Top tracks — play these first
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Rodeo — This track exemplifies the band's fusion of catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics, capturing both the playful and serious tones present throughout the album.
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May Kasalanan — With its infectious chorus and rhythmic drive, this song stands out as a highlight, showcasing the band's knack for creating memorable anthems.
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(A Little) Sorry (Should Make Everything Alright) — The introspective nature of this track reflects personal themes of regret and reconciliation, making it a poignant moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases varied tempos and eclectic instrumentation, reflecting its late '90s indie pop roots while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, but the tempo varies significantly by the fifth track, which slows down to a reflective pace.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending traditional Filipino sounds with modern indie pop elements, creating a rich sonic texture.
- The lyrics often shift between personal introspection and social commentary, with some songs featuring call-and-response vocal patterns that engage the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- vibrant melodies for sing-alongs
- late-night listening with friends
- diverse tracks encourage exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek consistent energy levels
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, It's Not Easy Being Green marked Rivermaya's fourth studio album during a period of significant evolution for the band. By this point, they had established themselves as a key player in the Philippine rock scene, following their acclaimed album, Trip, which had solidified their popularity. This album also came after lineup changes that saw new members bringing fresh influences to their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Eraserheads· Parokya ni Edgar· Up Dharma Down
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Grounded Ang Girlfriend Ko 2:31
- 2 Rodeo 5:43
- 3 Shattered Like 4:22
- 4 May Kasalanan 3:30
- 5 Strontium 90 1:10
- 6 (A Little) Sorry (Should Make Everything Alright) 3:25
- 7 Bagong Taon 7:10
- 8 It's Getting Late 5:23
- 9 Nerbyoso 3:44
- 10 Prodigal Dub 1 & 2 5:01
- 11 Never Been Better 4:14
- 12 She's So Uncool 3:58
- 13 Homecoming 5:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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