Side A

The popular Philippine band Side A has made a reputation as an emotive practitioner of the love song. The band also mixes it up with up-tempo songs featuring imaginative, even daring arrangements. The band has also been known to approach a love song in a somewhat adventurous manner. By Your Side contains seven songs performed by the band. These same songs are also presented without the vocals so that a listener can sing along with the music karaoke-style (karaoke is very popular in the Philippines). The opening love song, "Set You Free," contains an emotive, sensitive performance by Side A. "True Love Can Always Wait" has a bouncy backbeat highlighted by the piano and organ, and contains a searing jazz-rock guitar solo, exhibiting the band's penchant for adventurousness.

"I'll See You Through" is a warm, tender song, while "Open Your Eyes" once again displays the band's musical curiosity and contains piano work reminiscent of Elton John, as well as gospel-styled flourishes heard on organ and a soulful backing chorus. If middle-of-the-road music ever becomes more popular worldwide, Side A just might have a chance at international recognition. ~ David Gonzales, All Music Guide