Who doesn’t know the Filipino band Ben&Ben at this point? There’s a good possibility that you’ve heard at least one of their songs, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual listener.
It is not surprising that Filipinos have embraced this band so readily. Ben&Ben’s music rarely has any edge or angst. Most of the songs in their discography are wholesome, the kind of tunes you might listen to on a long drive, a rainy day, or any other occasion that calls for reflection.
Their unabashed romanticism and preference for love songs may be essential to their success as an OPM band.
The band has been able to capture love and desire in all of its manifestations, from a song about anticipating returning home to someone at the end of a journey (2016’s “Ride Home”) to a piece about wanting to pause a particularly tender moment with a lover (2017’s “Maybe The Night”) to a track about a love that could have been but never was (2020’s “Lifetime”). Perhaps no other band in recent memory has written so extensively about longing.
The group’s ideals, honesty, and feelings are reflected in Ben&Ben’s artwork, which they learned through an article and interview with Wonder Magazine before the publication of their sophomore album—writing what they are feeling at the time. There’s little doubt that the nine members of the group would provide a variety of lyrics and songs that may express the opinions of the magazine team.
Each member of Ben&Ben writes notes in their albums, which are like a collection of life and may be used as a journal. They described moments when they were huddled together in their home, weathering hardships and, at times, barely getting by. The band’s distinctive harmony is there in every song, but they always manage to change it.
Their song, a dreamy instrumental that bleeds, always opens the album. A genuine funky groove compels you to get up and dance while leaving all of your worries behind. The lyrics, which discuss the push and pull of a cautious lover while encouraging them to take the risk, are ambiguous but upbeat. Additionally, as they contrast the facts of life, the positive spirit is tempered with a witty jadedness. Although their respective tones may appear a little dissimilar, they work well together to transport us back to the early OPM.
This pride and artistry shine through in the record, and I’m not even exaggerating when Miguel said that their most important lesson from working with a wide variety of unique and beautiful Filipino artists is that “Our identity as Filipino music creators is so distinct, unique and beautiful to be shared.” Ben&Ben and their collaborators simultaneously produced a piece of art that reflects every state we’ve ever experienced, serving as a universal affirmation and acknowledgment of the experiences we’ve all shared when we’ve been hurt, when we’ve found a place to call home, and when we’ve finally found healing.
