The band achieved international recognition through the inclusion of the track 2Wicky (from A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular) on the soundtrack to Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1996 film Stealing Beauty (Io Ballo da Sola).
The original members of the group were vocalist Liesje Sadonius, keyboardist Frank Duchêne, bass guitarist and programmer Alex Callier, and guitarist Raymond Geerts. Sadonius left Hooverphonic on amicable terms shortly after the release of A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular and was replaced by Geike Arnaert in early 1998. Duchêne left the band after Blue Wonder Power Milk. Arnaert left the band in 2008 and was succeeded by Noémie Wolfs. On March 26, 2015 the band announced that that Noémie Wolfs would be leaving the band "in mutual agreement."
Hooverphonic released their fifth studio album No More Sweet Music in November 2005, featuring four singles: Wake Up, You Hurt Me, Dirty Lenses and We All Float. One year later they released a Best Of album called Singles 96-06. This was their last release under the Sony label.
Hooverphonic released their sixth studio album The President of the LSD Golf Club on 8th October 2007 in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium and Holland, which includes the single Expedition Impossible. European Release January 2008 (although available via mail-order). This was an independent release, recorded at the Willie Nelson studios in the USA.
On October 10, 2008 the management announced that Geike Arnaert would be leaving the band.
After Geike Arnaert and the band parted ways, it took them two years to find a worthy successor to Arnaert. In November 2010 Noémie Wolfs was announced as the new leading lady. A brand new album called The Night Before followed soon after. The new singer was introduced on Belgian television in State Broadcaster VRT's late night show "De Laatste Show" on Thursday November 4th. The title track of the album is their biggest singles' chart success to date. Also, the album soon equaled the success of A Magnificent Tree.
On March 26, 2015 it was announced that Noémie Wolfs would be leaving the band.
Hooverphonic released In Wonderland on March 18, 2016. This release features a number of vocalists including: Emilie Satt, Janie Price (AKA Bird), Felix Howard, Litlo Tinz, Christa Jérôme, and Tjeerd Bomhof.
They were supposed to represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam with their song "Release Me". The event was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hooverphonic was the only Eurovision entrant for 2020 who refused to take part in the "Love Shine a Light" performance, where entrants each contributed sections of the song, although a photograph of Luka Cruysberghs was included with the other participants making a hand heart at the end.
On 9th November 2020, Luka Cruysberghs left the band and, on the same day, Geike Arnaert announced her return. Also on the same day, they released a new version of Mad About You for the song's 20th anniversary.
Discography
• A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular (1996)
• Blue Wonder Power Milk (1998)
• The Magnificent Tree (2000)
• Hooverphonic Presents Jackie Cane (2002)
• Sit Down And Listen To... (2003)
• No More Sweet Music (2005/6)
• Singles 96/06 (2006)
• The President of the LSD Golf Club (2007/2008)
• The Night Before (2010)
• With Orchestra (2012)
• Reflection (2013)
• In Wonderland (2016)
Belgium In The Rain
Hooverphonic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're in luck, drawn in my cloud
Neutrons make sure we don't part
You're always on the move
Never seem to lose that groove
Alone we're on a trip
A cloudy day, a little strange
Kaleidoscope of grey
You're like Belgium in the rain
A little sad
But you smile whenever I stay
Although you're far away
You feel so close to me
I'm the proton in your core
Positivity
Your head is always in
Those very fluffy clouds
You are my biggest sin
You're like Belgium in the rain
A cloudy day, a little strange
Kaleidoscope of grey
You're like Belgium in the rain
A little sad
But you smile whenever I stay
Protons, neutrons, all those electrons
They make the world go 'round
Protons, neutrons, all those electrons
Make sure I'll never part
As though the chord is strung
It can be dangerous
Protons, neutrons, all those electrons
You're like Belgium in the rain
A little sad
But you smile whenever I stay
You're like Belgium in the rain
A cloudy day, a little strange
Kaleidoscope of grey
You're like Belgium in the rain
A little sad
But you smile whenever I stay
You're like Belgium in the rain
The lyrics to Hooverphonic's song "Belgium In The Rain" speak to the experience of being human in a vast and unpredictable universe. The opening lines, "We're tiny atoms in a chaotic universe / You're in luck, drawn in my cloud / Neutrons make sure we don't part" suggest that the singer and the person they are addressing are small but interconnected components of a larger system. The image of "neutrons" keeping them from "parting" suggests that there is some force that binds them together, despite the chaos that surrounds them.
The chorus, which repeats the title phrase "You're like Belgium in the rain," offers an interesting contrast between the stability of a nation and the transience and variability of weather. Belgium is presented as both "cloudy" and "a kaleidoscope of grey," which could be interpreted as either negative or neutral descriptors, while "the rain" adds a layer of melancholy to the metaphor. However, the singer acknowledges that even in this melancholy state, the person they are addressing is still capable of expressing warmth and happiness, symbolized by the line "A little sad / But you smile whenever I stay."
Overall, the song seems to be about finding meaning and connection in a world that can feel overwhelming and impersonal. The scientific language and references to subatomic particles underline the idea that even in the face of vast complexity, there are still patterns and relationships to be found.
Line by Line Meaning
We're tiny atoms in a chaotic universe
We're small and insignificant in the vast, unpredictable cosmos.
You're in luck, drawn in my cloud
You're fortunate to be caught up in my whims and emotions.
Neutrons make sure we don't part
The strong force binding us together is like the neutrons holding an atom's nucleus intact.
You're always on the move
You're restless and constantly seeking new experiences.
Never seem to lose that groove
You always maintain your unique style and rhythm.
Alone we're on a trip
We're both on separate journeys, but find solace in being together.
You're like Belgium in the rain
Like the country and its weather, you're a mix of melancholy and beauty.
A cloudy day, a little strange
Your personality can be mysterious and unpredictable, much like a cloudy day.
Kaleidoscope of grey
You're complex and multilayered, with shades of darkness and light.
A little sad
You're not always happy or content, but that's part of your appeal.
But you smile whenever I stay
Despite any sadness or uncertainty, you find joy in my presence.
Although you're far away
Even when physically distant, you feel emotionally close to me.
You feel so close to me
Our connection is strong and intimate, regardless of distance.
I'm the proton in your core
I'm the source of your positive energy and inner strength, like a proton at the heart of an atom.
Positivity
You radiate hope and optimism, even amidst life's difficulties.
Your head is always in
Your mind is often lost in thought or imagination, detached from reality.
Those very fluffy clouds
Your thoughts and emotions can be delicate and transient, like clouds in the sky.
You are my biggest sin
Despite any flaws or complications, I'm willing to risk everything for our connection.
Protons, neutrons, all those electrons
Referencing the scientific components of matter, highlighting the atomic-level connection between the two individuals.
They make the world go 'round
Our relationship is fundamental to our personal worlds, and to the larger world in general.
Make sure I'll never part
The forces that bind us are strong and unwavering, ensuring that we'll never be separated.
As though the chord is strung
Our connection is like a musical chord, vibrating in harmony and resonance.
It can be dangerous
Emphasizing the intensity and risks involved in a deep emotional bond.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alex Maria Johan Callier
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind