For Hazel Faith, love isn’t just a recurring theme in her music—it is a lifelong journey. It is a narrative that has taken her a decade to fully comprehend, and even longer to translate into her craft.
Now, the Filipino singer-songwriter is ready to open her most intimate chapter yet with her upcoming sophomore album, LSS (Love Song Stories). Described by the artist as a collection of “mini-movies playing in your head,” each track on the record unfolds like a distinct cinematic chapter, capturing the multi-faceted nature of romance—from the whimsical and imagined to the painful realities of loss, and ultimately, the beauty of finding the real thing.
“Every song has a story to tell,” Hazel shares. “At the same time, the songs are made in such a way that you will get major Last Song Syndrome.”
A Decade of ‘Hyper Kilig’
At the core of Love Song Stories is a track that permanently altered the trajectory of Hazel’s career.
This year officially marks the 10th anniversary of “Kinikilig,” the breakout anthem that established Hazel Faith as OPM’s go-to voice for pure, unadulterated romantic joy. In an industry heavily dominated by heartbreaking hugot anthems, “Kinikilig” dared to be different—offering listeners a refreshing dose of light, hope, and unapologetic optimism.“
All the love Kinikilig received throughout the years gave me encouragement that there is a place for my kind of songs,” she reflects.
To celebrate this milestone, the track undergoes a vibrant evolution on the new album. Reimagined as “Kinikilig (Hyper Kilig Ver.)”, the album’s title track serves as a brighter, fuller, and more mature version of the song that started it all.Watch the original “Kinikilig” music video below:
Overcoming the Test of Time
While some narratives in Love Song Stories are born from pure imagination, others have proven to be deeply prophetic. One of the album’s most emotionally raw moments anchors on the track “Everything Takes Time.”
During the recording sessions, the weight of the song’s message hit incredibly close to home for the singer.
“I literally cried in the middle of re-recording it,” Hazel recalls. “My life flashed before my eyes… it was not an easy path, and I made a lot of mistakes along the way. But by God’s grace, I still got there.”
The track functions as both a personal reflection and a comforting reassurance to her listeners, serving as a reminder that healing, growth, and success cannot be rushed.
From ‘Glee’ Roots to the Full Album Circle
Adding to the nostalgic weight of the album is “Can’t Comprehend,” a song Hazel penned when she was just 18 years old.
More than just an early demo, the track holds immense sentimental value, as it was the exact composition that helped her gain vital industry recognition during her competitive journey connected to the global hit series Glee. Years later, the song has finally found its rightful home, bringing her musical career full circle.
“It was a last-minute idea to add the song… but it just felt right to finally let the world hear it,” she admits.
Bolder Lyrics, Realer Lessons
As she steps into this new musical phase, Hazel notes a distinct shift in her creative process.
“I’ve matured as a songwriter, and at the same time, I’ve grown braver,” she says. No longer hiding behind generalized metaphors, she is leaning heavily into specific, lived experiences. “I realized the right people would get it. So I threw caution to the wind. It’s for my people.”
This newfound maturity also changed how she views relationships. Having tied the knot with her longtime partner and frequent collaborator, Caleb Santos, Hazel views romance through a much clearer lens.
“I’ve learned to differentiate kilig with love,” Hazel explains. “Kilig is that rush you feel. But it can fade… love, true and lasting love, is a different kind of kilig altogether.”
Track Highlights: The Chapters of LSS
- “Tamang Kilig” – The definitive centerpiece and emotional thesis of the album.
- “Ngiti Ng Buwan” – A track capturing the cozy, comforting warmth of being in love.
- “Cupcake” – A playful, audacious track that surprises listeners with a rap-driven beat.
- “Everything Takes Time” – The vulnerable, grounding anchor of the record.
Stepping Into the ‘Lover Girl’ Era
Ultimately, Love Song Stories signals the formal arrival of Hazel Faith’s “lover girl” era—a period defined not by an illusion of perfection, but by radical honesty, intentional joy, and an unwavering belief in love despite past hardships.When asked what she hopes the public walks away with after listening to the album, Hazel keeps it beautifully simple: “Happiness.”