Not every popular band vocalist who goes solo can score a major hit song of his own. But some distinctive voices have a charm that fans can cling on to, as everyone waits for that one big song to elevate him deservingly out of the shadows of his glorious past.
Music industry insiders are anticipating that Joey G’s new single “Letting You Go” is bound to be a breakthrough for the former Side A lead singer. The song has the balladry, and the kind of melody and lyrics that helped the singer establish himself as among the most admired recording and live acts in the annals of Philippine music.
“Letting You Go” is accessible in digital stores beginning Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, which is a red-letter occasion for lovers and lonely hearts who have generally loved Joey G’s hit songs with Side A and his onstage act through the years. The song’s composer Ian Tan ensured that Joey G.’s new tune has pulled heartstrings in ways he is known for delivering.
After recently signing with Icons Music, a division of fast-rising Widescope Entertainment, Joey G wasted no time and recorded his first single under the label. Ian Tan also handled record producing, arranging, and engineering duties, with some valuable help from veterans Dante Tanedo (mixing and mastering), Arnie Mendaros (vocal back-up), and Bobby Velasco (keyboard). Vocal recording was laid down at GIG music studio.
“So now I’m letting you go/ But in my heart you’ll forever stay,” expressed the song’s chorus, “Though you will never know/ The love I have for you I could never show/ Because we’re not meant to be.”
Then the dagger words: “So even if it hurts/ I should let you go.”
Joey G’s first big move as the world recovers from a pandemic is backed by individuals who took a big leap at the height of a global health crisis by establishing a music label catering to both the excitingly new and the iconic. Needless to say he is in good hands under the guidance of Widescope president Vic de Vera, and music and entertainment director Neil Gregorio, along with the support of his manager-wife Girlie Generoso.
Joey G’s new label knows the worth of a Joey G. and believes in the depth of his talent and charisma. To truthfully say that in another way, the voice behind Side A classics “Forevermore,” “Set You Free,” “So Many Questions,” and “Hold On” has some more in his tank. Few in the biz has excelled in singing covers like he does with Joey Albert’s “Tell Me” and Labuyo’s “Ikaw Pa Rin.” His voice always owns a song as if he’s behind the original. What more if it’s a new track in search of identity.
A lot has changed since Joey G. decided to part ways with the group that gave him his first taste of fame, and several hit songs primarily associated with his voice. With all due respect to Side A, the group has remained strong despite of his departure. Yet, in the context of the title of Joey G’s new single, it’s not easy for his fans to let him go and fade into the night.
“Strange may it seem, but baby it’s true/From the start I was already loving you,” said a couplet in “Letting You Go.”
Joey G and his fans can surely relate with that, while the new music to be dropped in the digital realm is set to do its job of revitalizing a beloved man’s storied career.