James Reid has just released a new single in the Filipino language, titled “Sandal.”
The track serves as a much-welcome return to his mellow, pop-leaning roots, with the track’s stripped-down nature and focus on acoustic elements that highlight his silky smooth vocals. The result is a song that perfectly recaptures what made his earlier records so special, yet still manages to integrate the novel aspects of his later discography.
Describing “Sandal,” Reid acknowledges that the track is something that fans have been looking forward to for quite some time. “I just wanted to reconnect with my roots in music, blending my past music with my new sound and writing style,” the award-winning singer-songwriter admits. “It’s also been a longtime request from my fans. Most of the songs in my new EP are written in Filipino.”
“Sandali” was co-written by Reid and PLAYERTWO‘s Luke April — with the duo wanting to create a song that carries a comforting nature to anyone who listens to it. As mentioned in the track’s official press statement, the former points out; “The idea is that love is strength and vulnerability, and that I will be your sanctuary.”
This marks the latest single from the “Randomantic” hitmaker, following the release of his vulnerable lead single “Hurt Me Too,” which dropped earlier this May 2024. Both tracks serve as the first few glimpses of his upcoming (and still-unnamed) extended play, which is expected to be released later this year.
On this week’s Billboard Philippines charts (dated August 31, 2024), his 2015 single “Randomantic” continues to climb further up both local charts, reaching a new peak at No. 14 on the Hot 100 and breaking into the Top 10 of the Top Philippine Songs at No. 9. As the track continues to ascend the rankings, we won’t be surprised to see “Sandal” make its way to either chart in the next few weeks.
As we await his highly-anticipated EP, listen to James Reid’s new single “Sandal” below: