Imagine a world where music albums are like basketball teams, and you’re the coach tasked to pick an all-star lineup. That’s exactly what we’re doing here, but instead of players, we’re drafting tracks from The Eraserheads’ iconic discography.
The Eraserheads are often hailed as the most iconic OPM band of all time, and for good reason. Their music defined an era, shaping the sound of OPM during the 1990s and beyond. With a mix of relatable lyrics, genre-blending innovation, and sheer charisma, they became the voice of a generation. From the infectious hooks of “Pare Ko” to the heartfelt nostalgia of “With a Smile,” the band’s songs resonate with listeners across decades.
Well, except for Para Sa Masa.
I am sorry, because whatever, but that song sucks.
The Eraserheads’ albums—Ultraelectromagneticpop!, Circus, Cutterpillow, Sticker Happy, and many more—are treasure troves of creativity, each reflecting the diverse talents of Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro, and Raimund Marasigan whether tackling themes of love, societal issues, or plain everyday musings (like Waiting For The Bus or Sembreak,) their music is a testament to their artistry and relevance.
Drafting songs from their discography is like picking gems from a treasure chest—every track has its sparkle and story. Would you want your blog draft centered on their discography?
THE RULES
The rules are simple yet challenging: I can only choose 15 songs from their entire catalog, with a maximum of three tracks per album (for some bands, I will give them four songs per album.) Every pick must justify its place—whether it’s a massive hit, a fan favorite, or a hidden gem that defines the band’s artistry.
And oh yeah, the Circus album is my all-time favorite.
But sometimes, I switch to Cuttepillow.
The game starts now.
1 | PARE KO | ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! (1993)
I think this was the first song I heard that cursed. It's funny, considering that I grew up in the time of Ice Cube, Eazy E, and Dr. Dre. Anyway, "Pare Ko" is a candid confession of heartbreak that captures the awkwardness and pain of unrequited love. The song's raw and relatable lyrics vividly depict being stuck in the "friend zone" while yearning for something more. The conversational tone and playful profanity resonate with listeners who have faced similar struggles, making it an anthem for the broken-hearted. Its balance of humor and vulnerability showcases the Eraserheads' knack for turning personal woes into universally loved anthems.
2 | LIGAYA | ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! (1993)
"Ligaya" is the quintessential Eraserheads love song—charming, straightforward, and irresistibly catchy. While "Pare Ko" is the album's most important song, this song was their radio-friendly ticket to enter the mainstream music scene. Its lyrics capture the earnest desperation of someone willing to do anything to win the affection of their beloved, from enduring sleepless nights to impressing the in-laws. Paired with an infectious melody, the song radiates youthful optimism and sincerity, making it a timeless ode to the pursuit of happiness and love. Decades later, "Ligaya" remains a fan favorite, embodying the joy and simplicity of heartfelt devotion.
3 | SHIRLEY | ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! (1993)
A playful snapshot of young love and heartbreak, "Shirley" captures the dizzying highs and lows of a college romance. With its catchy melody and lighthearted storytelling, the song transports listeners to a time when holding hands and petty quarrels felt like the end of the world. I LOVE the piano intro, as well as the sudden stop towards the end of the song. I know a lot of people are going to look at this as a wild pick, but if I can't put Sembreak here because of my imposed rules, then this song must be here. The cycle of falling in love, falling out of love, and getting back together makes "Shirley" an anthem for any lovestruck individual with a penchant to rock out rather than listening to the Mellow Touch. It's a nostalgic reminder that, like Shirley, we've all been hopelessly, hilariously in love.
4 | MAGASIN | CIRCUS (1994)
My favorite Eraserheads song of all time, "Magasin" is a masterful blend of humor and bittersweet nostalgia. It tells the story of encountering a former flame who has risen to unexpected stardom, now gracing the pages of a glossy magazine. With witty lines like "Medyo pangit ka pa noon, ngunit ngayon," the song captures the jarring mix of admiration and disbelief at seeing someone so transformed. Its groovy melody and playful narrative make it one of the Eraserheads' most memorable tracks, offering a unique take on love, loss, and the ironies of life.
5 | ALAPAAP | CIRCUS (1994)
"Alapaap" is a liberating anthem that invites listeners to rise above the constraints of the world. Its poetic lyrics and soaring melody evoke a sense of freedom and exploration as if floating in the clouds. Lines like "Buksan ang puso at isipan, paliparin ang kamalayan" urge listeners to open their minds and embrace a higher state of being. Both a call to adventure and a subtle protest against societal restrictions, especially the beef they had with Tito Sotto at the height of the popularity of this song, "Alapaap" remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire dreamers.
6 | WITH A SMILE | CIRCUS (1994)
This song is their version of "Your Song," in the sense that you can't believe that The Eraserheads had an inspirational English song."With a Smile" is a heartfelt ballad that offers comfort and encouragement in the face of life's challenges. Its gentle melody and uplifting lyrics remind listeners that a positive outlook can make all the difference even in tough times. The line "You'll get along with a little prayer and a song" encapsulates the song's hopeful message, making it a go-to anthem for resilience. A timeless piece of reassurance and love, "With a Smile" continues to bring solace to generations of fans.
7 | ANG HULING EL BIMBO | CUTTERPILLOW (1995)
It tells the story of a boy captivated by a girl who teaches him the joy of dancing and, unknowingly, the pain of unrequited love. The narrative comes full circle when we learn of her tragic fate, a revelation that leaves a lingering ache in the listener's heart. With its narrative-driven lyrics and haunting melody, "Ang Huling El Bimbo" remains one of Eraserheads' most iconic masterpieces and this song in particular launched the band out of the local rock scene and into the global stage. Winning the MTV Asia Viewer’s Choice Award in 1997 and making The Eraserheads the first Filipino band to achieve this global recognition, even decades later, Ang Huling El Bimbo continues to resonate deeply, embodying the Filipino sentimentality for what was and what could have been.
8 | WALANG NAGBAGO | CUTTERPILLOW (1995)
This is my list. I know there are a lot of songs in the Cutterpillow album that are more popular, but I like this song. Also, I never went to any Eraserheads gig because I was either too young or too cash-strapped when the opportunity presented itself. That said, this was the first song I saw Ely Buendia sing live when Pupil had a gig in Trinoma more than a decade ago. "Walang Nagbago" captures the cyclical nature of life with its reflective lyrics and steady rhythm. The song reminds listeners of the inevitable changes time brings while juxtaposing the constancy of certain struggles and dreams. With its mix of nostalgia and acceptance, it resonates deeply with those yearning for simpler times or questioning life's progression.
9 | HUWAG MO NANG ITANONG | CUTTERPILLOW (1995)
If Circus had college vibes, then Cutterpillow turned the Eraserheads' maturity to a whole new level. And while they still had their funny songs, Huwag Mo Nang Itanong is like their version of poverty porn. Maybe I am stretching or reaching here, but the album had El Bimbo, Poorman's Grave, and Paru-Parong Ningning. Huwag Mo Nang Itanong is a masterclass in subtle storytelling and introspection. Its brilliance lies in its simplicity—using mundane imagery like a "field trip sa may pagawaan ng lapis" to mirror the frustration and monotony of life. The somewhat upbeat rhythm contrasts with the melancholy lyrics, creating a bittersweet balance that’s quintessentially Eraserheads.
10 | FRUITCAKE | FRUITCAKE (1996)
The Eraserheads bring whimsy and wit to the holiday season with Fruitcake, a song that’s more than just a tribute to the quirky dessert. With its playful lyrics and offbeat melody, Fruitcake reminds us to embrace life’s eccentricities—flaws, oddities, and all. I was initially bummed out that they released a Christmas album because it's hard to listen to the song in the burning summer heat. That said, I never knew that I would rock out with a Christmas song. Ultimately, Fruitcake captures the Eraserheads' knack for turning even the simplest ideas into unforgettable earworms, making it a holiday staple with a twist. I guess there is a B-side to every story.
