A flurry of lovelorn and sultry releases from these three makes for the perfect addition to your OPM playlists
The past few weeks have been a blast for OPM listeners across the archipelago. As if pre-ordained, genre mainstays Zack Tabudlo and Jason Dhakal, as well as up-and-comer DENȲ all came out with their respective new releases. And now we can’t get enough, struck with that ever-familiar LSS and playlists larger than ever before.
In this edition of the Listening Party, we take a look at the best and latest from Jason Dhakal, DENȲ, and Zack Tabudlo. Be warned: be sure to grab a box of tissues beforehand as each track will surely remind you of your what ifs and TOTGAs.
Jason Dhakal – BEING
Jason Dhakal, the voice behind tracks such as “Body & Soul” and “manila,” has been a breath of fresh air in the OPM scene with his unapologetic and sultry lyricism. Taking his artistry to the next level, the R&B/Soul singer recently came out with his sophomore album, “BEING.”
“BEING is an album about transformation. as i’m settling into my 20s, perceiving the world & my surroundings differently, writing these tracks made me process & reflect on a lot of things, especially when everything was really still,” Dhakal shares in an Instagram post.
Produced with the likes of LUSTBASS, RuiijiKun, Xerxes Bakker, and Shadiel Chan, BEING doesn’t hold back on its sound—with keys, guitars, horns, and drums played with little to no reservation on each track. The perfect instrumental canvas for Dhakal, he delivers each line with the laidback charm we’ve come to love from his previous releases.
That being said, my personal favorite from the project is the second track “can’t get enough.”
Say you / You make it so hard for me to know my queue / ‘Cause when you show up, it’s like bitch, what I’m supposed to do? / Everything you say, my love, it sticks to me like gluе (Just like glue) / ‘Cause you’rе so cute, so cute, yeah / It trickles like motions from me to you / And I flow to you, I flow to you / Maybe this could change my whole point of view / Shit, I’m just saying – “can’t get enough”
DENȲ – LOVES7AGE
Taking the Filipino R&B scene by storm and making waves with her striking vocals and authentic lyricism is DENȲ. If you haven’t heard of her, you’re definitely missing out. She is also a part of WAYBETTR, a local record label and artist collective that showcases Filipino hip-hop acts.
“Personally, one of my biggest contributions also for Filipino R&B is not only the sound of my music, but also the lyrics ng mga sinusulat ko. So every song that I performed was penned by me. I make sure that when I write a song, it’s authentic, it represents something. The meaning must resonate with everyone or just one person, that’s enough. It’s very empowering, my lyrics,” DENȲ shares in another interview.
If you’re looking for an introduction to this newcomer, check out “Gusto With Ya.” Having amassed over 11 million plays on Spotify, one listen to this should be enough to send you down the DENȲ rabbit hole.
And if you’re dying for more from her, look no further than her debut album “LOVES7AGE.” Oh, and be sure to listen to “Alam Ko Na” featuring Just Hush and Third Flo’—a personal favorite from the release.
Isa lang ang gusto kong malaman / Handa ka bang sumama kahit sa’n man abutan? / Bagay na ramdam kahit walang salitaan, yeah / Kahit ‘di mo na sabihin pa, baby ay alam ko na – “Alam Ko Na”
Zack Tabudlo – DELULU
At this point, everything released by Zack Tabudlo is a sure hit. Gaining worldwide recognition due to his awe-inducing vocals, lyrics that tug at the heartstrings, and damn good songs, he recently became the “youngest solo male Filipino artist to hit 1 BILLION overall streams on Spotify.”
Continuing his juggernaut run, Tabudlo recently came out with his latest single, “DELULU”—a word everyone now seems to say that refers to the delusions borne out of unrealistic expectations that come with liking someone. Tabudlo captures its essence, painting the picture of a confused heart enthralled by a beloved whom he’s unsure of whether or not there’s something romantic between them. Not to mention, the track features his ever-familiar falsetto—it’s a staple of his at this point and we’re nowhere near close to getting sick of it.
Alam mo bang ‘di na makatulog? / Nakangiti na ‘kong mag-isa / Sinong ‘di mababaliw, ‘di ba? / Ikaw ang nasa isip, lagi na lang natutulala / Iba ang tama ko sa’yo, sinta