God Is Er Altijd Liedjes Bij De Prentenbijbel: A Heartfelt Musical Journey for the Young and the Young at Heart
Released in 2012 by Kinderkoor De Bromvlieg, God Is Er Altijd Liedjes Bij De Prentenbijbel is a delightful album that marries the genres of Pop and Children’s music with an emphasis on vocal and choral styles. Backed by Highway Music, Nederlands Bijbel Genootschap, and Jongbloed, this Dutch creation isn’t just another children’s album—it’s a vibrant tapestry of faith, melody, and storytelling.
The album features tracks like God Is Rechtvaardig and Samen, both of which linger in your mind long after the music stops. Take God Is Rechtvaardig, for instance. It's one of those songs that feels simple at first but sneaks up on you with its depth. The lyrics reflect themes of justice and fairness, delivered through harmonious vocals from Kinderkoor De Bromvlieg alongside standout performances by soloists such as Boisé Letwory and Manouk Weynschenk. The saxophone played by Laura Groot adds a smooth layer to the mix, making it feel almost cinematic. You can picture kids singing along while parents nod approvingly—it strikes that rare balance between innocence and maturity.
Then there’s Samen. This track has a cozy charm that’s hard to shake off. With Joost Laninga’s gentle guitar strumming and Dave van Room’s subtle keyboard work, it builds into something unexpectedly moving. The chorus feels like a warm hug, reminding listeners about unity and togetherness—a message that resonates regardless of age or background. Vocals from Elze Marijn Hummelen and Tamar Laninga shine here, their voices blending seamlessly with the choir. It’s not overproduced; instead, it feels raw yet polished enough to make you hit replay.
What sets this album apart is how well-rounded it is. From Alexander Pape’s percussion adding texture to Daniël van der Molen’s bass grounding the sound, every element serves the bigger picture. Even the design by Jore Ontwerp deserves mention—it complements the music perfectly, tying everything together visually. And let’s not forget Marijke ten Cate’s illustrations, which bring these biblical stories to life in a way that speaks directly to young hearts.
Directed by Ellen Laninga-van der Veer and mixed by Joost Laninga, the production quality is solid without overshadowing the essence of the project. These aren’t just songs—they’re lessons wrapped in melody, designed to inspire and educate. Tracks like Noach and De Hand Van God reinforce this mission, weaving scripture into catchy tunes that stick.
Reflecting on God Is Er Altijd Liedjes Bij De Prentenbijbel, I’m struck by how timeless it feels. Sure, it’s aimed at kids, but honestly? Adults could use a dose of its optimism too. It’s refreshing to hear an album that doesn’t try too hard to impress—it simply exists to uplift. If anything, it reminds me that sometimes the best art comes from sincerity rather than spectacle. Now, if only more albums had the courage to be this genuine…
Rating: 8/10
Word count: ~450
