Full of Truths, Josue's Alas Dos is a Journal Set to Music

Alas Dos, to me, feels like certain pages of Josue's journal set to music. Isn't it a special privilege to look inside the mind of a gifted musician? The background music isn't just a plain accompaniment but actively drives the messages and emotions of each song forward with its varying beats and feels. The sequence arrangement of the songs in the album doesn't seem to be done 'just because.' There appears to be a specific reason for the way the songs progress: from "Mithi" (Wish or Ambition) to "Babala" (Warning), "Bulalakaw" (Shooting Star), "Takot" (Fear), "Pasensya" (Apologies), to the final, title track "Alas Dos" (2 o'clock). It's not just in the level of the songs' audio intensity in the album. Is there a thread running through the album? If I'm wrong, it's a fun theory anyway.

It's 1:30AM, The Wishing Hour.

"Mithi" starts off quietly, a slow awareness of Josue's thoughts in the early hours of the morning. As he questions his decision to set aside his dreams - for what? why? - his convictions to bring them to life again grow louder and stronger. They're so powerful that the music's background whispers become so clear he swears he hears them outside his door. Is this the beginning of a change for Josue?

Change Never Comes Easy

His path doesn't need to be dictated by wishing on a star or waiting.

"Babala"'s starting notes have an almost drama OST feel. It seems appropriate to the darker words that fill the song. Josue appears to be listening to his doubts, the words and thoughts moving faster and faster until he becomes overwhelmed and tells them all to go away.

There's a large part of the drama in "Babala", but who's it from? Himself? Doubters? Who's he telling to get out of his corner?

Next, "Bulalakaw" is Josue's first release from Alas Dos and his first music video. It's also, more importantly, a promise to himself to take the risk on his dreams and work for his success. His path doesn't need to be dictated by wishing on a star or waiting. He has the means to make his own way because his greatest obstacle is only himself.

The subtle notes of a music box provide the unexpected background to Josue's aggressive rap. The contrast works well to enhance the lyrics' message: sometimes, the most minor decisions make the push towards the most significant moves.

But What Am I Afraid Of?

Can he take the pressure?

The downshift starts with “Takot,” a plaintive cry of "why can't I?" Josue is beginning to have doubts. He can motivate his friends but can't seem to get himself any further. The doubts come in again; maybe he needs to give up and go back to his life before. Can he take the pressure?

I'm Sorry, I Just Want a Change

Zen. Meditative. Peaceful. These are just a few words that pass through my head while listening to “Pasensya,” Apology. The lyrics speak of something different.

Josue seems to be apologizing for many things, some of which he didn't cause or do but still feels blamed for. It may not be his intention in the song, but we feel that he is getting pushed down. Someone doesn't want him to change and keeps bringing up his past failures to keep him "in his place."

He can't change the past but, offering apologies for wanting to be better? Why?

Two O'Clock In the Morning, And…

[Josue] realizes that he is writing his own story.

We're back full circle and then some. It's 2 AM, and we have questions.

Josue's thoughts in title track “Alas Dos” swirl like the early morning rain that dominates his background music. Does he have the strength to keep up? Can he reach his dreams? Did he do the right thing? His self-doubts are overwhelming, but in the end, he finds his strength and holds tight to his vow to follow his dreams. He realizes that he is writing his own story.

Our Last Thoughts

Your messages are precious, and the world needs to hear them.

Alas Dos did a great job for me. It made me reflect, dig deep, and think. This is precisely what great music should do, and it takes the best musicians to do it. There's only one wish I have from Josue - translate your songs into English and add subtitles, please? Your messages are precious, and the world needs to hear them.

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