The Podium - Sugarfree Songs

"Bakit ngayon, malamig ka bigla?"

Welcome to the first edition of the returning, "The Podium"! In this edition, we would be listing my top Sugarfree songs. Let's begin, shall we?

But first, a bit of introduction! Sugarfree is a local pop alternative band formed back in 1999. It had Ebe Dancel on vocals and guitars, Jal Taguibao on bass and back-up vocals (and PolSci prof :D), and Mitch Singson on drums.  In 2006, Mitch left the band and Kaka Quisumbing replaced him. 

   

Sugarfree had four studio albums. Sa Wakas in 2003, Dramachine in 2004, Tala-arawan in 2006, and Mornings & Airports in 2009.

Without further ado, the list starts after the jump! (And let me warn you, this is going to be a long entry.)

10.) Fade Away 

 Fade Away is from their 2003 album, Sa Wakas (which I consider to be one of the best OPM albums bar none, so don't be surprised to see a lot of tracks from that album in this list.) The slow melody of the song gives a calming feel to it, then after the first chorus, it picks up a bit but still giving that sad vibe. It's one of those songs that if sang in a concert, everyone would sing along with it with their arms swaying in the sky. This song is (relatively) one of the less known songs of the band, being it came from the very first album, and is often overshadowed by the other better known hits. Nonetheless, it is a good song. By the way, the video above has Kaka on guitars, and Mitch on drums.

Favorite Line: "When we move to the left, then we move to the right, forward and then backward 'til the moment's gone..we all fade away."

9.) Hari Ng Sablay

Coming from their 2004 album, Dramachine, Hari ng Sablay is arguebly the song that made Sugarfree into a household name. Not to mention that it inspired a movie. Having a fun music video also helps. One of the more upbeat Sugarfree songs, but it still tells a story that, I assume, a good part of the crowd can relate to. Heck, I can say that this song fits my early life like a glove, kinda anyway. It also is an inspiring song in a way, specially if you watch it together with the video, as the clumsy boy strives to become better, and actually does. Also, it has that unintended (I guess) second meaning, wherein, it could apply to the life of Iskos and Iskas, specially the freshies, and their journeys to become a Hari ng Sablay (Sablay being a symbolic 'sash' awarded to graduating UP students). The UP Pep Squad used this song to that effect during their 2009 UP Centennial routine.

Favorite Line: "Ang puso kong kawawa, may pag-asa pa ba?"

8.) Kwarto

Probably one of the saddest Sugarfree songs, Kwarto, coming from their sophomore album, talks about a love life that is no more. The music video is tailor made for the song, and this really should go down as a Sugarfree classic. I dare you to watch and listen to this song while you have a broken heart, and I'll be surprised if you don't even get moved the slightest. But, as a constant in most Sugarfree songs, this one ends with a sign of hope, a rope to hold on, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

Favorite Line: "Lumabas ako ng kwarto't, nandun siya..."

7.) Telepono

Coming once more from their debut album, Telepono is Sugarfree's first ever single released. In a world where communication is made easy by telephones (and eventually cellphones), Telepono couldn't be any more perfect. We all had that moment where we could talk to that special someone over the phone about all things, only to be speechless when talking personally. That moment when we just look at the phone, waiting for it to ring or for a text message to arrive, hoping that it is that person on the other end. But much more than that, Telepono talks about relationships that are fine at one time (When they are "talking over the phone", literally and figuratively) and are not okay at another (When they are not "talking"). Telepono also shows off Sir Jal's greatness at the back-up vocals. The video plays the first version of the song, before the album was even released.

Favorite Line: "Tuwing gabi, pagnagriring ang telepono, ikaw ang naiisip ko."

6.) Unang Araw

Yet another song from Sa Wakas, Unang Araw is a song about the first day of losing someone dear. It really is just a simple song, yet it's simplicity is what adds to its appeal. Search for its lyrics and you'll see just how "short" the song is. Try to search for the version that is from their Sugarfree Live! album, where the band tries to infuse more upbeat energy to the song, only to revert back to its original cold flow. A song that just shows Ebe's great composing skills (not that I know a lot about composing, I just feel that this is one of Ebe's better written songs). The video above shows Sugarfree performing Unang Araw during the Paalam Pilipinas Farewell concert last March 2011 in Eastwood City. I should know, I was there. 

Favorite Line: "Huwag mo akong sisihin, kung minsan ika'y hanapin..Ito ang unang araw na wala ka na."

