Throwback Tuesday: Top 10 OPM Songs of the ‘90s

Can you still recall all the OPM songs that gave you the jolts from 1990-1999? Even if we sought to mention as many of our much-loved hits as we could, we had to do the scary task of narrowing down hundreds of great OPM songs from the ‘90s to the best ten.

Scroll down to see what made it to our list of Top 10 OPM songs that rocked the decade. Feel free to comment on our lineup!

1. "Mga Kababayan Ko (1990)

Francis M. created this song in an amazing way of expressing one’s patriotism. “Mga Kababayan Ko” also marked the birth of Nationalistic rap in Filipino hip hop. (Photo Credit: i.ytimg.com)

2.“Paraiso” (1991) 

“Paraiso” was certified eight times Platinum by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and sold over 253,800 units in the country. It is considered one of the biggest-selling albums in the Philippines, overtaking “Smokey Mountain” (the album) in terms of sales. (Photo Credit: wikimedia.org)

3. “Iisa Pa Lamang” (1992)

Not a single Pinoy who lived in the 1990s wasn’t struck by this smash hit of Joey Albert, which won the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Best Movie Theme Song Award in 1992. (Photo Credit: amazon.com)

4. “Ligaya” (1993)

This was the first single of the Eraserheads from their debut album Ultraelectromagneticpop!. The single was able to make it to the Top Ten of 97.1 WLS-FM countdown. (Photo Credit: wikimedia.org)

5. “Paglisan” (1994)

One of Color it Red’s hit songs "Paglisan", expressing the sentiments of departing from one’s love, has become part of the Philippine pop culture as one of the better OPM ballads. (Photo Credit: ytimg.com)

6. “Ang Huling El Bimbo” (1995)

Ely Buendia of Eraserheads composed this song for their 1996 studio album Cutterpillow. It received widespread airplay after its release and ranked second best on RX 93.1's "Top 20 OPM Requests of 1996". The song's music video propelled the band's success outside the country by grabbing the International Viewer's Choice Awards for Asia at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. (Photo Credit: tumblr.com)

7. “Forevermore” (1996)

This song won Side A the 1996 Awit Award for Best Performance by a Group for the third consecutive year and the Song of the Year. (Photo Credit: 3.bp.blogspot.com)

8. “Nandito Ako” (1997)

"Nandito Ako" rendition of Mexican singer/actress Thalía became a huge hit in the Philippines and went two times Diamond in the Philippines for sales more than 1,000,000 copies. (Photo Credit: images.coveralia.com)

9. “Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko” (1998)

This song made Michael V’s parody album, "MTB: Miyusik Tagalog Bersiyon" a big success. Written by Michael V. himself, the witty love song gained commercial success and became the "unofficial anthem" for the heartbroken, despite its violently humorous lyrics. (Photo Credit: imfatsowhat.hotstuffavenue.com)

10. “Tuloy Pa Rin” (1999)

Neocolors’ second album Tuloy Pa Rin came out in 1999 and made hit singles for the band. It similarly reached platinum status and paved several tracks as classic OPM songs to this day. (Photo Credit: a2.mzstatic.com)

Sources:

www.wikipilipinas.org

www.philmug.ph

www.philstar.com

Wikipedia pages

Music Throwback: The Most Popular Dance Hits of the ‘90s

Hosting a ‘90s themed party or just want to reminisce the days when smartphones are not yet a necessity? Here’s the list of the most popular dance hits that should be playing in your stereo sets:

1. “Vogue” – Madonna (1990)

- topped the charts in over 30 countries and became the world’s best-selling single of 1990 selling over six million copies.

Photo Credit: www.fanpop.com

2. “Gonna Make You Sweat” – C+C Music Factory (1991)

- reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and topped various music charts such as Billboard's Top R&B Singles, Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales.

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

3. “Get Ready for This” – 2 Unlimited (1992)

- was an immediate success throughout Europe with notable peaks worldwide including Australia and The US.

