Beri Lah Berita: A 1967 Gem That Still Hits the Right Notes (Mostly)
Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into Beri Lah Berita, the groovy brainchild of M Bakri, a Singaporean artist who was clearly vibing somewhere between Pop and Rock back in ’67. Released under Parlophone, this album feels like a time capsule from an era where bell-bottoms were cool, and people probably thought lava lamps were the pinnacle of sophistication. Spoiler alert: they kinda were.
First off, let’s talk about the titular track, “Beri Lah Berita.” If you’ve ever been stuck waiting for someone to text you back, this song gets it. The vocals? Smooth as butter on warm toast. The melody? Catchy enough to make you hum it while brushing your teeth. It’s got that bittersweet charm—an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt ghosted but still hopeful. You know, the kind of tune that makes you go, “Ah yes, I relate, but also why am I crying in my cereal right now?”
Then there’s “Kaseh Di Ambang Harapan,” which roughly translates to something romantic-sounding (Google Translate said so, don’t @ me). This one leans more into the ballad vibe, with M Bakri pouring his heart out like he’s auditioning for a soap opera soundtrack. The lyrics are poetic, dripping with longing and hope, and honestly? It’s the kind of song that makes you want to stare wistfully out of a rainy window even if it’s blazing hot outside. Like… mood whiplash much?
Now, here’s the thing about this album—it doesn’t try too hard to be flashy or revolutionary. Instead, it’s just sincere. Sure, some tracks might feel a tad repetitive after multiple listens (cough “Chebis Mimpi”), but hey, nostalgia ain’t supposed to reinvent the wheel; it’s meant to remind us how far we’ve come. And dang, does this album do that.
Reflecting on Beri Lah Berita feels like flipping through an old photo album—faded edges, grainy snapshots, but full of soul. Listening to these songs today is like catching up with an old friend who still wears flared jeans unironically. They may not fit modern trends, but their authenticity shines through.
So, would I recommend giving this album a spin? Absolutely. Just maybe don’t blast it at your next house party unless you’re ready for some awkward silence when everyone Googles “What language is this?” But hey, life’s too short not to appreciate a little retro magic every now and then. Plus, who wouldn’t want to impress their friends by casually dropping, “Oh yeah, I’m really into ‘60s Singaporean rock”? Mic drop.
(PS: Shoutout to M Bakri for reminding me that love songs never truly go out of style—even if haircuts from the ‘60s definitely did.)
