7 SB19 songs that will make you fall in love with our P-Pop kings

SB19, the most successful P-Pop group today, are capping their PAGTATAG! World Tour with back-to-back concerts at the Araneta Coliseum this weekend.

Composed of Pablo, Stell, Ken, Justin, and Josh, SB19 is the group behind the 2023 viral hit “GENTO.”

They have released one album, two EPs, and several singles so far, and they continue to wow local and international fans alike with their vocals, dance moves, charisma, and ability to perform on stage.

If you are only just discovering the boys, here are some of SB19’s standout songs that are guaranteed to make you an instant fan.

1. Go Up

Before SB19’s certified viral hit “GENTO,” the boys rose to prominence with their 2019 single “Go Up.” Their dance practice for the song blew up online and catapulted them into the radar of Filipino fans.

The uplifting and upbeat single encourages the listeners to keep going up even when challenges continue to bring them down. The song beautifully showcases each member’s strengths: Stell’s high notes, Ken’s bass tone, Josh’s rapping, Pablo’s distinctive voice quality, and Justin’s sweet voice.

2. Liham

SB19 has a number of good ballads in their discography, and “Liham” is certainly one of their best. Six and a half minutes long, the song is a letter expressing their love to their special someone.

Despite the length of the song, it never gets boring as SB19 takes the listeners to an emotional journey with their signature vocals. The buildup to the climax is one of the highlights of the song as the boys expertly weave their harmonies.

3. Mapa

“Mapa” is one of SB19’s most touching songs. A tribute to parents for all their sacrifices, it utilizes creative lyrics with plays on the words “mama, “papa,” “mata,” and “paa.”

Full of emotion, “Mapa” makes a good graduation song and has made many people cry with its message of gratitude to our moms and dads.

4. Mana

SB19 can go edgy with their metaphors even as their message of positivity remains consistent in their songs. “Mana” is short for “manananggal,” a creature in Philippine folklore that can separate its upper and lower body. It is cleverly used to express the ability to remain grounded even as they reach the heights of success.

Aside from its creative lyrics, “Mana” is a real bop that will have you bobbing your head to the addicting beat. Like most of SB19 songs, it showcases the full flavors of their individual vocals.

5. I Want You

SB19 can also go seductive if they want, and that’s proven with the song “I Want You.” Reminiscent of ‘90s R&B, the song has a sultry rhythm combined with lyrics expressing desire without being too suggestive.

It also beautifully shows how all five members of the group, even the rappers, can sing well. Talk about Filipino talent!

6. Bazinga

This song starts with a bang – Stell belts high notes right out of the gate and puts every listener right on notice. For a song about banishing negativity, hate, and bashing, the beginning is a true chef’s kiss.

Josh, Pablo, and Ken then get to work on the rap parts, dropping bars after bars with aplomb. The catchy chorus is also a strong anthem to hype yourself up amid adversity.

7. Ikako

Written during the pandemic, “Ikako” is a tribute to frontliners like health workers who risked their lives to do their duties. A simple song full of hope, it tells everyone that as long as we are together and full of love, we can overcome difficult times.

The title is a play on the words “ikaw” at “ako” (you and me) and a contraction of the phrase “wika ko” (I said). The song brought comfort to many people feeling lonely and anxious during the lockdowns. —JCB, GMA Integrated News