Getting to Know 7 Hit Songs by Ahmad Dhani that Shook the Indonesian Music Industry

Kapanlagi.com - Ahmad Dhani Prasetyo, a familiar figure in the Indonesian music scene, has produced many hit songs that have become the soundtrack of many people's lives. From Dewa 19 to his solo projects, Dhani's works always have a unique appeal.

Each song he creates seems to carry a deep story and an unforgettable melody. Furthermore, here are eight of Ahmad Dhani's best hit songs that have made history in the Indonesian music industry.

1. Roman Picisan - Dewa 19

"Roman Picisan" is one of the most popular songs by the legendary band Dewa 19, released in 2000 as part of the album "Bintang Lima". This song was created by Ahmad Dhani, the founder and lead vocalist of Dewa 19. The song "Roman Picisan" tells the story of unrequited love. The lyrics describe someone who loves another person deeply, but their love cannot be reciprocated.

In its lyrics, the song shows that even though their love is unreturned, the character in the song continues to love that person. They just want the one they love to know their feelings, even though they cannot have them. This song conveys a sincere feeling of love but must accept the reality that their love is unrequited.

Musically, "Roman Picisan" features a soft and melancholic arrangement, dominated by acoustic guitar and piano. This creates an emotional atmosphere that aligns with the theme of the lyrics. The vocals of Once Mekel also successfully convey the feelings of sadness and disappointment in this song.

2. Missing You - Dewa 19

"Missing You" is one of the legendary songs by the Indonesian band, Dewa 19. This song was released in 1992 as part of their debut album titled "Dewa 19". It became one of the monumental works that marked the beginning of Dewa 19's great success in the Indonesian music industry.

The song "Missing You" was created by Ahmad Dhani and depicts a deep longing for someone who is loved. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is far from their lover but still tries to provide comfort and a promise to return. The song also conveys the message for the beloved one to remain strong and keep their sadness until they can meet again.

3. Love Will Bring You Back - Dewa 19

"Love Will Bring You Back" is one of the most iconic ballads from Dewa 19, released in 1995 as part of the album "The Best of the Best". This song was created by Ahmad Dhani and is remembered for its emotionally charged lyrics and touching melody.

The song depicts a deep longing for someone who has gone, both physically and emotionally. The lyrics imply hope that true love will bring the beloved one back, despite past mistakes or separations. There are strong elements of regret and hope in this song.

The lyrics also show the struggle to accept harsh realities while still hoping that love will reunite a broken relationship. This song contains the message that true love has the power to heal wounds and bring peace.

Musically, this song features a soft and melancholic arrangement, dominated by piano and acoustic guitar. The simple yet emotional melody makes this song memorable and touching to the listeners. The vocals of Once Mekel (in the live version) or Ari Lasso (in the original version) add a deep nuance, enhancing the emotional strength of this song.

4. Pupus - Dewa 19

"Pupus" is one of the most popular songs by Dewa 19, released as part of their sixth album, "Cintailah Cinta", in 2002. This song is known for its emotional lyrics and touching melody, making it one of the best heartbreak songs in the history of Indonesian music.

The song "Pupus" tells the story of unrequited love. The lyrics depict someone who loves very deeply, but their love is not reciprocated. The song expresses the deep pain when someone realizes that the love they give is not appreciated or cannot be possessed.

Musically, "Pupus" has a melancholic arrangement dominated by piano and guitar that creates a sad atmosphere. The song also highlights the emotional vocals of Once Mekel, who successfully conveys the pain and despair contained in its lyrics. Its simple yet powerful musical composition makes this song very touching to listeners.

5. If Heaven and Hell Never Existed - Chrisye

"If Heaven and Hell Never Existed" is also one of the most iconic songs from the collaboration between Chrisye and Ahmad Dhani. This song was released as part of Chrisye's album titled "Senyawa" in 2004. The song has a deep and philosophical theme, inviting listeners to contemplate the true meaning of faith and worship.

This song raises fundamental questions about sincerity in worship. Through its lyrics, the song questions whether humans truly worship God out of love and conviction, or merely out of fear of hell and the desire for heaven.

The song invites listeners to introspect, questioning the motivations behind their worship and faith. Its main message is that God is worthy of worship not because of rewards or punishments, but because He is indeed deserving of praise and worship.

Musically, this song has a calm and profound atmosphere, with a dominance of piano and acoustic guitar melodies. This arrangement supports the reflective mood of its lyrics, creating a listening experience full of contemplation. Chrisye's soft and distinctive vocals blend with Ahmad Dhani's harmonies, providing emotional strength to this song.

6. Message of the Heart - Dewa 19

"Message of the Heart" is also one of the most popular ballads by Dewa 19, released in 2000 as part of their legendary album, "Bintang Lima". The song was created by Ahmad Dhani, known as the main songwriter for Dewa 19.

The song "Message of the Heart" describes feelings of sincere love yet filled with uncertainty. The lyrics tell the story of someone who falls in love with another person, even though that person does not yet love them back. The character in this song pleads for a chance to prove their love and hopes to make the person they love fall in love with them.

The lyrics express the conviction and hope of someone who wants to prove the sincerity of their love, even though they are aware that their feelings are not reciprocated. This song also implies the struggle and patience in love, where someone is willing to wait and strive to win the heart of the one they love.

Musically, "Message of the Heart" features a soft and melancholic arrangement, dominated by acoustic guitar and piano. The simple yet emotional melody creates a deep atmosphere, in line with the theme of its lyrics. Once Mekel's vocals, who was the vocalist of Dewa 19 at that time, add emotional strength to this song, making it even more touching for listeners.

7. Arjuna - Dewa 19

"Arjuna" is also one of the popular songs by Dewa 19, released in 2002 as part of the album "Cintailah Cinta". The full title of the song is "Arjuna Mencari Cinta" and it became one of the standout tracks on the album. With its poetic lyrics and distinctive melody, this song successfully captured the attention of many listeners.

The song "Arjuna" depicts the search for true love by a man likened to Arjuna, a character from wayang (Indonesian shadow puppet theater) known as a handsome and charming knight. In this song, Arjuna is portrayed as someone willing to do anything to find his true love. The main message of this song is about longing for sincere love and the effort to attain it, even when faced with various obstacles.

Musically, "Arjuna" features a distinctive pop rock vibe with a light yet emotional melody. The song highlights harmonious guitar playing, combined with the strong and expressive vocals of Once Mekel. Its energetic musical arrangement makes this song memorable and one of the favorites in Dewa 19's discography.

Through several hit songs, Ahmad Dhani has proven that he is one of the greatest musicians in Indonesia. His quality works will always be remembered and enjoyed across generations.

(kly/tmi)