints, we were not able to solicit the opinions of everyone involved in the album. No listening parties were held. And in order not to delay the release further, I decided to took it upon myself to come up with the track sequence. However, It's been awhile since I've worked on album releases. And arranging the right track sequence in the album is something that I used to enjoy doing. Though for this project, it wasn't as fun as I initially thought it would be. I guess it is always easier to do this type of work if you wrote most/all of the songs in the album. This compilation album felt like I was trying to build a puzzle. God knows how I spent a lot of time listening to different track sequences, until I finally found the right sequence that I believe will bring a more heartfelt and impactful listening experience (message wise) to the listeners. There were a lot of things to consider mind you, from the music, to the themes of the songs. But I have always been a lyric guy. And I am always attracted to the messaging of the song more than the music. So I finally decided to zero in on the message of the songs, and arrange them in such a way where I am able to weave different stories, and make it coherent in terms of delivering a message that we at Cre8Music wanted to deliver. And without much further ado, let me introduce to you the track sequence of the album along with a brief message of what the song is about and how it fits with the whole narrative of the album.
As the title itself suggests, the Christmas season is always filled with Good Mornings. And Feel Good Morning is an instrumental track that was performed by Thoughts And Notions other half Wilbert Tan's alter ego, Wile Lile. As the only instrumental track in the album, I decided to start off the compilation album with this track (as influenced by Rivermaya's Atomic Bomb album). I wanted to set the feel and mood of the listeners right off the bat when they come to listen to the album. And as the title suggests, the music just puts you on a very good mood to start the day with it's playful guitar solos that meshes well with the other musical instruments. Talk about harmony this Christmas!
2.) Pasko Na Naman - Jonah Agas, Dud Lemon
Written and composed by Namfi Monzon, Pasko Na Naman comes next as we formally welcome the coming of the Christmas season. Interpreted and collaborated with by Jonah Agas and Dud Lemon, Pasko na naman is a synth pop laden Christmas song that officially welcomes the festive Christmas spirit for the season. The synth pop music just continues on with the mood established in the first track as it encourages the listeners to bop and dance to the synth tunes. With the song extolling about the joy of welcoming Christmas with a heart that is full of love and hope. As Jesus had been born to bring.
Of course Christmas celebrations won't be complete without the parties that we are invited to attend. Written and composed by Nico Frayn and produced by Miguel Llado. Christmas Party formally kick starts the celebration in this album. And the festive mood of the song is just the perfect continuation from the previous track. Filled with Pop sensibilities, the feel good track speaks about what makes Christmas parties great. And it's not even about being lavish, but just the simple joys of Christmas. Being with your love ones and the people that you value the most.
With all of the celebrations happening, one should not forget about who the central figure as to why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place. And that's what the next track is trying to offer. Actually, "Sentro ng Pasko" is the Filipino translation of our Christmas song "What Real Christmas Means to Me." done in Bossa Nova music. Soleil Misalucha greatly helped me in coming up with the right Filipino translation to the song as writing Filipino lyrics is a weak spot of mine. I had to put this song as the fourth track to prepare the listeners to what is coming next. So while this song will remind the listeners that Jesus Christ is the main reason why we are celebrating Christmas, there are others who might not be celebrating a joyous Christmas.
And that's where Lostplate's song comes in. Lostplate's knack for writing emo music shone brightly in this track, especially if you know the back story of this song. While churning out emo music is Lostplate's staple, "Kahilingan" still comes out as hopeful. Especially when sequenced right after a song that reminds us of Jesus Christ. Because 'Kahilingan" can be easily transformed as a prayer/plea to God above to grant lonely hearts a respite from the sadness that Christmas brings to them. The heartfelt plea is a sign that even if it feels like all hope is lost, Faith remains steadfast that prayers are being answered. Kahilingan is the first of three songs in this compilation album that dwells on sad Christmases.
6.) Ngayong Pasko - Forsomereason
And rightly so, Forsomereason continues with a sad Christmas song of their own. Which is ably produced by Miguel Llado. Ngayong Pasko is a simple sad ditty that just permeates the sadness that some people have to deal with. Especially when they are forced to celebrate Christmas alone, as they are separated from their love ones. The song just pulls in the listener with a heavy feeling of sadness. Just enough to remind us that while some of us are blessed to have a joyful and complete Christmas, there are others that needs a little cheering up. And if we can spend a little of our time with them too, then maybe we can help uplift their Christmas too.
7.) Sana Kumpleto sa Pasko - Bimbo Simbulan
The sad Christmas song trilogy comes to an end with this song by Bimbo Simbulan. But while this song is still sad in nature, the overall feel of the song still exudes a certain ray of hope. Because Bimbo takes us into his time machine, of simpler Christmas times with our love ones. And while we are taken to reminisce of those times, we are also asked to accept the realities of life. And that we have to move on and continue to live our lives filled with hope. And the music certainly helps in that regard. As it isn't as sad and emotionally heavy as the previous song is. Rather, it is hopeful enough to lighten up the mood to prepare us for the next song.
And here it is again, just when all hope is lost, we are reminded once more of the true spirit of Christmas. And Danayah brings forth her song with Click Band that also talks about the resilience of the Filipino spirit. Inviting everyone to join a festive celebration in welcoming the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The song will certainly lift the spirits of the listeners with its choice inspirational lyrics. Coupled with feel good pop/rock music. The song fits nicely as the next one in line after a trilogy of sad emotive Christmas songs. It honors the legitimacy of the sad Christmases that some of us are experiencing, but also reminds us that the birth of Jesus also means the arrival of Hope. And we Filipinos had always been resilient when times are tough. With a Faith that cannot be shaken easily.
This song makes a return as a release this year in this compilation album though it feels like an outlier. For it's the only English song in this compilation album. The song however had to be included because originally, this was supposed to be my only contribution for this project. But due to lack of content to make this album a 10 track album, I had to do a Filipino version of this song. The theme of the song once again reinforces the real meaning of Christmas. And the mishmash of different rock influenced music brings forth an energetic mood to celebrate Christmas. Full story about the song can be read on this link.
10.) Christmas Reunion - dFather&dSon
From the first track down to the ninth track, the listener is taken in with a bevy of emotions. A roller coaster of emotions from joy to sadness. From feel good to introspective. And I feel that the best way to end this album is by giving our listeners a Christmas song that has a dash of comedy and humor. Just to ensure that we all will be having a little laugh as the compilation album comes to a close. And there's no better way to end it by giving the listeners a trademark song by dFather&dSon. Known for their novelty songs, Christmas Reunion tells a story about a humorous reunion that some of us spend reminiscing of past mishaps and to some extent, grudges that we still hold. And though it is sung in a humorous way, the root of it all is still about forgiveness and just enjoying each other's company.
So ladies and gentlefolks!
Let's Cre8 PASKO! this December 20, 2023 by pre-saving the link below:
