Music has an intangible magic that creates real impact that lingers. I’ve selected the following songs based on my personal attachment to each of them. If your favorite isn’t on the list, or you think this set isn’t inclusive enough, news flash: we aren’t the same person, and there are limits to this writing thing in case you didn’t know. Anyway, here we go:

Move Love by Cattski Espina featuring Various Artists

This song matters because it was released recently to bring assurance and hope in a time of uncertainty. Its role goes beyond being the anthem for 22 Tango Records’ major transition to becoming 22 Tango Music Group. It’s like the non-cheesy station ID we didn’t know we needed. With its message, “Let’s celebrate what makes us. Just move,” the song is uplifting without the annoying element of toxic positivity, which is a tough distinction to tread. The voices here belong to Cattski, Alice Who, Lourdes, Jericho Streegan, Vincent Eco, and Wonggoys. It truly takes a village.

Don’t Forget Tonight by The Sundown

The Sundown proves that familiarity isn’t always a bad thing. The first time I saw them perform at a restaurant in the mountains, I felt like I heard their songs before, but not really. I don’t know if that makes sense – wow I’m doing an amazing job here, aren’t I? – but in a nutshell, their music was just pure fun. Their latest single, “Don’t Forget Tonight”, is the perfect first track for your road trip playlist. It has hints of new wave, and the break from 2:25 to 2:37 reminds me of Modern English’s “Melt with You” at 2:03 of the song, which I think is a fun coincidence if it is just that. If all you can afford is 3 minutes and 54 seconds to forget your responsibilities and feel good, put this song on. 

Out of His Head by Sepia Times

I was honored when Luigi (1/2 of the band) asked me to listen to this song before its official release. I couldn’t have expected what I heard. It’s so different from the sound they’re known for. This song does not have the electronic embellishments that the rest of their repertoire has. Instead of Icy on lead vocals, we’re treated to Luigi’s rarely heard sweet and vulnerable voice. While it has the slight sadness of Death Cab for Cutie, it’s not as grim. It’s like a raw pop-punk ballad without the overt power vocals.

Ihatod Tika by Jerika Teodorico

I don’t know where you’ve been this whole time if you haven’t heard this one yet, but I just had to include it. This song makes me miss live gigs so much. When the intro starts after Jerika’s funny banter or anecdotes, everyone in the room just melts because they know what they’re about to get into. The melody flows like the songwriter’s calm acceptance of her martyrdom. She ends her verses in such a clever manner and punctuates the entire song with a profound punchline that’s simultaneously sad and funny. (The end to the last verse is especially masochistic.) She’s a lyrical genius, what else can I say?

Sad Parts by Lourdes

Hands down my favorite track off her debut album, “Sad Parts” is a glimpse into Lourdes’ deep understanding of human emotion and her gift of effortlessly conveying it through her voice and words. You could tell this special lady has gone through experiences that have equipped her to write this freakin’ well. Somebody somewhere said, “You can’t sing the blues if you haven’t lived them,” and Lourdes has definitely done that despite her youth. This jazzy tune stays true to its title, but not in a simplistic way. Lyrically and melodically, it’s quite layered, which, in turn, incites a complex emotional response from its listeners. To put it bluntly, “Ugh. The feels.”

Good by Womb

I cried when Chai Fonacier sang this live during an intimate gig in 2016 if my memory serves me right. (It also didn’t help that I could see tears glisten on her face while singing it.) Every word poured out of her like weeping confessions of self-doubt and uncertainty. The line, “I’ve been good this year,” is repeatedly sung as if to convince herself that it’s the truth, or it really is the truth and despite it, her pain is still present like a parasitic occupant. 

Mood / Swings by Honeydrop

The bass after lead vocalist Debb gently croons, “I don’t mind,” gets me every single time. The bass lines in this dynamic song are so catchy and hard to ignore. I know I said this already, but man, do I miss live gigs! And this band as well. In 3 minutes and 23 seconds, “Mood / Swings” takes you on one hell of a ride with its differing paces ranging from sexy and soothing to progressive and belligerent.

Secrets by Cattski Espina

When I told Cattski I loved this song, she cringed. She’s not particularly fond of it, but I am. She definitely has a lot more songs that are worth highlighting, but this one’s special because it was basically my introduction to her and Cebu music in general. It was part of this various artists compilation album that my dad’s band was a part of as well, which was for a beer company. The CD didn’t have an album cover and the three-letter label of the beer company – I think you know it by now – was just written on the compact disc using a marker. This song is just so nostalgic and catchy that I can still sing every word after years of not listening to it. 

Blame by Franco

This was also part of the compilation album I mentioned previously. Franco was still Frank! and I had no idea he was going to blow up as he did later on. My impressionable, young mind couldn’t forget this tune. After years of not having the pleasure of hearing it, the pure feeling of just loving this piece of music came back instantly. It has a sleepy groove that hooks you and keeps you there. The version available on Spotify is the one that’s part of Franco’s Soul Adventurer album. Here’s the early version I’m gushing about https://youtu.be/1KvbEU5king

Loser by Smooth Friction

Okay, I’m taking it way back right now with Smooth Friction, the slaphappy dudes behind the old bisrock favorite, “Solid”. This one’s more chill and shows off their blues influence with a flair of irreverence. I have memories of listening to some songs of theirs and of Enchi (!!!) in the car while driving and laughing my ass off. (Special mentions: Enchi’s “Istambay” and “Baboy”) Imagine my excitement when I revisited these old gems on Spotify. Good times. Good times.

We’ve reached the end, but the fun is just about to start when you hit play on the playlist before — unless you already did before this prompt and ruined my clincher. Neurotic self-awareness aside, I really do hope some eyes and ears on this article belong to young ones who have discovered something here that they like.

If that’s you I’m talking about, help yourself discover a wonderful world of homegrown music that’s always been awesome and continues to become more awesome. We also have so many new and current singer-songwriters that offer great music that’s catchy, morose, fun, and meaningful.

That said, keep your ears and hearts open, and welcome the healing power of music.