The 1980s is a treasure trove of classic ballads that have not only defined the decade but has also shaped the course of Philippine popular music history. One of the songs that hold this distinction is Special Memory, originally recorded by Iwi Laurel and released back in 1984 as part of the original soundtrack of the movie Hotshots.
Throughout the decades, the song has remained a staple in adult contemporary radio stations and cover versions have been recorded by notable artists such as Lea Salonga, Jed Madela, and The CompanY.
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| Iwi Laurel |
This year, just in time for Mother’s Day, Iwi Laurel re-records her hit song as a duet with no other than her daughter, Nicole Laurel. The single drops online on May 9, 2021 at Spotify and the music video will premiere on May 14, 2021 over at Facebook Live.
Nicole finds recording this song with Iwi as a fitting tribute to her mother who has raised her as a single parent. With both their lives seemingly coursing the same track: initially planning to pursue law, acting onstage in Repertory Philippines’ productions, working at restaurants, and eventually embarking on a singing career, this new duet recording reinforces the bond between mother and daughter.
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| Nicole Laurel |
Penned by Cecil Azarcon, the duet version of Special Memory also sees the original arranger Homer Flores, working alongside one of his proteges and Nicole's frequent collaborator, Nikko Rivera. And true to the lyrics , “like a symphony”, the song boasts a who’s who roster of musicians in the recording namely Homer Flores and Nikko Rivera on keyboard/synths, Ira Cruz on guitar, Karel Honasan on bass, Otep Conception on drums, Michael Guevarra on saxophone, Lester Sorilla on trumpet, Isla Antinero on trombone, with vocal arrangement by Yosha Honasan.
Here is a making of/behind the scenes video of Special Memory by Iwi and Nicole Laurel.
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