Photo Credit: www.2unlimited.eu

4. “Macarena” – Los Del Rio (1993)

- was ranked the "#1 Greatest One-Hit Wonder of all Time" by VH1 in 2002. It ranked number 7 on Billboard's All Time Top 100 and ranked number one on Billboard's All Time Latin Songs.

Photo Credit: www.wikipedia.org

5. “I Like to Move It” – Reel 2 Real (1994)

- reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart, was a number one hit in the Netherlands and was a number 8 hit on the US Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

Photo Credit: www.allmusic.com

6. “This is How We Do It” – Montell Jordan (1995)

- peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B singles chart for seven weeks.

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

7. “Wannabe” – Spice Girls (1996)

- became the best-selling single by a female group in the world and was named by Billboard as “Pop Culture Smash” in 2015.

Photo Credit: www.goodmusicgoodlife.com

8. “MMMBop” – Hanson (1996)

- was nominated for two Grammys at the 40^th Annual Grammy Awards and the band’s most successful single to date. It reached number one in 27 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Mexico.

Photo Credit: www.eil.com

9. “Barbie Girl” – Aqua (1997)

- was a number one hit for three weeks in Australia and the United Kingdom and remains to be Aqua’s most popular work and their only song to reach the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Photo Credit: www.wikipedia.org

10. “Livin’ La Vida Loca” - Ricky Martin (1999)

- received various Grammy Awards nomination and ranked 28 on the list of 100 Greatest Songs of the ‘90s by VH1 and became Ricky Martin’s signature song.

Photo Credit: www.musicdaddy.net

Do you have more ‘90s dance hit on your playlist? You can share them on the comments section below.

Source: Wikipedia

Top 10 All-Time Favorite Christmas Songs of Most Pinoys

Photo Credit: www.thepinoywarrior.com

Christmas is just around the corner! Spread the good vibes this Yuletide season with colorful lights, pretty decors, and these 10 Pinoy all-time favorite Christmas carols.

1. “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” – this Tagalog version (originally Cebuano) is released in the 1950s by Levi Celerio. It has been a traditional Christmas song because the tune and lyrics are easy to memorize. It’s a joyful song and speaks so much about our Christmas traditions.

2. “Christmas in our Hearts” – composed and sung by Jose Mari Chan, this song became the best-selling Christmas album of all time when it was released in 1989. It's soothing melody and positive message is the reason people of all ages love this song.
   
   
3. “Christmas Won’t Be The Same Without You” – unlike other joyful Christmas carols, this song by Martin Nievera is a bit sad. For years, it has been the theme song of brokenhearted people this Christmas.
   
   
4.  “Pasko na, Sinta ko” – this Gary Valenciano song has been the country’s unofficial theme song of OFWs and those who are far from their loved ones. The lyrics and melody is sad but it shows how we value love and family especially this Yuletide season.
   
   
5. “Kumukuti-Kutitap” – this song’s playful melody and lyrics tackles Pinoy’s ingenuity during Christmas through colorful parols and lights. It perfectly depicts how Pinoy’s celebrate this season.
   
   
6. “Miss Kita Kung Christmas” – Sharon Cuneta dedicates this song to the growing members of SMP (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko). It became a huge hit because many people can relate to this song.
   
   
7. “Sa May Bahay ang Aming Bati” – this song is the most popular and always first in the playlist of the carolers. It serves as the intro for it asks for the permission of the homeowners.
   
   
8. “Noche Buena” – Aside for our love for food, this song is famous because it shows how Pinoys prepare, share, and celebrate for Christmas eve. It portrays our strong sense of commitment to family.
   
   
9. “Tuloy-tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko” – this song by APO Hiking Society is one of our favorites because it is socially relevant. It shows that despite the hard times and daily struggles, the celebration must go on!
   
   
10. “Sa Paskong Darating” – this song by Celeste Legaspi is known to most Pinoys because it brings hope and promises treats for kids who are nice and obedient.

Got some Christmas songs not on the list? Feel free to share them in the comments section below.

Top 10 Worship Songs to Add To Your Playlist This Lent

Photo Credit: woodngifts.com

One great way to worship God and celebrate this lent season is through music. Whenever you’re down and needs guidance, feel His presence by listening to these songs. The songs on this list are my favorites and as a music lover, I am hoping that you’ll love them too!

