Happy Days by Hartog Eysman – A Schlager-Pop Gem That Still Hits the Spot
Let’s get one thing straight: Happy Days isn’t your typical pop album. Released back in 2012 under Eye Records Holland, this Dutch delight blends schlager charm with modern pop vibes, creating something both nostalgic and fresh. Hartog Eysman brings his own flavor to the table—a mix of heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and just enough quirkiness to keep things interesting.
First off, let’s talk about “Pick My Battles.” This track is an earworm wrapped in a hug. It’s got that upbeat tempo that makes you wanna tap your feet while humming along like nobody’s watching. What sticks with me? The chorus—it's simple yet oh-so-catchy. You can practically hear it playing on repeat at some cozy café in Amsterdam. It feels personal too, like Eysman knows exactly what it means to choose when to fight and when to let go. Honestly, after hearing this song once, I couldn’t stop singing it for days (much to my roommate's annoyance).
Then there’s “Werewolf Heart,” which flips the vibe entirely. Darker, moodier, but still packed with emotion, this one sneaks up on you. Imagine walking through misty streets late at night, feeling all mysterious and broody—that’s the energy here. The storytelling pulls you in; it’s almost cinematic. By the second verse, you’re rooting for the werewolf heart to find its redemption or whatever wild metaphor Eysman’s going for. Either way, it’s memorable because it stands out from the rest of the album without losing its charm.
The other tracks—like “Bed & Breakfast” and “Spain”—add their own spice to the mix. They’re fun listens, perfect for road trips or lazy Sunday mornings. But honestly, they don’t hit quite as hard as those two standouts. And hey, maybe that’s okay. Not every song needs to be a showstopper if the overall package works.
What really struck me about Happy Days is how unpretentious it feels. There’s no overproduced gloss trying to mask anything. Instead, it’s raw enough to feel genuine but polished enough to sound professional. Like, yeah, this dude knows what he’s doing, but he doesn’t need to shove it down your throat.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album made me realize how rare schlager-pop hybrids are these days. Most artists either lean fully retro or super futuristic. Eysman splits the difference beautifully, giving us something that feels timeless yet totally unique. In a world obsessed with trends, Happy Days reminds us that good music doesn’t need to fit neatly into boxes.
Oh, and random thought—I bet Hartog would throw one heck of a karaoke party. Just saying.
