Album Review: Der Junge Sound (1978)
Alright, let’s talk about Der Junge Sound, a hidden gem from 1978 that somehow manages to feel both super dated and oddly timeless. This German folk/religious album is one of those records you stumble upon in a dusty thrift shop or maybe hear at your grandma’s house during Sunday coffee. It’s got that wholesome, church-basement vibe but with enough charm to keep you hooked. Put together by Klaus Heizmann for the Hänssler label, it features a bunch of contributors like Die Christussänger, Elke Hucks, and even some choirs like Jugend Für Christus Chor. Oh, and don’t forget Graphics guy Daniel Dolmetsch—he probably spent hours making sure the cover looked as holy as the music inside.
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect much when I first hit play. But hey, sometimes the underdogs surprise ya. Two tracks really stood out to me: "Herr, Du Bist So Unendlich Groß" and "Happy Road." Let me tell ya why they stuck.
First up, “Herr, Du Bist So Unendlich Groß.” Man, this track hits different. The harmonies are simple yet so sincere, like someone just opened their heart and let the notes spill out. You can tell these singers aren’t trying too hard—they’re just doing what feels right. And yeah, it’s religious, so if you’re not into that, fair enough, but there’s something comforting about hearing voices come together like this. It reminds me of sitting in an old wooden pew while sunlight streams through stained glass windows. Corny? Maybe. But also kinda beautiful.
Then there’s “Happy Road,” which is… well, exactly what it sounds like. It’s upbeat, full of energy, and honestly feels like the musical equivalent of skipping down a country lane on a sunny day. What gets me is how happy everyone sounds—like they genuinely believe life is good and everything will work out fine. It’s cheesy as heck, but after listening to it three times in a row, I started wondering if maybe we could all use a little more "Happy Road" optimism in our lives.
The rest of the album has its moments too. Tracks like “Wer Macht Frei?” and “Dir Gilt Gottes Angebot” have nice melodies, though nothing quite matches those two standouts. There’s a mix of solo performances and group numbers, all done in that classic ‘70s style where everything feels warm and slightly muffled, like it was recorded on a tape deck in someone’s living room.
What fascinates me most about Der Junge Sound isn’t necessarily the music itself—it’s the people behind it. Like, who were these folks? Why did Reinhold Leimbeck decide to sing backup vocals instead of becoming a baker? Did Elke Hucks ever dream her voice would end up being dissected by random internet reviewers decades later? These questions might never get answered, but they make the whole thing feel human.
So yeah, Der Junge Sound won’t blow your mind, but it’s got soul. In a world full of overproduced playlists and auto-tuned pop stars, there’s something refreshing about an album that keeps things real—even if it leans heavily into praising the Lord. Honestly, if aliens landed tomorrow and asked me to explain Earth’s music history, I’d consider throwing this on the pile—not because it’s perfect, but because it tells a story. A quirky, heartfelt, slightly awkward story. And isn’t that what art’s supposed to do?
Oh, and one last thing: whoever thought naming a track “It's Only Me Lord” was a good idea clearly had no chill. Bold move. Props.
