Sabda Alam
Sabda Alam, meaning Nature's Order, is Indonesian singer Chrisye's second studio album. It was released in January 1978 by Musica Studios, his first album with Musica after leaving Pramaqua Records. The songs were written with Guruh Sukarnoputra.
The album was well received. In 2007 Rolling Stone Indonesia listed Sabda Alam as one of the 150 best Indonesian albums of all time. It also had its first official vinyl release.
After the success of Badai Pasti Berlalu, Amin Wijaya of Musica Studios offered Chrisye a chance to record an album, and Chrisye asked for creative freedom. Musica agreed, and Chrisye later recalled getting strong support from Amin during the recording.
Recording took place at Musica's studio in Jakarta using double tracking. Chrisye sang and played guitar and bass; Jockie Soerjoprajogo played acoustic piano and keyboard; Keenan Nasution played drums and percussion. Arrangements were by Chrisye and Yockie. Guruh Sukarnoputra contributed three songs and wrote and produced in a similar romantic, melancholic style as Badai Pasti Berlalu.
The recording session was intense, from morning till night, and Chrisye even fell ill. Musica executives were not allowed to enter the studio during the sessions.
One notable song is Kala Sang Surya Tenggelam, written by Guruh Sukarnoputra; its lyrics and melody are especially admired.
The album was originally planned for release in August 1977, but it came out in January 1978. Two singles were released: the title track "Sabda Alam" and "Juwita."
Sabda Alam has been reissued several times: a 2004 CD release, and a 2007 edition as part of the Chrisye Masterpiece Trilogy Limited Edition. A vinyl release was issued in 2022 to mark 15 years since Chrisye's death on March 30.
Additionally, Rolling Stone Indonesia noted a track from the era in 2009: "Anak Jalanan" was named the 72nd best Indonesian song of all time.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 20:52 (CET).