Album Review: 13 Nederlandse Vol 2 by Henky Herpby
Henky Herpby’s 13 Nederlandse Vol 2 is one of those albums that feels like a warm, slightly offbeat hug from the past. Released in 1980 under the Belgian label Music For Pleasure, this record dives deep into genres like Pop, Folk, World, and Country. It’s quirky, heartfelt, and unapologetically Dutch-speaking—a rare gem for fans of niche European sounds.
The tracklist reads like a collection of stories told over coffee at your grandma’s house. But two songs really stuck with me: “Er Staat Een Paard In De Gang” and “Ome Arie.”
“Er Staat Een Paard In De Gang” (which translates to "There’s a Horse in the Hallway") is just as bizarre as it sounds. The melody has this jaunty, almost circus-like vibe, but what makes it unforgettable is how absurdly relatable it feels. Haven’t we all had moments where life throws something completely unexpected our way? Like finding an actual horse in the hallway—or maybe just realizing you forgot to pay your bills on time. Herpby delivers the lyrics with such charm that you can’t help but laugh along.
Then there’s “Ome Arie,” which tells the story of Uncle Arie—a character so vividly painted through music that he might as well be sitting across from you at dinner. The folksy guitar strumming paired with Henky’s storytelling voice creates this cozy yet bittersweet atmosphere. You don’t even need to understand every word to feel the nostalgia dripping off each note.
Other tracks like “De Vogeltjesdans” and “Kom Je Buiten Spelen” keep the energy light and playful, while deeper cuts like “Een Gebroken Hart” tug at the heartstrings without trying too hard. Honestly, the whole album feels like flipping through an old photo album—each song capturing a different memory or emotion.
What strikes me most about 13 Nederlandse Vol 2 is its authenticity. There’s no pretense here; Henky isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. He’s simply sharing slices of life, love, and laughter in a way that feels genuine and timeless. And honestly, who else could pull off writing a song about containers (“De Containersong”) and make it sound kinda profound?
In a world obsessed with polished production and TikTok hits, this album reminds us that sometimes the best music comes from places you’d least expect. Belgium may not be the first country that pops into your head when thinking about folk-pop greatness, but Henky Herpby proves otherwise.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your playlist with something delightfully weird and wonderfully human, give 13 Nederlandse Vol 2 a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming about horses in hallways for days.
