femalenetwork.com

For those who waited a year, Rico Blanco's new album "Your Universe" is definitely worth it. It's a defining mark in the 35-year-old musician's career, and a reminder that he has the freedom to experiment and collaborate with others without compromising sound.

Through the ten tracks of "Your Universe," we can confirm that Rico's personal passions are gracefully translated into songs distinctly and undeniably his, even as he collaborates with some of the industry’s best musicians for this album.

The journey to Rico's new freedom begins with "Say Forever," where he shows his adventurous side as he experiments with New Wave/Brit pop sound. Rico reportedly says he considers this the ideal beginning for an album, which he considers a journey for both the artist and his listeners. This track also features bass work by Buddy Zabala of Eraserheads and the Dawn, and an excellent sax solo from Archie Lacorte of Bembol Rockers.

Nothing defines this musician’s passion more, perhaps, than the album's first single, "Yugto," with its fierce lyrics (Sa gitna ng kaguluhan may kumukulong bulkan/ 'Di mapigil ang yabang at sakdal na kasakiman/ Susubukang angkinin ang lahat ng hindi kanya/ Kung kaya kang paikutin tiyak paiikutin ka), hair-raising choir bridge, and intense melody. But Rico shows his trademark tugging at heartstrings with "Your Universe," a tender ode to love that features former bandmate Nathan Azarcon (Rivermaya, Bamboo) on bass and Wendell Garcia (Barbie's Cradle, Pupil) on drums.

Rico sustains this romantic mood with "Start Again," a wistful ballad where the persona asks for a second chance at love, and "Helpless," which celebrates little things that make love addictive.

Despite the intensity of his songs, Rico still knows how to have fun with lighthearted tracks like "Ayuz," with lyrics like "At sa mali mo'y may liquid paper/ Sa lovelife mong panis, ctrl-alt-delete," or the quirky "Antukin."

With its electronic lull, hypnotic beats, and soothing lyrics, "Metropolis," the last track, provides a calming conclusion to "Your Universe," but not without haunting you even after it ends. Likewise, Rico reportedly considers this the ideal last track for this album, which he recommends you listen to from start to end.

To say that "Your Universe" is an aural treat is an understatement. It's a journey worth experiencing as it echoes the catharsis, passion, and experimentation of an artist whose musical genius never failed us so far.

"Your Universe" is now available in record stores nationwide for P290.