MANILA, Philippines – It’s finally here, BBQs! SB19’s Josh Cullen has just released his first-ever solo album on Friday, September 6.
Titled Lost & Found to reflect Josh’s “emotional reality,” the seven-track record charts his personal journey of going from navigating anger, loneliness, and emotional turmoil, to eventually reaching a state of love, hope, and newfound freedom.
“In Lost and Found, I show my vulnerability and openness. This album is inspired by my inner truth and it explores themes of pain and suffering, redemption, and the strength of human resilience. I wrote about the pain that never truly goes away, the trauma that lingers long after we think our wounds have healed, and discovering strength within ourselves,” Josh said.
As he revisits his past memories to create his most vulnerable and honest songs yet, listeners will be able to experience the P-pop idol’s story alongside him — and hopefully, feel a sense of comfort as they move from one track to the next.
“I know what it means to be lost and found. I’ve experienced being lost throughout my life, sometimes trapped between trying to process all these intense emotions while desperately hoping to be found. I hope to connect with my fans and listeners who have been through the same journey or are going through the same [thing],” he added.
To help you get a closer look at the vast narratives behind each song on the album, here’s a track-by-track guide to Lost & Found:
1999
Written by: Sam Akins, Josh Cullen
Arranged by: Xerses Bakker
Produced by: Xerses Bakker
Aptly titled “1999” to reflect the early years of his childhood, this track sees Josh strike a balance between expressing his pent-up anger and healing his wounded inner child. Here, it’s Josh’s use of his raw and resounding vocals that immediately allows you to feel all the rage that came flooding in as he looked back on these fragments of his life.
See Me
Written by: Xerxes Bakker, Benjamin Samama, Stewart Taylor, Josh Cullen
Arranged by: Xerxes Bakker
Produced by: Xerxes Bakker, Benjamin Samama
Bearing rather drastic differences with “1999,” “See Me” is an upbeat, dance-pop track that charts what it’s like to find someone who can help you see yourself in a new and better light. The song is Josh’s heartfelt dedication to his fans, whom he hopes will always know that they’re not alone.
Silent Cries
Written by: Josh Cullen
Arranged by: Josh Cullen
Produced by: Josh Cullen, Antoine Adel Aboulkassimi, Wonjun
“Silent Cries” sees Josh return to his childhood yet again to confront the betrayal, loneliness, and rejection he had grappled with in the past. Complementing the nostalgia Josh evokes as he tells his story, “Silent Cries” takes on a sound reminiscent of the emo-pop music many of us grew up listening to in the early 2000s.
Honest
Written by: Josh Cullen
Arranged by: Josh Cullen, Chael Adriano, Japs Mendoza
Produced by: Josh Cullen, Chael Adriano, Japs Mendoza, Matthew Auditor
Josh enlists the help of The Juans members Chael and Japs to produce and arrange “Honest,” where he expresses that he’s tired of always having to hide his true identity. This dark acoustic song sees the SB19 lead rapper finally strip off the mask he had been wearing his whole life to reveal how he truly feels — and at the same time — who he truly is.
No Control (feat. (e)motion engine)
Written by: Josh Cullen, Albert Christian Santos, Justin Grei Torres
Arranged by: Albert Christian Santos, Justin Grei Torres
Produced by: Albert Christian Santos, Justin Grei Torres
Josh joins forces with young band (e)motion engine to create “No Control,” which captures the SB19 member freeing himself from the constraints that once dictated his every move. The electric pop-rock track also appears to double as a carefree, unfiltered celebration of finally being able to live life as you please.
Lights Out (ft. Mo of ALAMAT)
Written by: Josh Cullen, SAB, C-Tru, ALAMAT Mo
Arranged by: SAB, C-Tru
Produced by: SAB, C-Tru
With the help of ALAMAT member Mo’s classic R&B-style vocals, Josh establishes a sensual atmosphere in “Lights Out.” With the track alternating between a more mellow flow to a quicker tempo, the two P-pop idols simulate the sultry build-up to intimacy — making it clear why it’s touted as a “date night” anthem.
Sumaya
Written by: Josh Cullen, Kael Kael Guererro
Produced by: Josh Cullen, Kael Kael Guererro, Ralph Dela Cruz of Tribute Collective
Recorded by: Brian Lotho
Mixed by: Brian Lotho, Kael Guererro
Mastered by: Kael Guererro
In “Sumaya,” the SB19 member digs deep into the anguish that comes with acknowledging that a relationship has already run its course, all while still keeping close to your heart the long list of memories you shared with that person. This track borrows classic techniques from R&B, trap, pop, and bedroom hip-hop to paint a bittersweet picture.
What’s your favorite song on the album? – Rappler.com
Stream ‘Lost & Found’ here: