My Top 5 Songs of Al James
Blogmaker's Personal
Hello everyone.
By the way i'm Lee, Stephen Jan, i live in a Compound Place in Ma-a, Davao City and was assigned to create a blog for a performance task activity. The artist I chose to make a vlog is Al James because he was my idol from Junior High-school until now and i hope you'll appreciate the blog that i've made.
Who is Al James?
First of all, let us know who Al James is.
Alvin James P. Mantulac also known as Al James in Filipino Local Hip-hop rapscene was born in August 19, 1991. He is a member of a group called Baryo Berde Atbp. this group helped him to be a successful rapper and songwriter in his career. In this group also, he met his collaborators in different genres of Hip-hop. He is known for his songs titled "Latina", "Pa-umaga" and "Pahinga." One of his song was featured in McDonald's Commercial they paid Al James to remix his own single for McDo's Summer Desserts advertisement campaign entitled "Palamig Ka Muna".
Al James graduated with a degree in fine arts and design at the University of Santo Tomas. His exposure increased when he release "Ngayong Gabi" in year 2017 this song collecting over 25 million views in just 18 months. He was praised by many Filipino Millennials & Generation Z for his syrupy flow and purple imagery make for a chill counterpoint to the chaos of life in this dense megacity. He has crossed over from underground to mainstream as his song "Ngayong Gabi" reached #1 on Wave 89.1's primetime hit in December 2017. Following the release of the music video for "Ngayong Gabi", which was premiered on Myx, he was named as the Myx Featured Artist for October 2018.
My Top 5 songs of Al James
(these songs are based from the blog maker's opinion, it doesn't intend to have a issue with anyone's feeling.)
Top 1: Pwede Ba (Cover Version)
Al James song "Pwede Ba" that was released in year 2019. Is a heartbreaking ballad about two people in a broken relationship. The first few lines express the singer's reluctance to discuss the subject, perhaps because the emotion is too strong and takes time to process. The chorus repeats the title phrase "Pwede Ba", which means "Is it possible?" or "Can you do it?" suggests that the speaker still holds out hope that things can be resolved between the two of them, but may not yet be ready to hear the sad truth.
The second verse dives deeper into the root of the problem between the two couples. The argument seems to be repetitive and fruitless - "Mga pagtatalo na ang chansa na manalo ay wala." The following lines are a desperate plea for understanding, stating that the singer knows their partner is already cold towards them ("malamig" or cold, used twice), but they still wish they could reconcile (paano ka masasalba kung dalawa tayo'ng nalulunod or how can we save ourselves if we're both drowning?). The bridge is a melancholic reflection of how it could have been differently, with Al James imagining a future where they wake up smiling and forgiving, showing that they still long for a better outcome.
Here’s a sample video of Al James singing the Pwede Ba: Al James - Pwede Ba (Cover Version)
Top 2: Ngayong Gabi
Al James' single song "Ngayong Gabi" was released on 2017. The song talks about the desire to feel the comfort and warmth of being with someone you trust. The text depicts the moment when the main character is looking for someone to help him cool off. They want to spend the night with their partner and rediscover the feeling of doing the right thing, even if it means undoing past mistakes. The song emphasizes the importance of being in the present moment and enjoying the joy you feel with that person without worrying about the outside world.
The second verse sings about finding solace in the dark, away from anyone who might criticize or interfere with their connection. The man asks his partner to let go of all inhibitions and enjoy his time with him. They talk about being far away from the world, free from distractions and immersed in the beauty of nature. The chorus reiterates the desire to be with the person, even if it's just for one night, seeking the feeling of doing the right thing, even if the past has been full of mistakes. Overall the song speaks to the human desire to find warmth and comfort in another person, to follow your heart and be present in the moment with them, and to forget the past and move forward with hope and love.
Here's a sample M/V of the song "Ngayong Gabi" by Al James: Al James - Ngayong Gabi (Music Video)
Top 3: Pahinga
The single "Pahinga" song by Al James is released on 2017. Al James' "Pahinga" was featured in McDo's Summer Desserts Advertisement titled "Palamig Ka Muna" during the 2018 phase. Al James explained the meaning of the song "Pahinga" in OneMusicPH, he said that the Pahinga song was made because of some Modern Generation/Generation Z experiencing depression in online or social media platforms. Due to this Social Issues he thought to put the positive message by making the song "Pahinga".
Here's a sample clip of the song "Pahinga" by Al James: Al James - Pahinga (LIVE PERFORMANCE)
Top 4: Repeat (feat. Rjay Ty & Lexus)
Al James' collaboration song with Rjay Ty & Lexus was released on 2020. Al James' song "Repeat" is a reflective meditation on life with an emphasis on self-discovery and inner peace. The refrain "Maghimay, sindihan mo tas ipasa mo, repeat" roughly translates to "reflection, light, and passing, repetition." This demonstrates the importance of self-reflection, discovery, and sharing that knowledge with others. The song urges listeners to take things slow, be patient, trust the process, and avoid anything that brings negativity, envy, or hatred.
The verses of the song touch on various themes such as self-doubt and self-acceptance, letting go of negative influences, finding peace through good vibes, and the power of reflection and meditation. The song urges listeners to embrace the good moments, to let go of negative influences, and to focus on self-awareness and self-improvement, which is a message that resonates across cultures and generations.
Here's a sample video of Al James - Repeat ft. Rjay Ty & Lexus: Al James - Repeat
Lastly the Top 5: Pa-umaga
Al James' single "Pa-umaga" was released on 2019. This song was a very impact on me because of its chillin vibe, since JHS era up until now i always listen to this song over and over again and it still doesn't fade to listen.“Pa-umaga” (Daybreak) sees Al James showing his appreciation for a romantic partner. The track is a significant switch from his past singles, which are more of him seeking short-term pleasure and rarely suggesting stability. “Pa-umaga” gives a sense of commitment.
Here's a sample clip of singing Al James - Pa-umaga: Al James - Pa-umaga (Live Performance)