1. Who Am I – Casting Crowns

This song shows how great God’s love for us is. Even though we may think and feel insignificant at times, we should not fear and feel alone. God loves us so much that he takes time to know each one of us.

2. Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood

This song shows that even if were too busy to give thanks and ask for His forgiveness for all our sins, he will never turn his back and leave us. He is always at our side to guide and accept us whenever we call out to Him.

3. Warrior Is A Child – Twila Paris

This song shows that whenever we feel weak, God is always by our side. Whenever we falter, God is here to protect, strengthen, heal, and give us rest when the world is too much to handle.

4. Tell The World Of His Love – Jamie Rivera

This song encourages us to tell and share how great God’s love is. It also tells us to lead those who have lost their ways to the home of God and seek His presence.

5. May Bukas Pa – Rico J. Puno

This song tells us to have faith in God whenever we feel down and troubled. There is always tomorrow for those who believes. Seek for Him and you will be answered.

6. Lead Me Lord – Basil Valdez

This song shows us that we can lean on Him whenever we feel confused and alone. Seek for Him and He will guide us to the right path and decisions.

7. Power Of Your Love – Hillsong United

This song shows encourages us to face our own weaknesses and fall into the arms of God who’s doing everything to convey His love to us.

8. Take Me Out Of The Dark – Gary Valenciano

This song teaches us to trust God because He would never give us trials that we can’t bear. He would never leave us even if we’re thinking that we’re not worthy of His love.

9. I Offer My Life – Don Moen

This song encourages us to seek God in everything we do and you will be at His mercy.

10. One More Gift – Bukas Palad

This song tells us that the greatest gift that we should seek to Him is peace, not only for the world, but also peace within ourselves.

Korean Pop Music Invasion: How K-Pop Is Becoming a Worldwide Hit

Photo Credit: www.rollingstone.com

Does “K-Pop” ring a bell? For those who are not familiar with this term, K-Pop or Korean Popular Music is a mixture of trendy Western music and high-energy Japanese Popular Music (J-Pop). It preys on listeners' heads with repeated hooks, sometimes in English. It embraces genre fusion with both singing and rap, and highlights acts and strong visuals. But have you ever thought how these Korean songs are able to invade the music charts of other countries? Here are their secret formulas:

Versatile Music and Artists

Even from the start, the Korean record labels aim for the global market. They hire foreign composers, choreographers, and stylists and require their trainees to learn foreign languages. Most of the songs also include English lyrics and is translated to various languages like Japanese to capture the attention of other countries.

In order to invade foreign markets, the bands often include multi-language members like CL (fluent in English, French, and Japanese) and Dara (fluent in Filipino) of 2ne1. They also include non-Korean members who are accustomed to the local language and culture. One of the most famous examples is Nichkhun of 2PM. He is born in Southern California to a Thai-Chinese family and is fluent in English, Thai, and Mandarin.

Social Media

Social networking services (SNS) such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter have proven to be very effective for idols to gain fame overseas. They use SNS to promote their songs, connect with their fans, and appear more approachable by sharing pictures and footage from their private lives. One great example is the Gangnam Style of PSY. Garnering more than 2 Billion views in YouTube, he effortlessly invaded foreign music charts.

Collaboration with Foreign Artists

With the goal to penetrate foreign music charts, Korea’s Big 3 (YG, SM, and JYP) have made their artist collaborate with the big names in the music industry. Like will.i.am’s collaboration with 2NE1, Akon to Wonder Girls, Diplo to BigBang, and Teddy Riley to SNSD.

Star Value

K-Pop is also considered a visual industry. Aside from promoting in radio shows, idols prefer to make their debuts in TV and live shows highlighting their star value. This includes the face value, dance routine, fashion sense, and singing talent.

Do you want to know more about K-Pop? Suggest your topics and I’ll do my best to give you an amazing article.

