A ‘swabe’ update on Filipino hits

Is the cover version poised to make a comeback? It is if we take into account the success of You’ll be in my Heart by NIKI. The Indonesian pop star released a cover of the song written by Phil Collins for the Disney animated feature film “Tarzan.” It was sung by the foster mother chimp Kala to the baby Tarzan, and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Aside from the movie and stage versions, plus the Phil Collins original, You’ll be in my Heart has also been covered by other artists like Michael Crawford and Usher. NIKI’s is the latest, and to the surprise of many, that is because cover versions are not considered hip or saleable these days, it became a huge hit.

So are cover versions or new recordings of old songs on the way back? Remember, covers were huge about 20 years ago when every big star recorded their favorites and had big hits. The trend died with the rise of the singer/songwriter who popularized their new originals. But thanks to NIKI, the trend is expected to be back again.

And Mahal Kita Walang Iba, composed and first recorded by Ogie Alcasid, is performed anew by Shane Dandan.

If that is the case, then the album “Swabe” is on the right track. “Swabe,” sometimes spelled “suabe,” originates from the word “suave.” It means charming, polite and smooth. It comes with a caveat, though, potentially with a hint of insincerity. Not in this case, I say that insincerity has no place in the sounds found in “Swabe.” This album is all about music that is smooth, charming and very easy on the ears. And best of all, all Filipino. Check the line-up.

A Little Bit, an M.Y.M.P. original, composed by Raymund Santes, is now covered by Earl Agustin.

Pagdating ng Panahon, performed by Amiel Sol, composed by Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo, originally recorded by Ice Seguerra. A Little Bit, an M.Y.M.P. original, composed by Raymund Santes, now covered by Earl Agustin. Love of my Life, composed by Jay Durias and an early hit for the band South Border, now performed by Janine Tenoso.

Antukin, written by Rico Blanco for Rivermaya, is sung for “Swabe” by Rhodessa.

Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, written by the brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia, the very first hit song by Manila Sound pioneers Hotdog, now covered by Rob Deniel. Antukin written by Rico Blanco for Rivermaya, sung for “Swabe” by Rhodessa. And Mahal Kita Walang Iba, composed and first recorded by Ogie Alcasid, performed anew by Shane Dandan.

Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, the very first hit song by Manila Sound pioneers Hotdog, is now covered by Rob Deniel.

In “Swabe,” six popular Filipino songs from the past are covered by today’s popular singers and made new and swabe. A most refreshing package in the midst of this summer’s heat. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have more of these. Take note, the best way for a song to stay alive and new to every generation is to have cover versions. I would certainly enjoy hearing new takes on Pinoy favorites.

Love of my Life, composed by Jay Durias of South Border, is now performed by Janine Tenoso.

Meanwhile, Multo by Cup of Joe remains at No. 1 in both the Billboard and Spotify charts. It is also at a comfortable 76 in Spotify Global in between Sports Car by Tate McCrae and 7 by Jung Kook and Latto. And now, the Spotify daily chart as of this writing:

Multo by Cup of Joe; Saksi ang Langit by December Avenue; You’ll be in my Heart by NIKI; Back to Friends by sombr; Your Universe by Rico Blanco; Tingin by Cup of Joe and Janine Tenoso; Kalimutan Ka by Skusta Clee; Tibok by Earl Agustin; Naiilang by Le John; Isa Lang by Arthur Nery; My Day by HELLMERRY; Sa Bawat Sandali by Amiel Sol; Marilag by Dionela; Manchild by Sabrina Carpenter.

Gabriela by KATSEYE; The Man Who Can’t be Moved by The Script; Misteryoso, also by Cup of Joe; Golden by HUNTR/X; Tadhana by Up Dharma Down; Dalangin by Earl Agustin; Soda Pop by Saja Boys; Bulong by December Avenue; Sining by Dionela and Jay R; Kahel na Langit by Maki; and Waltz of Four Left Feet by shirebound.