For Hazel Faith, love has never been just a theme—it’s been a journey. One that has taken years to fully understand, and even longer to put into song.
With her upcoming sophomore album, LSS (Love Song Stories), the Filipino singer-songwriter opens a deeply personal chapter—one she describes as “mini-movies playing in your head.” Each track unfolds like a story, capturing the many faces of love: imagined, experienced, lost, and finally, found.
“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 Kinikilig
At the heart of Love Song Stories lies a song that started it all.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of “Kinikilig,” the track that carved out Hazel Faith’s place in OPM as a voice for joy, hope, and romantic sincerity. In a landscape dominated by heartbreak anthems, Kinikilig offered something different—light, hopeful, and unabashedly in love.
“All the love Kinikilig received throughout the years gave me encouragement that there is a place for my kind of songs,” she reflects.
Now, a decade later, the song returns as “Kinikilig (Hyper Kilig Ver.)”, the title track of Love Song Stories—a brighter, fuller evolution of the song that started it all.
A Story That Took Time
Some stories in Love Song Stories are from her imagination. Others proved prophetic.
One of the album’s most emotional moments comes from “Everything Takes Time”—a song that encapsulates Hazel’s entire journey.
During the recording process, the track proved almost too real.
“I literally cried in the middle of re-recording it,” she 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 song serves as both reflection and reassurance—a reminder that growth, healing, and success don’t happen overnight.
Full Circle: From Glee to LSS
deeply meaningful inclusion is “Can’t Comprehend,” a song Hazel wrote at just 18 years old.
More than just an early composition, the track holds a pivotal place in her story—it was the very song that helped her gain recognition during her journey connected to Glee.
Years later, the song finds its rightful home in Love Song Stories, completing a full-circle moment in her career.
“It was a last-minute idea to add the song… but it just felt right to finally let the world hear it,” she shares.
From Faith to Feeling
“I’ve matured as a songwriter, and at the same time, I’ve grown braver,” Hazel says.
This time, she embraces specificity—no longer hiding behind vague lyrics, but leaning fully into her own experiences.
“I realized the right people would get it. So I threw caution to the wind. It’s for my people.”
Understanding Love—For Real This Time
“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.”
That understanding was shaped by real-life love—particularly her relationship with her husband and collaborator, Caleb Santos.
Stories Behind the Songs
Each track in LSS plays like a chapter:
- “Tamang Kilig” – the album’s defining centerpiece
- “Ngiti Ng Buwan” – the warmth of being in love
- “Cupcake” – playful, bold, and unexpectedly rap-driven
- “Everything Takes Time” – the emotional anchor
Together, they map out the full spectrum of love—from dreaming about it to truly understanding it.
The Lover Girl Era Begins
“This is my lover girl era,” Hazel says.
An era defined not by perfection, but by honesty. By choosing joy. By believing in love—even after everything.
And if there’s one thing she hopes listeners take away?
“Happiness.”
