Tayo Nalang Dalawa Album Review

For me a traditionally good album is one that has songs that can make you feel different emotions - from happy and dancing to one song to a bit sentimental and reflective to the next. Another criteria of a good album (for me at least) is when the artists bring in other techniques, uses other instruments and features other artists and all of this is in Mayonnaise's Tayo Nalang Dalawa album.

With 10 diverse tracks, Tayo Nalang Dalawa (or TNLD) is my favorite album of 2014. I know that this review is super late already, especially considering that we go to Mayonnaise gigs (Yellow Room Nights and Mismo Prosuction events whenever we can) I say whenever we can because of our unconventional and ugly schedules (night shift and working on weekends). 

Even before the album was released we already got to hear a few of the songs from the album. When we first heard "Parang" and "Tayo Nalang Dalawa" being performed in live gigs we were immediately hung up on the songs, they were up-beat and catchy and the memorable and playful lyrics will make sure of your LSS. 

Speaking of lyrics- let's talk about that for a while. I have heard some songwriters say that it's hard to write in Tagalog since it comes out as "too cheesy" or too dramatic. This is not the case though for Mayonnaise front man Monty Macalino who also pens the lyrics in their songs, his use of the vernacular in the lyrics have made the songs current, relatable and memorable to the listeners. Even without the use of fancy words, their well known colloquial charm has endeared them to fans ever since their break through in the OPM Scene after winning the Red Horse Muziklaban in 2004 (more than 10 years ago!). 

Allow me to take a different course in this album review as I will also be writing about the music videos that came with each single as well as some elements in the songs which I think are worth noting. 

PARAAN 

Shot in Los Angeles, California it features the beautiful Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I admire the effort that was put into giving the music video a new flare by shooting it in a different country. 

The music video is beautiful as well as the song which resounds with a powerful and poignant message of making an effort and going the extra mile. 

The chorus goes: 

Sana malaman ng a raw at ng buwan

Gagawin ko lagi ng Paraan

Gagawan ko lagi ng Paraan 

Veering away from the usual band format, "Paraan" uses various string instruments like violin and cello to give that orchestra feel which in turn gives that extra tug at the heart strings. You can also hear the violin and cello in "Porta" and "Susan". 

PORTA 

Another video shot in Los Angeles this one features cute lip synching from America's Next Top Model alum Hannah Jones. A song that can get you jumping and dancing to it's up-beat catchy melody and positive vibes. 

AYAW MO NA SAKIN 

The song features Danita Paner and Madeline Ramboyong of Paraluman, the video is from our friends from The His And Her Project. This is what I was saying when I wrote about a good album (ideally not the first album) to feature other artists as well, this is to give that extra spice and also offer diversity to the listeners and "Ayaw Mo Na Sakin" is a great dancy song that will get you shaking your shoulders and dancing to your own groove.

DEAR CLASSMATE 

Another video from our friends from The His And Her Project "Dear Classmate" is a nice chill song with a message I myself want to share to our dear students out there, especially the mag-aral ka muna part. :P 

The video features a cute story of unrequited love that has a twist in the end :P The Music Video also features a lot of familiar faces such as Em Tolentino of Circa, Joyce Pring of Group Hug as well as the lovely people at The Yellow Room Music School Yup! A great music school for all your music needs :) Click on the link to find out more ^_^ 

PAG WALA KA 

I didn't even realize that I loved this song until I saw the video which I loved equally as well. A fun song that just makes you want to shout: Masaya Ako Kapag Wala Ka !!! 

The song is really infectious and will have you banging a beat in your imaginary drum and singing from the top of your lungs. The video itself is super hilarious with cheesy boy band dance moves, lots of pushing and shoving and the cutest cat fight I have ever seen. In a nutshell it shows what happens when you're the only girl in the band and another chick comes along.

Definitely an album to have, Tayo Nalang Dalawa is not just for Mayonnaise fans but for fans of OPM and those who can appreciate good music. The tracks are diverse enough that it doesn't feel that you are listening to the same songs all throughout. My favorite album of 2014 you are definitely loosing out if you don't have it in your collection.

Speaking of 2014 - Mayonnaise also came out with an EP Mayonnaise 2014 during the last quarter of the year. EP Review on that on the blog soon! :)