With one milestone after another, the past few months have been nothing short of a fun rollercoaster ride for BINI.
With a string of career-changing achievements, such as receiving the honor of being the first ever Billboard Philippines Women In Music “Rising Star” awardees, becoming the most streamed OPM female artist on Spotify for the first time, and their now 3-day first solo concert BINIVERSE this June being completely sold-out, BINI continue to prove why they’re deserving of the title of “Nation’s Girl Group”.
Undoubtedly, their meteoric rise that started last year can be credited to the success of their hit track “Pantropiko”, having already amassed more than 18 million streams on Spotify alone at the time of writing. Alongside the equally infectious pull of tracks like “Karera”, “Salamin, Salamin”, and the rest of their Talaarawan EP, the viral song has flawlessly helped land BINI into the musical rotations of countless people from across the globe.
As BINI’s ever-evolving discography continues to take them to new heights, Billboard Philippines took a look back on their growing list of releases to create a small collection of songs for a specific purpose. The result is a curation of 8 tracks from the Princesses of P-pop that we personally believe deserve to be listened to more, dare we say, need to be in your playlists as well.
Strings
“So love yourself first before this all hurts, untie all the knots, believe, and you’ll make it.”
If you’re accustomed to the bright and dreamy sound that BINI has throughout most of their songs then this one might come as a surprise. Musically, this song takes a much darker-sounding and fiercer approach compared to the rest of their discography, showcasing BINI’s versatility.
A song about courageously finding strength through self-love and in one’s vulnerability, “Strings” is also a great way for curious listeners or newer BLOOMs, the fans of the group, to be introduced to the acclaimed 8-piece. Almost literally as the closing section of the track features the members confidently introducing themselves one-by-one. Without a doubt, it’s a great way to start getting to know the rising P-pop act even better.
Golden Arrow
“In our own world, 1 AM, perfect harmony. No one else but me and my girls making our legacy.”
If you’re looking for a song that perfectly encapsulates the vibe of a fun night out in the city with your best friends, BINI has got you covered.
“Golden Arrow” is a laidback yet uplifting pop track that serves as a solemn reminder to anyone pursuing their dreams that the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s why, remember to have fun, enjoy life, throw your worries out the window every once in a while, and bring a friend or two along the way.
No Fear
“And I won’t let you take me down or change my mind. I’m looking at better days.”
By now, we can see that positive lyricism is a staple in the music of BINI. A lively EDM track, “No Fear” is one such song as it serves as a straightforward proclamation of courage and confidence.
Here, the acclaimed P-pop group reminds listeners that, even in the face of adversity, one always has the option to keep moving forward despite whatever’s thrown our way. It is a decisive showcase of resolve and fortitude against all odds, encouraging listeners to not listen to anyone who doubts them and, instead, keep going for the sake of “better days”.
Pit A Pat
“Kayang-kaya mo ‘yan, ‘wag na ‘wag aatras. ‘Di kailangan ng prince charming para maligtas”
Set against a summery musical backdrop of playful instrumentation and lyrical delivery, 2022’s “Pit a Pat” is a self-empowering track from BINI that actively rejects the damsel-in-distress trope.
It serves as a song that takes a level-headed approach on the process of falling in love with someone; presenting a point-of-view where the singer knows and values their self-worth to a high standard – thereby rightfully guarding their heart and not easily giving it away.
Ang Huling Cha Cha
“Kung ‘di mo kayang sumeryoso, tumambling ka na lang papalayo.”
Have you ever fallen in love with someone who just wasn’t on the same page as you? Yes? Then this is the right track for you.
Presenting its listeners with another point-of-view on romance courtesy of BINI, “Ang Huling Cha Cha” details the frustrating dilemma of someone falling for a person who just can’t seem (or refuses) to dance the same love-induced rhythm as they do.
Undoubtedly, the success of BINI’s first EP Talaarawan can be hugely credited to the impact of “Pantropiko”, “Salamin, Salamin”, and “Karera”. But with its playful and catchy chiptune-sounding instrumentals, “Ang Huling Cha Cha” is a song that still manages to stand out within an already stacked track list from the Nation’s Girl Group.
Da Coconut Nut
“It’s the coco fruit (it’s the coco fruit) of the coco tree (of the coco tree). It’s the coco fruit (it’s the coco fruit) of the coco palm family.”
Simple. Straightforward. Fun.
Before BINI started making waves with “Pantropiko”, another “tropical” track in their discography paved the way for the group. Almost quite literally since it’s their pre-debut single.
“Da Coconut Nut” is a boppy, synth-infused rendition of the Smokey Mountain classic written by Filipino National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. It talks about, well, coconuts. Specifically, the different uses of coconut trees and its parts. It’s a song that simply reminds us that, sometimes, you don’t need elaborate nor absolutely profound lyricism to make a great track. Sometimes, all you need is coconuts. Enough said.
8
“Laging pinanghahawakan lahat ng dinaanan at ang pangakong walo hanggang dulo.”
A heartfelt ode to their steadfast sisterhood, “8” serves as a testament to the friendship of BINI forged through fire and flames. It is a track that, retrospectively, would come to signify how far the eight girls have come, hand-in-hand, not just with each other but with their ever-loving fans as well.
As the group continues to reach new heights and audiences, “8” should be, without a doubt, an essential listening for any new BLOOMs entering into the BINIverse.
Born To Win
“Nothing can hold us back. Let’s make the moment last. What you have within won’t fade away ’cause baby we were born to win”.
Closing off this list is where it all officially began.
While “Born To Win” is by no means one of the least appreciated songs from BINI, we believe it’s only fitting to be reminded of this 2021 single every once in a while given their present day rise to the top.
The group’s debut song and the title of their first album, “Born To Win” is an inspirational track for anyone fighting for their dreams as they experience the ups and downs of doing so. It is a fitting theme song to a group already well on their way to claiming sweet victory and so much more, nearly 3 years since its release.
How about you? What songs of BINI’s do you think are still underrated? Let us know and why!