11 | TUWING UMUULAN AT KAPILING KA | RYAN CAYABYAB - THE SILVER ALBUM (1996)
A lush and romantic rendition, the Eraserheads' version of "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka" elevates the song into a heartfelt masterpiece. It's a song that effortlessly blends nostalgia with the euphoria of being in love, making rainy days feel magical. Included in Ryan Cayabyab's Greatest Hits album, this version solidifies the band's legendary status. Back then, it was rare for bands to collaborate with legendary composers, and I for one felt this, especially since my elementary music book had a blurb of Ryan Cayabyab next to Nicanor Abelardo, Ernani Cuenco, Julian Felipe, and Julio Nakpil. Inasmuch as I find the Basil Valdez version to be a neat ear candy, I would 100 percent choose the E-Heads version.
12 | SPOLIARIUM | STICKER HAPPY (1997)
With its hauntingly cryptic lyrics and somber melody, Spoliarium stands as one of the Eraserheads' most enigmatic masterpieces. Taken from their iconic Sticker Happy album, the song weaves a mysterious narrative, leaving listeners captivated and curious with every replay. Its title, a nod to Juan Luna’s famous painting, deepens the aura of solemnity and artistry, drawing parallels between the raw emotions of Luna’s work and the band’s introspection. While interpretations abound—ranging from tales of escapism to darker themes, like that crazy conspiracy theory — Spoliarium encapsulates the Eraserheads’ gift of turning the mundane and mysterious into a haunting anthem that resonates across generations.
13 | HARD TO BELIEVE | STICKER HAPPY (1997)
The lyrics encapsulate a universal struggle—the search for purpose amidst pain, the yearning for reassurance, and the longing for love that makes everything bearable. Like With A Smile, the song is off-brand for The Eraserheads, which managed to work. I guess this is why they are considered The Beatles of the Philippines, because of the risks they take with their songs. Ely Buendia’s restrained yet emotional delivery perfectly complements the somber melody, creating a poignant listening experience. This tender theme, combined with its understated arrangement, makes Hard to Believe a quiet yet profound anthem that continues to resonate deeply with fans navigating life’s uncertainties.
14 | HARANA | BANANATYPE (1997)
Bananatype is an underrated Eraserheads album because it runs smack in the middle of The Eraserheads' goofy stage and their profound phase. And while the songs in this EP have been featured in other forms of entertainment (as a soundtrack for a movie and a burger joint,) Harana was the biggest reason to pay money for a five-track cassette tape. While this isn't the most popular Harana song in the OPM band scene (reserved for Parokya ni Edgar,) the playful lyrics weave together a tale of a lover's heartfelt yet humorous reassurance, turning everyday struggles and imperfections into a celebration of unshakeable love.
15 | TIKMAN | BANANATYPE (1997)
The Eraserheads’ knack for transforming the mundane into something extraordinary is evident in Tikman, their jingle for Burger Machine. While its primary purpose was to sell burgers, the song's playful repetition and infectious melody turned it into a quirky earworm that transcended its advertising roots. Tikman was so effective that it became a full-fledged song and for a time, it also transformed Burger Machine into a leveled-up fast food joint called BM Plus, with an actual confined resto space instead of its roadside place. Whether it’s nostalgia for the 24-hour burger joint or the sheer genius of the Eraserheads turning a jingle into an art form, Tikman remains a reminder of the band’s ability to make even a commercial hit uniquely theirs.
Narrowing down an Eraserheads playlist to just 15 songs is no easy feat. There are so many gems that didn’t make the cut simply because of the limit I set.
I’ll admit—this list doesn’t include tracks from Natin99 or Carbon Stereoxide, and trust me, I gave it a lot of thought. For the ultimate Eraserheads experience, you really need to dive into their first three albums. While their later works still have incredible tracks, you can sense a shift in their musical direction.
That said, I can’t resist doing a Team B version of this list eventually—just like I plan to do for Rivermaya, Parokya Ni Edgar, Gary Valenciano, and the Apo Hiking Society.
Get Sydrified.