De Afrekening 25: A Genre-Bending Belgian Gem from 2001
Released in 2001 by Universal, De Afrekening 25 is one of those albums that feels like a time capsule but still holds up today. It’s not just an album; it’s more like a playlist curated for people who can’t decide if they’re into Electronic beats, Pop hooks, or Rock grit. With its mix of Indie Rock, Big Beat, Alternative Rock, and Pop Rock vibes, this Belgian compilation doesn’t try to fit neatly into one box—and honestly, that’s what makes it so fun.
The tracklist reads like a smorgasbord of early 2000s goodness. You’ve got bangers like “Weapon of Choice” (yes, THAT “Weapon of Choice,” which was everywhere back then) sitting alongside lesser-known gems like “Ocean Spray.” But two tracks really stuck with me after giving this album a spin: “Hanging By A Moment” and “Short Skirt / Long Jacket.”
Let’s talk about “Hanging By A Moment” first. This song has this raw energy that grabs you right away. It’s the kind of tune where you think, “Oh, I’ll just listen once,” but suddenly you’re on repeat five times later. The lyrics are simple yet relatable—about clinging to hope when life feels chaotic—and the build-up in the chorus hits hard every single time. It reminds me why Lifehouse became such a staple in early 2000s rock playlists.
Then there’s “Short Skirt / Long Jacket.” If quirky storytelling wrapped in funky guitar riffs is your thing, this track delivers big time. Cake’s signature style shines through here, blending humor and groove effortlessly. Lines like “She opens any door” stick in your head long after the song ends. There’s something oddly satisfying about how unapologetically weird it is while still being totally danceable.
What strikes me most about De Afrekening 25 is how eclectic it feels without losing cohesion. Sure, some songs lean heavier into electronic experimentation (cough, “Links 2,3,4”), while others are straight-up radio-friendly pop-rock anthems. But somehow, it all works together. Maybe it’s because these genres were at their peak crossover potential around the turn of the millennium, or maybe it’s just good curation. Either way, it’s impressive.
Looking back now, this album feels like a snapshot of a moment when music fans weren’t afraid to embrace variety. Listening to it today, I found myself wondering how many of these artists would even get airplay in today’s hyper-streamed world. Would anyone take a chance on a song as bizarrely catchy as “The Bananaqueen” anymore? Probably not. And that’s kinda sad.
So yeah, De Afrekening 25 might not be perfect, but it’s got character—and sometimes, that’s better than perfection.