5.) Sinta

Sinta is the first single from Dramachine, and if most of the songs in this list talks about heartbreaks, break ups, and struggles in life, Sinta talks about, well not exactly the joy, but the (what's the right word...) awesomeness (that would do) of having that certain someone, that sinisinta. Certainly a song that would be fun to listen while thinking of your special someone (SS from this point on). Heck, I'll even pull an Ebe and sing to her at her door if the opportunity comes (watch the video for reference). For what it is worth, this is a song that shows that men, despite the often narrative of them not caring that much for their SS, actually DO care, and will not be able to live without them. As Sugarfree puts it, "Paano na lang ako kung wala ka?"

Favorite Line: "Ako'y, isang, malungkot na bata.. Paano kung ligaya ko'y bigla na lang mawala?"

4.) Prom

Prom from (ha-ha! Tongue twister!) Dramachine is one of those rare songs that appeal to both the mainstream fans and the hardcore fans (at least I see it that way). Prom is to Sugarfree as Alapaap is to the Eraserheads, in the sense that this is the song that they usually perform to open up a performance; me thinks it is because of the "Ito na ang gabing di malilimutan" line. Yet another classic Sugarfree song, as it has that "kurot sa puso" feel. It won't necessarily bring you to tears, but their is the feeling that somehow, the song speaks to you, and that it is exactly applicable to a moment in your life. Am I right or am I right?

Favorite Line: "Nanginginig na mga kamay, pusong di mapalagay. Pwede ba kitang tabihan? Kahit na may iba ka ng kasama."

3.) 'Wag Ka Nang Umiyak

The lone entry that comes from neither Sa Wakas or Dramachine lands on the 3rd spot. Wag Ka Nang Umiyak, from Tala-arawan, would be for me, the closest Sugarfree song that is more tear jerky than the usual 'kurot', and you guys know what? Sugarfree is also good at those kinds of songs. This is just a song that you would want to sing to that SS in pain, and it is at those times that the pain is doubled as it is harder to see someone hurting. Just a masterful song. The music video to accompany this song is just as good. Wag Ka Nang Umiyak may not play in my player as much as the other songs in this list, but it definitely is in the "Don't skip when it starts playing" list. And there aren't a lot of songs in said list.

Favorite Line: "..kung pakiramdam mo'y wala ka nang kakampi, isipin mo ako dahil puso't isip ko'y nasa yong tabi."

2.) Mariposa

Ohh, that ever familiar and awesome guitar intro. Really, if you are playing the guitar or just starting to learn playing one, it is a MUST to try that intro. Anyway, Mariposa is from the band's first album, and could be considered as its first big hit. If I were to make another Eraserheads analogy, Mariposa is their Pare Ko, not the most known/popular hit (Ang Huling el Bimbo), not even the popular second answer to best/favorite song (With A Smile), but it is nonetheless a great great song. Think of it as the middle child in a family. Under appreciated, under recognized, under rated in a sense. Mariposa is about the guilty pleasure of thinking of being with someone while being alone all the time. Yet another song from Sugarfree that pinches the heart at just the right part.

Favorite Line: "Nagsising, matatapos ang gabing alam naman nating meron ng taning. Nagsising, gigising sa katotohanang di ka naman talaga akin."

1.) Burnout

Yes, I know, what a surprised eh? Can't I go with a less expected song at the top spot? No, I can't. Burnout from Sa Wakas is Sugarfree's El Bimbo, as simply as that. It would, and for me should, be the song that would be synonymous to the band. If Mariposa had that familiar opening guitar part, Burnout has those powerful lyrics ("Wag kang tumingin, ng ganyan, sa akin.) In true Sugarfree fashion, it has that kurot feeling, enough to just let the tears form, but not trickle down. It gives some sort of twist at the end, which could be interpreted on how you want to hear it. Was he actually better, or is he actually in even more agony? That's the beauty of it. It could adopt whatever you are going through, making it seem like the song was made just for YOU.

Favorite Lines: "Kung iisipin mo, di naman dati ganito. Teka muna, teka lang, kailan tayo nailang?"

"Oh kay tagal din kitang, mamahalin."

Just missed the cut: Hintay, Tulog na, Mundong Malungkot, Fade Away, Tummy Ache, Los Banos.

Oh Sugarfree, bakit kinailangan nyong lumisan?