"Dream Again" is a song by Filipina singer Lea Salonga. It was released as a single on August 21, 2020. The song was written by Daniel Edmonds and Blair Bodine.

"Dream Again"
Single by Lea Salonga
ReleasedAugust 21, 2020 (2020-08-21)
Recorded2020
GenrePop
Length3:16
Composer(s)Daniel Edmonds
Lyricist(s)
  • Blair Bodine
  • Daniel Edmonds
Producer(s)Daniel Edmonds

The single was released to raise funds for charities aiding in relief from the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, including The Actors Fund.[1] The single later inspired the title for Salonga's 2022 tour by the same name.

Composition and lyrics

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"Dream Again" runs for a total duration of three minutes and sixteen seconds (3:16).[2] Lyrically, the song discusses the ups and downs of each day and overcoming the troubles of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Salonga's vocals for the song range from G3 to E5, with E5 in both head voice and chest mix.

Critical reception

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The single received positive reviews and critics and fans alike. It was called an "inspiring anthem" by Ali Stagnitta of Hollywood Life[3] and Andrew Gans, Ryan McPhee, and Dan Meyer of Playbill.[1] The song was also described as "an uplifting song about fulfilling one's dreams" by ABS-CBN.[4]

Music video

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The music video for "Dream Again" premiered on Salonga's official YouTube channel alongside the release of the single. It begins with a photograph of Salonga holding a sign that reads "Send me your dreams using #LSdreamagain." The video then visualizes Salonga singing in her home in Manila alongside background vocalists Mat Verevis and Elandrah Feo, pianist Daniel Edmonds, guitarist Paul Viapiano, and drummer Joe Accaria. Throughout the video, images of various people are shown holding signs with their written responses. The responses included hopes of seeing their loved ones, traveling, returning to school, and performing on stage. The video was produced by Marathon Digital. The video has been viewed more than 50,000 times.[5]

Performances

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Almost one year after the song's release, Salonga first performed the song at the second edition NF Hope Concert livestream event on May 2, 2021.[6] Salonga performed the song virtually for a second time at Time's Uplifting AAPI Voices Summit on May 27, 2021.[7][8] This solo version included less emphasis on instruments and background vocals.

The first live performance was on April 6, 2022 in Winnipeg, Manitoba during the Dream Again Tour.[9] The arrangement began with a slower tempo than the original release before picking up with the entrance of drums and bass guitar. Some performances of the song included a live orchestral accompaniment. Salonga included the song in the setlist for the entire 32-show international tour.

Credits and personnel

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Credits adapted from the official music video on YouTube.[5]

  • Lea Salonga – vocals
  • Daniel Edmonds – composing, lyrics, production, piano
  • Blair Bodine – lyrics
  • Paul Viapiano – guitar
  • Joe Accaria – drums
  • Ben Cohn – production
  • Mat Verevis – background vocals
  • Elandrah Feo – background vocals
  • Christopher Hewitt – production, mixing

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "In the News: Lea Salonga Drops Inspiring Anthem 'Dream Again,' Damon Daunno, Robert Torti Featured on Blood Rock EP, More". Playbill. August 21, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  2. ^ "Dream Again by Lea Salonga on Spotify". Spotify. August 21, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  3. ^ Stagnitta, Ali (August 21, 2020). "Lea Salonga Drops Inspiring Anthem 'Dream Again' To Encourage Listeners To 'Look Forward' & 'Aspire To Dream'". Hollywood Life. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  4. ^ "Lea Salonga releases inspiring single 'Dream Again': 'After pandemic, we can continue fulfilling our dreams'". ABS-CBN. August 23, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Lea Salonga - "Dream Again"". YouTube. August 21, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  6. ^ Cristi, A.A. (April 19, 2021). "Betty Buckley, Lea Salonga, Stephanie J. Block and More Join NF Hope Concert 2021". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  7. ^ "Watch TIME's First-Ever 'Uplifting AAPI Voices' Summit Featuring Senator Mazie Hirono, Constance Wu, Prabal Gurung and More". Time. May 27, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  8. ^ "Lea Salonga Performs "Dream Again" I TIME". YouTube. May 30, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  9. ^ Natividad-Arenas, Donna (March 23, 2022). "Lea Salonga returns to Winnipeg in "Dream Again" Concert Tour". 92.7 CKJS. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
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