Your Universe: Mr. Blanco Goes Solo
 Rico opens his first music box as a soloist with the song “Say Forever”, which stands out among all the tracks in the package with its ultrasonic mood created by the 80’s sounding drumbeat, a very groovy bass-line courtesy of former Ehead Buddy Zabala, and easy guitar riffs with complex sound waves produced by synthesizers (which are almost always present in all the songs) resounding much like the New Wave version of “Melt with You”, of course, minus the relaxing saxophone solo. The lyrics are as sweet, though. The accent Rico uses in the song, actually in all the songs in English, especially in “Your Universe”, which is the title track, is obviously suggesting the influence behind the music – British pop. It’s as though he has adapted the musical aspect of the genre in terms of its singers’ manner of word articulation, short but striking lyrics, and fine frenzy mood of good summer afternoon music. This style adds distinction to his current career from his performance in Rivermaya way back. To add to this is the uncomplicated and smooth-flowing use of bilingualism in most of the songs in Filipino in the tracks “Ayuz” that goes ‘Sa love life mong panis Control + Alt + Delete… lahat ng hassle ay mawawala’; “Para hindi ka mawala”, ‘…’pag diniscuss ko pa mawi-weird-an ka lang, ‘pag nag-emote ako lalo kang tatabang.’; “Antukin”, ‘…tadhana’y medyo over-rated kung minsan… nothing will ever break us, wala talaga, as in wala.’ While many artists have also been using this kind of style in song and poetry writing, many still claim that Rico is the best song writer in English-Filipino. One even said, “Parang ‘di mauubusan ng bala si Rico.” The truth is that he has more options in wordplay, knowing that he uses both the English and the Filipino languages. No wonder the songs have a different flavor even if they are as common as fishballs on the street side. Nevertheless, this romantic hasn’t failed in presenting charming lines in our second language. For instance in the song “Helpless” that speaks of how this particular person makes him “addicted to [her] tender kisses” and how “it’s keeping [him] up all night”. “Your Universe”, as the heart of the album, tenderly speaks of how lucky he is to be encapsulated in her universe, as opposed to what the object of his affection implies. Truly, the crafty simplicity of the lines and melody will keep you singing out loud in shower rooms - more like an LSS (last song syndrome). And to close the set is a surreal song “Metropolis” that exhorts you to take a nap on Friday siesta with its dreamlike synthesizer tone as if it’s Rico’s aim in releasing the album. And we cannot help but ponder on the carrier single “Yugto” about its downright meaning. We might associate the lyrics of the song with RB’s relationship with the current Rivermaya members. Rico has been silent about it, though. A line from the song says, “…sa gitna ng kadiliman may ahas na hahalik, tatawagin mong kaibigan na pinakamatalik, pupulupot sa leeg mo’t sisipsip ng iyong dugo, ipapako ka sa krus kapag ikaw ay natuyo…” This line in the track suggests the idea, or might prove the story behind. Collectively, the good thing about this ‘collection of pick-up lines’ is that despite being ‘mushy’, they don’t extend to aspirational baby-making music and scratchy emo wordplay. And by the way, though the album was released in August 2008, it sure is just in time to give sweethearts and suitehearts even an anthem to sing on cheesy February days. Or if you’re single as hell, or you just broke up with your girl/boyfriend, you could just listen to them while lazying on Sunday afternoons particularly the very despondent “Start Again”, the 5th track which is very apologetic and easy you couldn’t help but play it on repeat. But, the approach is completely different; believe me, as compared to emo songs parading the same emotions over again. Look now, just when we all thought Urbandub, Sandwich, and Pupil, to name the innovative some, have already come up with the best of Pinoy music comes Rico Blanco with his universe to offer. (John Kelvin Briones) Possibly Related Posts:
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