SB19 is back with their latest album, “Wakas at Simula.” Their latest release includes 24-tracks, featuring six new songs. While also featuring tracks from their former EPs: Pagsibol, Pagtatag!, and Simula at Wakas. As they featured their former EPs on their latest album, they also transformed their earlier singles to match who the group has become now, particularly from their 2021 EP, Pagsibol.
SB19 is a five-member group consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, who debuted in 2018 with the single “Tilaluha.” Even though it was tough at first, the group gained popularity after their second single, released in 2019, called “Go Up.” From then on, the group would become trailblazers, becoming the first Filipino act to enter Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound charts.
Now the group’s journey symbolizes a full circle moment with their latest release, showcasing the group’s growth and evolution throughout the years. Creating their own identity and highlight their creativity through their music and performances. Now the group is set to move to the next chapter of their journey, ready for what’s to come next.
The first collaboration on the album is on the track “Emoji,” featuring JOLIN, a Taiwanese singer and songwriter. The track explains the hidden messages behind “emojis.” Reading the lyrics showcases the digital persona people hide behind and the lack of straightforwardness. The pre-chorus is calling out to the listener, saying, “Mask on or mask off/No telling what’s true (True)/Ain’t that what we all do/But hey, I’m talking to you!” The music video displays this feeling as well by showing two different realities: the perfect, glamorous one, while the other is the truth, which is messy. There are also certain parts where you see the members having two personas, making the meaning come to life.
The second collaboration features J-pop group BE: FIRST, titled “Toyfriend.” With a fresh dance-pop sound, this track has a completely different story. With its theme of a non-serious relationship, the song tells its story through an upbeat style that showcases each group’s talents and keeps the listener hooked. In the outro of the song, they emphasize that they are doing everything they can to show they want something serious. With the lyrics: “I’m showing you that I’m fighting/*’Cause I don’t wanna be*/*Just another toyfriend,*” ends the song perfectly, having a full-circle moment from the start to end.
Another track to highlight is “Wakas,” which in English translates to “end” or “ending.” This emotional ballad holds a personal meaning to the album as it symbolizes the end of an era. The song tells the story of them; it’s an emotional and personal reflection of what they have faced. Even though this song sounds like a goodbye, it’s just a pause, as the word “Simula” means beginning.
This album has so much meaning to offer and creates a new story with every song. SB19 has created something special that is relatable to fans but also shares a deeper part of their story. Their latest album, “Wakas at Simula,” is out now wherever you stream music. They will also be performing at Lollapalooza this summer on Thursday, July 30th.
