With “The Longing,” Dutch multi-instrumentalist and producer Harry Kappen delivers one of his most emotionally charged and musically dynamic singles to date. Now based in Mexico City, Kappen uses this track—the opening song and fourth single from his album FOUR—to explore one of the oldest and most human struggles: the eternal battle between the head and the heart.
From the very first notes, “The Longing” feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. The song doesn’t just talk about inner conflict—it embodies it. Kappen masterfully balances calm, reflective passages with bursts of rock intensity, musically mirroring the emotional push and pull that defines the lyrics. It’s a song that feels alive, breathing with tension, release, and resolution.
In true Kappen fashion, the composition is layered and full of contrast. The combination of acoustic warmth and electric grit creates a sense of duality throughout. His signature use of polyphonic vocal lines, lyrical guitar solos, and lush orchestrations shows both his technical skill and emotional depth. There’s a natural ebb and flow—from moments of quiet introspection to surging crescendos—that perfectly capture the sound of an internal dialogue between logic and feeling.
Lyrically, “The Longing” hits home. It’s reflective without being pretentious, poetic yet direct. You can sense that Kappen isn’t just writing about abstract emotions; he’s drawing from lived experience. His recent relocation to Mexico and his journey through love, courage, and self-discovery—seen in earlier singles like “Courage,” “Break These Chains,” and “Be Brave If You Can”—have all led to this point. Where those songs were outwardly expressive or socially conscious, “The Longing” turns inward, confronting the delicate balance between emotion and reason.
Musically, Kappen’s rock roots shine. His time as a guitarist in Groningen-based bands clearly influences the track’s dynamic build-up and expressive solos. You can hear the echoes of his musical heroes—Lennon & McCartney, Prince, David Bowie, Thom Yorke, Alanis Morissette, Led Zeppelin—woven through the song, yet “The Longing” remains undeniably his own. His sound isn’t derivative; it’s a mosaic of influences shaped by authenticity and maturity.
Perhaps what makes this single so compelling is how naturally it captures contradiction. There’s melancholy and strength, control and surrender, intellect and emotion—all coexisting in a way that feels both raw and beautifully measured. Kappen himself has said, “In the end, my heart usually leads, but never without listening to my head.” That sentiment defines the soul of this song.
The accompanying lyric video enhances the experience, visually echoing the emotional battle at the song’s core. It’s not flashy or overproduced; instead, it amplifies the story and tone of the music, allowing the lyrics to resonate more deeply.
With “The Longing,” Harry Kappen once again proves why he’s one of indie rock’s most versatile storytellers. He’s not afraid to blend introspection with grand musical statements, and the result is a song that feels timeless. It’s both a confession and an anthem—a reminder that even when our hearts lead, our minds never truly let go.
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