Harry Kappen’s “The Longing” – A Stirring Duel Between Logic and Emotion
- Miles Coleman
- Oct 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Dutch multi-instrumentalist and producer Harry Kappen returns with “The Longing,” the opening track and fourth single from his forthcoming album FOUR. Now based in Mexico City, Kappen delivers a composition that feels both intimate and cinematic, an emotional exploration of that timeless internal struggle between the heart’s impulse and the mind’s restraint.
From the first notes, “The Longing” unfolds like a conversation between two opposing forces. Its gentle acoustic opening feels contemplative and hesitant, before electric guitars and layered harmonies surge in like waves of emotion breaking through reason. The song’s ebb and flow mirror its theme perfectly, with restraint giving way to release and reflection turning to revelation. Kappen’s voice, rich with vulnerability yet anchored in conviction, draws listeners into that boundary where passion and thought collide.
Musically, the track is a testament to Kappen’s years of experience and his versatility as an arranger. His roots in Groningen’s rock scene echo through the dynamic guitar work and rhythmic intensity, while his composer’s sensibility ensures that every rise and fall feels intentional. The production balances delicacy and power with finesse, and each section breathes in rhythm with the story it tells.
Lyrically, “The Longing” captures the human condition in miniature. There is no false bravado here, only honest introspection and a tug-of-war between what we feel and what we know. It is the kind of songwriting that invites reflection without demanding resolution. In true Kappen fashion, the emotional depth is underscored by his musical sophistication, reminiscent of the timeless influences that shaped his artistry such as Bowie, Prince, Alanis Morissette, and Lennon & McCartney.
As the first chapter of FOUR, “The Longing” sets a powerful tone for what is to come. It presents an artist unafraid to confront himself, to merge intellect with emotion, and to craft music that resonates across both borders and hearts.
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