Side A

In 1997, Philippine group Side A released Year 12. Side A is one of the Philippines' most popular and best-selling show bands, and the album title reflects the number of years the band has been together. The band is comprised of five male members who sing and play instruments. On Year 12, the group plays substantive middle-of-the-road music, some of which is soulful and even adventurous. On "Don't Get Me Started," written by Western composers, for example, Side A performs a catchy, soulful tune that flows effortlessly from a hypnotic groove. "Wala Nang Ba" (No Other), composed by Side A member Ernie Severino, is a bouncy, rock-styled song, replete with hard-edged guitar chords and solos. The ballad "Forever Starts Today," composed by Robert Palmer, is another standout, as is the passionate "Always There." Although only one of the album's ten songs isn't a ballad, the songs do not get boring, as far as middle-of-the-road music is concerned. Side A's singing is also impressive. ~ David Gonzales, All Music Guide