Filipino Contemporary Christian rapper and vocalist Jose Villanueva III, who goes by the stage name Quest, has launched his debut CD, Revolution. The first single off the CD, Back to Love, is an old-school jam that sounds positively fresh in this era of fast rap and quick bubblegum ditties. I miss songs like Back to Love: rich harmonies, a thumping bass line, and just a good, solid, pleasing vocal. Then, there’s the positive message that Quest espouses. This is world-class music that all y’all should get your grubby little fingers on. I mean it. This is GOOD STUFF.
Villanueva – erhm, I mean, Quest – is the songwriting genius behind some of Philippine contemporary Christian music’s most enduring ditties, including My One and Only. This CD was 11 years in the making, no kidding, and Quest made sure it counted. The Back to Love video contains cameos from some of Philippine music’s most recognizable faces, including Richard Poon, Sam Milby, Yeng Constantino, Markki Stroem (who I thought would win “Philippine Idol”), John Prats, and others. (Abby Cruz, of course, is the beautiful cornerstone of this video.) I loved it, and I love Back to Love!
BACK TO LOVE Lyrics
Jose Quest Villanueva III
INTRO
Back to love, love, love
It’s time to get back to love
Nimbus-9:
Yeah, here’s another revelation for my generation
Listen up, listen up y’all
Oh, are you ready for this, you better be ready for this
One time for your mind, forever in your heart and your soul
Let’s go, let’s go, come on
Quest:
Stop, look around, listen well
Time to bring love back in the air
In our hearts, all around
Where it’s meant to be
Can’t you see somethin’ is missin’
Hey, keep listenin’ then start thinkin’
‘Cause now’s the time to realign
Redefine, rearrange our frame of mind
You’ve been deceived by what you see
Got confused, no clarity
The love that you know is a fallacy
Why don’t you follow me
Back when love is alive, love is free
When love is one, love is king
This ain’t no trip down memory lane
I’m goin’ back to that place again
Back to love, love, love, love
Time to get back to love
One step at a time
Open your heart and your mind
Back to love, love, love, love
All we need is love
Love will keep us alive
Yes, true love’s gonna keep us alive
Many talk about love at present
They say the words but can’t live its essence
They love for power, love for wealth
Some love for fun, some love for self
This got so many confused
Many hearts abused, lives misused
‘Cause love is patient, love is kind
Love will see you through, love ain’t blind
Love stays when all is gone
Love will find a way when there is none
Love will trust, love won’t lie
Love is forever, love is life
Love gives with no conditions
Love is life’s ignition
This is the love that I’m talkin’ about
Love that lives not just a word of mouth
Back to love, love, love, love
Time to get back to love
One step at a time
Open your heart and your mind
Back to love, love, love, love
All we need is love
Love will keep us alive
Yes, true love’s gonna keep us alive
There’s too much fighting, lying, crying
So much hate, greed, pride and conniving
I see so many people strivin’
When we supposed to be thrivin’
Remember when we used to lock arms, share and respect
Livin’ life in full effect
This ain’t no trip down memory lane
I’m goin’ back to that place again
Back to love, love, love, love
Time to get back to love
One step at a time
Open your heart and your mind oh oh
Back to love, love, love, love
All we need is love
Love will keep us alive oh oh oh oh yeaG
Yes, true love’s gonna keep us alive
All it takes is one step
Just take that first step (come on)
Back to love, love, love, love
All we need is love
Love will keep us alive, yeah yeah
Nimbus-9:
Right now is the time to love
Right now is the time to love
Quest:
Time to love
‘Cause this world is in need of love
This world is in need of love
In need of love
Say it again
Right now is the time to love
Right now is the time to love
Time to love
‘Cause this world is in need of love)
This world is in need of love, girl
(Let’s go)
