It’s inevitable for Bayani to do an album

After two hit singles, Bayani Agbayani finally has his very own album. It will be remembered that the popular comedian and television host scored a surprise hit with his song Otso Otso more than a year ago. What was intended as a breaker tune for the noontime variety show Magandang Tanghali Bayan turned into a national favorite after it was combined with Bayani’s vocals and original dance movements. There soon came a point when demand for Otso Otso was so pressing that ace songwriter and producer Lito Camo of Spageti and Bulaklak fame was asked to turn it into a complete song for Bayani to record. Thus was born a new recording star and a new career tangent for the former kargador.

While it was easy enough to sell Otso Otso – the song was irresistible to people of all ages – what really proved that Bayani was no flash in the pan as a recording artist (I will not say singer, although I like the guy) was his second single, Alam Kong Di Ako, OK Lang by Rommel Tuico and Jason Dacua. This one was also warmly received and it certainly looked like Bayani had a recording career. With two certified hits in the can, one of them a real monster, it was inevitable that Bayani would be enticed to record a complete album. This has finally happened and the result, titled Ito Gusto Mo, was released by Alpha Music early this month.

Lito Camo was again on hand to write and produce some cuts for Bayani. These are the new works Si Misis and Atras Abante, which is the first single release. The other songs in the album are Di Man Mahusay Kumanta by Krist Melecio, Pag-undress Na ‘ko by Jojo Espino, Atin ang Gabi by Jojo Alejar and Paulo Alejar, Pag-puti ng Uwak and Kung ‘di Lang Din Ikaw, both by Jojo Alejar. Otso Otso and Alam Kong ‘di Ako, OK Lang are also included.

The craze for novelty tunes is starting to wear itself out but let us wish Bayani well, hope that his album becomes a hit and that he can make others, better ones, in the future.

Novelty recordings

As of this moment, there are a number of novelty recordings competing for airplay and a share in music sales. Aside from Bayani’s Atras Abante, here are the following titles: Kikay, the follow-up to Bulaklak by the Viva Hot Babes; Jumbo Hot Dog by the Masculados; Papa-18 by TV personality turned recording artist Mark Logan with the Kikayz; Halukay Ube from Bomb Threat, the new SexBomb Girls album; Sasakyan Kita by Gladys & the Boxers; Babae Po Ako by Tuesday Vargas; Sa Baso ni Maria by Aleck Bovick and the song which is a new rehash of Bert Dominic’s Bikining Itim, which became Blakdyak’s Modeling Charing and which is now Pelukang Itim by Eddie Gil, the presidential aspirant who seems to have found his true calling as a comedian in show business.

There is no question that novelty recordings are the sounds of the moment and there are still no indications as to what trends are in store for us in the future. It worries me no end that the first half of the year is nearly over and the biggest hit we have is Rainbow by South Border which is already six months old. Still it is heartening to see that despite the difficulties, the Filipino musician plods on.

So we have the opportunity to appreciate our classics (Great Filipino Love Songs by Ryan Cayabyab with the San Miguel Orchestra), to rock a little (Balisong by Rivermaya), and to enjoy our most constant staple, the romantic ballad, Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala by Aiza Seguerra and Ogie Alcasid. Then thanks to the phenomenal popularity of talent contests worldwide, the singing these days is better than ever. Of course, Bayani and company is an all together different matter.

As for the other sounds coming from Filipino talents, these are the strong favorites: Rainbow by South Border; Human Nature by Kyla; Balisong by Rivermaya; Kung Mahal Mo Siya by Jay R; Ako’y Maghihintay Sa ‘yo a duet by Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista; The Way You Look at Me by Christian Bautista; Noypi by Bamboo; Come in Out of the Rain by Sheryn Regis; How Did You Know by Gary Valenciano; and That’s Why I Love You by Andrew E. and Regine Velasquez.