The Juans may have been a group (in some form) since 2013, but Liwanag (Light) is their first first-length album. To say the songs are a bit different from their previous releases would be a bit of an understatement. They encompass different genres while sticking to their identity as a worship band, which certainly lives up to their building reputation as a pop/rock band.
A New Sound For a New Era
Together, the tracks are an anthology of love and relationships with lovers, friends, and a higher power.
What makes the tracks on Liwanag so different? All five members of the band contributed songs and even composed full tracks to the album. This makes the album incredibly personal by speaking of the earth-shaking personal events and the deeply-rooted questions that made the members who they are today. The whole album revolves around the changing emotions we experience while searching for the perfect relationship.
Listening to Liwanag all the way through (which we totally recommend) takes the listener on a journey of sorts. Together, the tracks are an anthology of love and relationships with lovers, friends, and a higher power. Follow us on this journey as we highlight some of the most moving tracks of Liwanag.
'Liwanag' is a Message of Hope
[The] music video, which features images from the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, drives home this message of light and hope.
The opening track, 'The Juans,' is an overture and the perfect transition into the title track, 'Liwanag' (Light). This upbeat song speaks of finding the light that shines brighter in the darkness and reminds us that The Juans are a worship band first as they celebrate their relationship with a higher power. The accompanying music video, which features images from the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, drives home this message of light and hope.
Another early track in the album, 'Pinakahihintay' (Long Awaited), is a lighthearted and optimistic song about waiting for the perfect time and the perfect moment. The song is likely inspired by the wedding day, and the future life drummer Josh Coronel envisioned as a married man. We know it's a reality now!
Breakout Successes
[...] it's not about a dead-end but a crossroads and begs the question: What will your choice be?
Liwanag then moves on to 'Anghel' (Angel). Initially released in October 2021, this crowd favorite is about a girl you don't want to lose. She's the angel who came down from heaven to make life better, and it's a story told in a fun, uplifting tune. It was a hit as a single, and the music video is one of two from The Juans to star Kokoy De Santos, who costars in the hit series, Gameboys. It's joined by two other songs that were originally released as singles: 'Dulo' (End) and 'Sabik' (Eager). 'Dulo' was the first single from Liwanag to be released. According to guitarist RJ Cruz, it's not about a dead-end but a crossroads and begs the question: What will your choice be? This song was accompanied by a short film of the same name, which starred Kokoy De Santos and Krissha Viaje. Rounding out the previously released singles comes their late 2021 single, 'Sabik.' A song for separated lovers and those waiting, it vows to wait for the right time no matter how eager they are to be together again. All three of these songs have also been selected as the original soundtracks for movies.
Emotional Messages from The Juans
And now we're crying. Great.
While the early songs of the album focused on romantic love, 'Salamin' (Mirror) reminds the listener of their own value. With the lyric: "Tumingin ka lang sa salamin, hindi ka mahirap na mahalin." (Just look in the mirror, you're not hard to love), it begs the listener, ”learn to love yourself because many people love you, too.” It is truly a song of hope for those who struggle with self-love.
The album also includes The Juans' first two fully-English tracks, 'Still Standing' and 'Love You.' In 'Still Standing' The Juans proudly proclaim that they are still here and aren't going anywhere. It has the vibe of a powerful anthem, and its almost boy-band feel paints a clear picture of The Juans slaying a live performance onstage. The other fully-English track, 'Love You.' is an atmospheric plea for a single chance at acceptance. It asks, "Why don't you let me love you?" And now we're crying. Great.
Finally, soft hours start with 'Teka Muna' (Hold On), which struggles to recover from a relationship failure. Sung like a show tune, it frames the drama which being at that point of a relationship carries. "Why haven't I gotten over you yet?"
As the dust settles, 'Kuya' (Elder Brother) mourns the loss of a mentor. All alone and crying, it expresses the desire to have someone to talk to again. This track holds special meaning for frontman and keyboardist Carl, who wrote it as an apology for actions undone to a good friend who lost his elder brother. Part apology, part encouragement, part answer, 'Kuya' has all the difficult questions in one highly emotional track.
An Anthology of Modern OPM
The Juans are set to be main players in the future of OPM
With a total of fifteen tracks on the album, Liwanag is an anthology of everything The Juans are capable of. With the songs written and composed by all the members, the album represents the varying styles of the members. It takes us on an exciting journey through their diversity. With everything from the rap-heavy beat of 'Kahon' to the retro-inspired vibes of 'Pangalan,' The Juans are flexing their ability to cross genres and break through any and all stereotypes about modern OPM. It's no secret that The Juans have been spending a lot of time with fellow OPM artists and P-Pop supergroup SB19. With such distinct new style elements, it's fair to say the progressive style of their close friends seems to be wearing off on them. With a sudden surge in popularity and their progression to newer and edgier sound, The Juans are set to be main players in the future of OPM. And we can’t wait.
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