Barbie Almalbis is back with a new album.

On January 10, 2025, the OPM alternative rock icon released her highly anticipated fifth studio album Not That Girl, described as a “fresh, fearless direction in Almalbis’ ever-evolving sound, blending personal reflection with sonic innovation.” It was preceded by three singles — “Desperate Hours,” released last July 5, 2024; “Homeostasis,” released last August 23, 2024; and “Happy Sad,” released last October 4, 2024.

The album sees her tap into a multitude of personal themes surrounding “emotional healing, resilience, and the challenges of navigating mental health” — topics that the “Wicked Heart” hitmaker takes on with “raw honesty and vulnerability.”

“This album was written during one of the most difficult periods of my life, yet it has become one of my favorites,” Almalbis shares in a press statement, revealing how the album, overall, explores themes of “holding on to faith through struggles, finding hope through surrender, and celebrating the joy that comes from love and friendship.” I’ve always written from personal experience – often about heartbreak and unrequited love – but these songs are different, more about personal growth and emotional healing.”

Furthermore, Almalbis reveals that writing the songs on album “came naturally, almost out of necessity.” It became “[her] way of processing [her] thoughts and emotions, of finding a way through [her] struggles,” making use of her love for songwriting in order to offer her a place of comfort and peace. She notes that by doing so, it helped her “focus on the things that brought [her] hope,” and, which naturally came to play a major role in her own healing.

Ultimately, creating the album became Almalbis’ way of going back to her roots and “reconnecting with something deep within [her].” “In the midst of the pain, my friends encouraged me to write. And so, I did,” she revealed in an Instagram post a few weeks prior. “The songs came so naturally, almost effortlessly. I was reminded of the days when I was a teenager, overwhelmed by emotions, and the only way I could process them was to pour them into my writing.”

Musically, Not That Girl also sees Almalbis take on a “more adventurous and experimental sound” as she collaborated with renowned producer Nick Lazaro in order to bring it to life. “Working with Nick has been an incredible experience,” she shares. “He’s taken the music and my performance to a place I’d always wanted to go but didn’t know how to reach. His raw, unfiltered approach to recording is refreshing, and I’ve learned so much from him—lessons I’m now applying to our live shows as well.”

As part of the release of Not That Girl, Almalbis is set to hold a special album launch show tonight, January 10, 2025 (Friday), at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City. It will feature an “extended live set” that includes both “fan favorites,” as well as “the new tracks from Not That Girl.” The veteran singer-songwriter will be sharing the stage with Kai del Rio, bird., Twin Lobster, as well as Johnoy Danao. Walk-in tickets are priced at PHP 800 each, with doors set to open at 7:00 PM (PHT)

Meanwhile, Almalbis is also slated to head to Japan next week, where she is expected to perform the new songs live at Music Lane Festival in Okinawa on January 19, 2025. She will be one of two representatives from the Philippines for the festival and music showcase this year, alongside Vincent Eco.

Listen to Barbie Almalbis’ Not That Girl below: