Photo courtesy of Lalah Hathaway Facebook
(November 29, 2023) If you ask diehard music fans in the Philippines who has inspired artists in that country to share the wonders of O.P.M. (Original Pilipino Music), they may point to Troy Laureta. You may get the same answer from international superstars ranging from David Foster to Lalah Hathaway, who contributed to the Filipino-American producer/musician’s trilogy series focusing on OPM.
Stylistically O.P.M.’s lush arrangements are a solid marriage of musical theatre and pop/R&B balladry. The songs depict the slow development of serious friendship to serious romance as Laureta shares: “It’s for me, very Filipino. It’s a story of my life and how relationships kinda develop. You go from friends to lovers and then basically my heartbreak album.”
(November 29, 2023) If you ask diehard music fans in the Philippines who has inspired artists in that country to share the wonders of O.P.M. (Original Pilipino Music), they may point to Troy Laureta. You may get the same answer from international superstars ranging from David Foster to Lalah Hathaway, who contributed to the Filipino-American producer/musician’s trilogy series focusing on OPM.
Stylistically O.P.M.’s lush arrangements are a solid marriage of musical theatre and pop/R&B balladry. The songs depict the slow development of serious friendship to serious romance as Laureta shares: “It’s for me, very Filipino. It’s a story of my life and how relationships kinda develop. You go from friends to lovers and then basically my heartbreak album.”
The latest and last in the Laureta trilogy, Dalamhati, features a soulfully exquisite performance by SoulTracks favorite Lalah Hathaway. Laureta’s debut spotlight on First Listen, “When I Met You” (ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.), composed and recorded by OPM hitmakers Apo Hiking Society, is a love story that ends in triumph.
As always, Hathaway cuts to the core behind the song. Under Laureta’s production, the orchestrations are captivating except when strings and brass occasionally compete with Hathaway. Yet the lead and background voices (all by Hathaway) secure a hope found after meeting that special someone.
With this intensive trilogy, Laureta’s genuine investment in the OPM genre understandably draws a high caliber of talent like Hathaway and other artists who want to share these soul/pop music treasures from another corner of the world. Take a listen to “When I Met You”!
By Peggy Oliver
Troy Laureta feat. Lalah Hathaway
"When I Met You"