With his fourth solo album, Four, Dutch multi-talented artist Harry Kappen cements his status as an innovative storyteller and musician. Seamlessly blending guitar-driven rock, jazzy ballads, and vibrant Latin influences, Kappen takes the listener on a deeply personal journey through modern life’s highs and lows. From the moment the album opens with the dynamic, emotionally charged “The Longing,” it’s clear that Kappen isn’t afraid to explore the tension between head and heart.
The album kicks off with the anthemic pulse of “The Longing,” where longing meets a fiery mix of practical musings and raw emotional desire. Kappen’s meticulous lyricism paints a picture of passion and complexity that resonates against today’s backdrop of uncertainty, a theme that threads through the LP. “Be Brave if You Can” follows with reflective semi-ballad undertones, challenging listeners to embrace vulnerability amidst life’s noise—a subtle reminder that bravery comes in many forms.
Perhaps the crown jewel of Four, “Courage” encapsulates Kappen’s ability to blend personal narrative with musical adventure. Inspired by his transatlantic leap and deep affection for his Mexican wife, this track offers a stirring fusion of underground pop elements and jazz-inflected Latin rhythms. The evocative line “And the eagle spreads its wings” not only punctuates the track but serves as a metaphor for Kappen’s daring spirit.
As the record unfolds, tracks like “Forever Young” deliver a wave of nostalgia, stirring memories of simpler times with a pop-infused, wistful nod to youth. Meanwhile, “Break These Chains” stands as a pointed critique in an age of misinformation, where Kappen’s incisive lyrics challenge the status quo with both passion and purpose. The interplay between acoustic vulnerability and rock’s raw power continues throughout the record, notably in collaborations with personal influences, such as the heartfelt tribute in “In Every Sigh and Rhyme” dedicated to his lifelong musical bond with his sister.
The album’s latter half ventures into vibrant territories—“I’ll Die for You” plunges into rustic charm with its banjo-accented pop love ballad, capturing a vision of love that’s both playful and protective. “Chasing Rabbits” and “The Choices We’ve Made” invite the listener to reflect on the delicate balance of risk and reward, where the pursuit of happiness is as spontaneous as it is intentional. The serene closer, “In a Gentle Breeze,” elegantly rounds off the collection, leaving the listener with an enduring sense of reflective calm, a testament to living fully amidst life’s ephemeral moments.
With Four, Harry Kappen isn’t merely delivering another LP—he’s offering an experience of authenticity executed with precise craftsmanship. As the sole architect behind the lyrics, music, engineering, and production, Kappen’s personal touch is evident in every note and nuance. For fans of genre-defying artistry and profound lyrical storytelling, Four is a must-listen journey that captures the zeitgeist of our times while inviting us to celebrate life’s unpredictability and beauty.
–Steve Jablonski
