Album Review: Maar Met Jou by Jimmy Frey (1991)
Let me tell ya, diving into Jimmy Frey’s Maar Met Jou feels like stepping back in time to an era where pop music still had soul—and just enough cheese to make it unforgettable. Released in 1991 under Philips, this record isn’t perfect, but man, does it have heart. And honestly? Sometimes that’s all you need.
The title track, "Maar Met Jou (Et Pourtant)", hits different right from the start. It’s got this soft, almost dreamy vibe that pulls at your chest strings without even trying too hard. You know those songs that kinda sneak up on you when you least expect it? This one lingers long after the last note fades out. The melody hooks you, sure, but there’s something about Frey’s voice—it wavers between tender and raw—that makes you feel like he’s singing straight to you. Like, yeah buddy, I’ve been there too. Love can be messy, confusing, beautiful—all of the above—and somehow Jimmy nails every bit of that emotion here.
Then there’s "Een Vriend". Oh man, this one’s a gem if you’re someone who values friendship more than anything else in life. There’s no big dramatic build-up or fancy tricks—just simple lyrics paired with a melody so warm, it feels like hugging an old mate you haven’t seen in years. Every time I hear it, I think about late-night talks over beers or road trips filled with stupid jokes. Stuff like that sticks with you, y’know?
Props go to Jack Rivers for producing this baby; he clearly knew how to let Jimmy shine while keeping things grounded. And hats off to Eddy Vangroenderbeek for the album art—it’s simple yet striking, much like the music itself.
Here’s the thing though: Maar Met Jou doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. What it does instead is remind us why we fell in love with pop music in the first place. It’s not flashy or groundbreaking—but maybe that’s the point. Sometimes, less really is more.
Funny story—I was listening to this album the other day, and my cat started swaying along to “Een Vriend.” No joke. Made me laugh so hard I nearly cried. Guess that’s what good music does—it connects, whether you’re human or…well, feline.
So yeah, give Maar Met Jou a spin. It might not change your life, but it’ll definitely bring back memories—or help create new ones. And hey, isn’t that what great albums are supposed to do?
