In the world of music, only some artists have the ability to connect and touch the hearts and souls of each of their listeners through their artistry. Melissa Corpus is one of them. Fans of OPM have a new artist to connect with, this inspirational singer made her awe-inspiring debut album “Serye“, a nine-track Tagalog feature that explores themes of love, stages of heartbreak, and moving on, as well as overcoming the challenges that life has which were released this 15th of December 2023.
True to the meaning of the word “Serye”, this album is a collection of stories — series of chapters that were written to tell us beautifully crafted narratives about life and its imperfections. Each track is like an episode within a larger plot that reflects different moments that shape our lives.
Corpus has a unique approach that displays her style as a musician. Her music is a blend of expressive and carefully written lyrics, melodies that are very sentimental to listen to, and a voice quality that can induce nostalgia, and a whole lot of emotions. Her heartfelt singing assures connection on each listen, hence her current standing on the OPM scene.
The album started strong with the track, “Ansabe“. It is an acoustic track that is a very light listen. It brings in good vibes and I personally tag this as a feel-good music. Her voice is rich and very clear making it easier for the listeners to connect with the story that she tells through her music. This track is VERY relatable. I’m not kidding when I say this track is my 1000th-liked song on my Spotify account (I have receipts).
Going back to my narrative, Ansabe tackles a relatable issue for all single female Filipinas, answering the awkward question, “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?”. I was honestly laughing the whole time I was listening to this track, but there’s more. The feeling of uncertainty that maybe you’re already being left behind since everyone around you is already getting married and you’re still JUST there, praying for someone that they’re the one for you? That sure is a homerun. No wonder, this track is nominated for Record of the Year in Indie Music Musicians Award 2024 because DASURB!
“Tahanan” and “Ikaw ang Pinili” are tracks you can use while walking down the aisle. It tells two different stories of love: Tahanan leans on the more dramatic side – it is heartfelt. It is a song about meeting someone and the fate they had. It is a story of how someone can lighten each other’s burden by just being there with them. They’re each other’s happiness, rest, and home. On the other hand, Ikaw ang Pinili runs more on the fun and feel-good side. This song oozes happiness throughout the whole listening journey. It tells a story about falling in love and the whole story of it, of how God has chosen a person for her. It is the type of track that I would describe as something that can be used as an OST for a Filipino Dubbed KDRAMA love story.
Next is the track, “Huling Tagpo” – a breakup song. This song highlights the carefully chosen words in this track. This also showcases the ability of Corpus’s sadness through her singing. This only proves her prowess as a singer. This whole track goes through a person’s journey through a relationship split and how they navigate through it. This whole listen is indeed an experience.
One of the things that are common throughout this album is its “relatability”. “Paumanhin” is a track that yet again offers familiarity. Have you become a backburner? Ghosted? Yes? I mean, aren’t we all? This song can be your anthem. Spoilers: It contains painful themes of being “ghosted”, “pinakilig pero ‘di jinowa”, and “you promised, but you lied”. Listen at your own risk. The whole track is packed with clever and relatable lyricism, kudos to the artist. But not only that, it also talks about moving forward which was my favorite part of this whole track. This makes it a track about letting go and moving forward. Acceptance is the key. sighs
Now, of all the songs in this album, “Kapit lang” has become my personal favorite (Ansabeh comes close on second, and Paumanhin, in third). This tackles the reality of hardships that we face in our lives. This is a type of track that feels like a warm blanket on our days when we are full of sadness and uncertainties. It is a reminder to hold on, that there’s always help. That you are allowed to feel sad, and you can still go on with life. Also in this album are the tracks, “Senyales”, “Kamusta Ka sa Langit”, and a bonus track “Munting Hiling” featuring the good vocals of Arjie King.
This album is a gem – it is worthy to be known by a lot of people. It has great storytelling through its carefully and beautifully chosen words, it has great production, and Melissa Corpus is a great singer. No wonder, she was nominated as Female Artist of the Year for the Indie Musicians Music Awards.
So, check out Melissa Corpus, a rising OPM artist who is creating waves on the OPM scene. Check out “Serye” and show your support for this artist by listening, sharing, and liking her music on Spotify. Don’t forget to follow her socials for more updates on her music! Ciao!
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About the Author
Tine Quirino, also known as Kristine, is a writer (frustrated one), a dreamer (serial sleeper), an INFJ (also INTP/J), a (professional) fangirl, and a good listener (‘literally and figuratively,’ she states).
She is just here, lurking somewhere, enjoying all your music. Music of any kind is still music, after all.
Thanks for the feature! ♥
Thank you for your music, Miss! Very inspiring. Enjoyed it so much. <3