It's Not Easy Being Green (album)

It's Not Easy Being Green is the fourth studio album by Filipino rock band Rivermaya, released on January 14, 1999.

The album features the singles "Nerbyoso", "Rodeo", and "Shattered Like". It is the first album after Bamboo Mañalac's departure. This is also their first album with Rico Blanco as the lead vocalist. It is also the last album they recorded for BMG Records Pilipinas until in 2022 when they rejoined the label, now as Sony Music Philippines. The album hit gold barely a month after its release.

Commercial performance

The album sold 40,000 units in the Philippines, reaching platinum certification status, though it is the band's lowest-selling album.

Critical reception

David Gonzales of AllMusic reviewed the album and noticed some Britpop influences in "(A Little) Sorry (Should Make Everything Alright)" and "Shattered Like". He critiqued about Blanco's performance as vocalist on the album. He stated "...While Blanco is a fine singer, it's possible that the loss of the charismatic Bamboo has shaken the band's confidence."

Track listing

All songs by Rico Blanco except where noted.

Personnel

• Rico Blanco – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, synths
• Nathan Azarcon – bass guitar, vocals, lead vocals
• Mark Escueta – drums & percussion, vocals

Album credits

• Executive Producer for Rana Entertainment, Inc.: Chito Roño & Lizza G. Nakpil
• Executive Producers for BMG Records Pilipinas: Rudy Y. Tee
• A & R Direction: Vic Valenciano & Rommel Sanchez
• Album Photography: Eddie Boy Escudero & Eric Liongoren
• Digital Photography: Mark Escueta, Rico Blanco & Ryan Peralta
• Package Concept & Design: Mark Escueta & Rico Blanco
• Technical Assistant & Additional Layout: John Joel Lopez
• Recorded At: Pink Noise & TRACKS Studios
• Sound Engineer: Jun Reyes (Pink Noise) & Angee Rozul (TRACKS Studios)
• Album Mix: Angee Rozul & Rivermaya
• Horn Arrangements on "May Kasalanan" and "Bagong Taon": Mel Villena
• Horn Section: JD Villanueva (baritone sax & bass clarinet), Ernesto Abarillo & Glenn Joel Lucero (trumpets), Ronnie Marqueses (trombone) & Dix Lucero (clarinet & alto sax)

Accolades

References