UNIQUE’S NEW ALBUM, PANGALAN, IS OUT NOW

Words by Nic Angeles | Photo by Dan Baraquiel

 

Unique Salonga has finally put out his new album. Released at midnight on March 27, 2020, Pangalan is the highly anticipated follow-up to his debut album Grandma (2018) and is also out through OC Records.

In the days leading up to the release, excitement built up among fans as Unique unveiled the album’s track list:

 

 

Featuring the previously released tracks “Bukod-Tangi”—which came out earlier this year with a 360-degree video—and “Lamang Lupa,” Unique’s sophomore album depicts a young artist grappling with his quick rise to popularity.

Unique’s debut solo album, Grandma, was met with high acclaim especially all over the local music community, and fans have had their ears to the ground in anticipation for what’s next for the promising artist. Speaking with PULP Magazine for the cover story of Issue No. 202 last year, the OC Records artist opened up on what it was like to find himself in the limelight at a young age, with so many watchful eyes, and whether he felt an urgent need to adapt: “Medyo nakaka-pressure nga eh. Kasi parang mas kilala nila ‘yung sarili ko kaysa sa’kin. Kailangan at kailangan pa rin naming mag-adapt,” says Unique in an e-mail interview. “Kasama na ‘yon sa pagbibigay ng respeto tsaka sa pag-alala mo sa ibang tao. Pero ‘wag lang darating sa point na kinakawawa mo na ‘yung sarili mo para lang masabi na kabilang ka.

On what he has learned from his first album, and perhaps something fans can appreciate in Pangalan, Unique points to his songwriting process. “Tuwing pinakikinggan ko kasi yung Grandma, parang pinaaalalahanan ako na ‘wag mong bigyan ng limitasyon ‘yung sarili mo kapag may gusto kang sabihin,” reflects the singer-songwriter.

Fame—perhaps there’s more to it than meets the eye. Pangalan is out now. Stream it below:

 

 

PULP Magazine Issue No. 202, with Unique Salonga on the Cover, is still available on www.pulp.ph. Order online and get it shipped for free.