Just like their first single, “Stay,” Cueshé defied the odds and struggles to be one of the biggest and most successful bands in the country today. In a span of one year, vocalist Jay Justiniani, guitarist and vocalist Ruben Caballero, bassist Fritz Labrado, lead guitarist Jovan Mabini, keyboardist Jhunjie Dosdos and drummer/band leader Mike Manaloto were thrown into a whirlwind of opportunities not any other new band had experienced. But their phenomenal success was not without its share of intrigues and controversies.

Since their first single hit the airwaves, critics and detractors tagged them as another one hit wonder. Rock fundamentalists considered them a pariah, called them a “phony,” and a “sell-out.” Insults, below-the-belt comments, false allegations, flaks, they got it. Cueshé was clearly one of the most misunderstood bands.

But as the old cliché goes “you can’t put a good man down.” Despite the continuous dissing, hitting and criticism, the band remained steadfast, unaffected and concentrated on their music. As they say “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Indeed, they are proving their critics wrong. Proof: after “Stay” came “Sorry.” Then “Ulan” followed by “Can’t Let You Go” and “24 Hours.” All these singles from their debut album “Half Empty, Half Full” became chart-toppers. Celebrities, non-celebrities, children and adults alike hum their songs. The album likewise sold thousands, achieving the double platinum mark. Not bad from an upstart act. Accolades poured in, headlined by their big win at the 1st MYX Music Awards, bagging three major victories (Favorite Artist, Favorite Group and Favorite Song-for the song “Stay.”) out of four nominations. Viewers of musical variety show SOP voted the band as Best Breakthrough Artist in 2005 and this year as Band of the Year. Cueshé recently bagged the Smart Texters’ Choice for Hitmaker of the Year Award at the 2006 MTV Pilipinas Awards. They also became known for their flawless performance onstage the reason why their gigs remained packed and well-attended. And the latest-a Philippines tour beginning September culminating with a major concert at the Araneta Coliseum next year.

“Where we are right now, we owe it to the fans,” Mike said.

Fame might have brought about many changes but still, humility remains intact among the members, just the same during their struggle. Like the challenging years when Jay figured in an accident; to make ends meet, Mike sold cigarettes, Fritz drove a passenger jeepney with Jovan as his assistant. Or the moment they left Cebu and set foot in Manila, living in together in a small apartment surviving on canned goods and noodles.

Next on their list, a follow-up to their top-selling album.

Reflecting on the fast-paced events they experienced: “Everything happened so fast since we came to Manila. From recording our debut album to guestings, shows and gigs. Though we never really had time for ourselves, we got to know ourselves better,” Ruben said.

It is that self realization that the band decided to take it slow recording the second album. They carefully chose their gigs to fully concentrate on recording. Though difficult at the start, eventually ideas flowed and the music popped up naturally. With a plethora of experiences, it is not surprising the band was able to unload enough material for their second baby.

It was indeed a celebration of their self-expression that they were inspired to call their latest musical gem “Back To Me.” Collectively, it’s about going back to where they have left off-then reaching out, mending, seeking relationships, committing, changing perspectives and letting go. Making decisions creative or otherwise by listening to their hearts. Evident is the cutting down of clutter, tamer guitar tracks, flowing melodies and seamless chord progressions. Likewise, it showcases their musical maturity.

“This album is lighter and more laid-back compared to ‘Half Empty, Half Full,’” Fritz said.

In spite of these changes, tracks are distinguishingly Cueshé, in intensity and feel. It is more spontaneous with less cliché. If in the previous album, Mike did most of the writing chores, this time, members made contributions, each expressing emotions and each with stories to tell.

The title track “Back To Me,” penned by Fritz, is about longing for someone who you wanted to come back because you feel he/she is the one who completes your life. It can also be about a failed relationship you never really want to give up. But what inspired Fritz to write the song is his wife.

“I have been away from her for long due to the band’s busy schedules and my wife has been missing me. I got some of the lyrics from her text messages. But we’re okay now,” Fritz said.

Another one of his masterpiece is “Borrowed Time,” a song about forbidden love. However, let it be known it is not about him.

Relationships still comprise Mike’s contributions–”I Won’t Let You Down,” “Today,” “Missing You” and “I Do.”

Ruben proves he can not only belt out tunes but write as well with his two compositions-”All I Want” and “Broken Into Pieces.” Both are inspired by the love of his life.

“‘All I Want’ was about her sentiments. Sometimes she feels insecure and thinks I don’t love her anymore. ‘Broken Into Pieces’ answers the lyrics of ‘All I Want,’” Ruben said.

Likewise, Jay expresses his feelings with “If You Need Me,” a song about acceptance of a person on who he/she is.

Though having difficulty speaking in Tagalog, Jovan was able to write two Tagalog songs “Bakit?” and “Pasensya Na.”

“I must admit I’m having a hard time conversing in Tagalog but I express myself better in that dialect through writing,” Jovan said.

He is also credited for the music in majority of the tracks in the album.

Also featured in the album is their version of the John Lennon song “Jealous Guy.” Done in acoustic, the song perfectly captures how passionate Cueshé is.

“We have always been fans of John Lennon and the song describes us because like others we are jealous guys,” Ruben said.

Cueshé could not care any less of the pressure of living up to their previous albums success, the worry of a sophomore slump or the flak they will get from critics for they made music that reflects who the band is, not what is dictated to them or sticking to the tried-and-tested formula others fall into.

“We are having fun despite the detractors. We know we can’t please everybody. We’ll definitely continue to work hard for the fans,” Ruben said.