Year End Recap: Most Popular Songs that Ruled the Charts of 2014

Photo © sassydealz.com

The year of the horse is coming to an end and as a certified music lover, I’ve tried my best to compile the most popular songs of 2014. After reviewing the music charts and choosing from more than a hundred songs, here’s the list of songs that stand out among others (in no particular order):

9. All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor

More than a pop song with an infectious beat, Meghan’s debut hit “All About That Bass” is a song of self-acceptance that makes it soar beating Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” off the charts.

8. Stay with Me – Sam Smith

Rooting in the very basic elements of soul and a touch of Gospel, Smith heartbreakingly croons to his mystery lover and begs to stay with him. “Stay With Me” is the third track off Smith’s debut album In The Lonely Hour.

7. Anaconda – Nicki Minaj

Upon release, the song has met generally positive reviews from music critics that praised the song’s production and Nicki’s return to her hip-hop roots. It spends eight consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Hot 100 chart.

6. All of Me – John Legend

Dedicated to the love of his life, John Legend confesses his love through this love song. With the combination of his piano skills and rich and textured vocals, there’s no doubt it is named “the love song of 2014.”

5. Chandelier – Sia

The lyrics describe a girl trying to avoid feelings of sadness, pain, and shame through sex and alcohol. The video starred by Maddie Ziegler portrays a girl that drinks and parties all night to shield herself from emotions.

4. Fancy – Iggy Azalea (ft. Charlie XCX)

Described as an electro hop song, “Fancy” reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It was Azalea and Charlie XCX’s first number one holding the spot for seven consecutive weeks.

3. Crush – 2NE1

“Crush” sung by 2NE1, a girl quartet from South Korea, breaks the record by being the first K-pop act to notch an entry on the annual ranks since 1995.

2. Steal My Girl – One Direction

“Steal My Girl” is one of 1D’s deliriously fun single since “Kiss You”, a chunk of rock music so chewy that it can dominate your whole afternoon if you’re not careful.

1. Blank Space – Taylor Swift

“Blank Space” from her blockbuster album 1989 dooms a new romance from the start and takes some responsibility for its inevitable demise.

Five Things You Need to Know About Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

Photo © Amazon.com

Over three decades ago, the King of Pop Michael Jackson released the best-selling album of all time – Thriller.

The album that includes hits such as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” as well as carrier single changed the way we view music videos and influenced a generation of artists. And to celebrate the Halloween, here are the top five facts behind the blockbuster R&B classic.

1. ‘Thriller’ was Jackson’s response to disappointment of ‘Off the Wall.’

The epic album was a follow-up to MJs 1979 album “Off the Wall” which sells “only” 20 million copies according to him. He was so upset for not winning the best album, he wrote in the mirror of his room that his next album will sell 50 million copies. True enough, the “Thriller” album won eight Grammys in 1984 and sells 110 million copies worldwide.

2. The album continued MJs collaboration with Quincy Jones.

MJs record label hesitated when he suggested working with Jones on “Off the Wall.” They said that Quincy was more of a jazz singer but MJ really pushed it and out of that came his 1979 album. It served as an appetizer to his epic album and to his next album “Bad,” which sold 45 million copies.

3. How they got the songs.

MJ wrote four of the songs, “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "The Girl Is Mine," "Billie Jean," and "Beat It.” He wrote the latter as a peace offering to the Los Angeles gangs, which was also featured in his music video.

Heatwave’s Rod Temperton added “Rock With You” and the carrier single “Thriller,” which was originally entitled “Starlight.”

4. The song “Thriller” changed music videos.

The 14-minute music video was dubbed as a mini movie with a horror theme. It was also the first MV made by a major film director, John Landis, who directed “The Blues Brothers” and “An American Werewolf in London.”

5. It broke racial and other barriers.

MJ broke down long standing racial barriers in the music industry. He spans traditional divides between pop, rock, and dance music, and establish himself as black star who appealed to all races. At the height of its popularity, MTV ran the 14-minute “Thriller” video twice an hour to meet demand.

Are you “thrilled” by these facts? Let’s pay homage to King of Pop’s greatest masterpiece by making “Thriller” our Halloween party’s theme song.

Source: abcnews.go.com