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)
Stranger
Hooverphonic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We belong in a world that's too strange for this world
Stranger
We do long for a fatamorgana dream world
Where people love each other
Greedy in love
Touch my face to prove I'm awake in this world
Stranger
Gently blow some life into hope for a strange world
Hooverphonic's song "Stranger" is a poignant reflection on the state of our world and the longing for a better one. The opening lines, "We belong in a world that's too strange for this world", could be interpreted as a recognition of the chaos and confusion that surrounds us every day. Despite the strangeness of our world, however, the song suggests that there is hope for a better future - a "fatamorgana dream world" where people love each other and greed is replaced by compassion.
The chorus of "Stranger" is particularly powerful, with its repeated plea for connection and understanding - "Stranger, touch my face to prove I'm awake in this world / Stranger, gently blow some life into hope for a strange world". These lines seem to speak to our deep-seated need for human connection and the hope that comes from knowing we are not alone. Through these lyrics, Hooverphonic reminds us that even in a world that often feels dark and confusing, there is still room for hope and light.
Overall, "Stranger" is a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the complexities of our modern world. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and seek out the connections and moments of beauty that make life worth living.
Line by Line Meaning
We belong in a world that's too strange for this world
We don't fit into the norms of the current world we live in
We do long for a fatamorgana dream world
We yearn for a world that only exists in our imagination
Where people love each other
A world where love is prevalent
Greedy in love
Experiencing a strong desire to love and be loved
Touch my face to prove I'm awake in this world
Physical touch confirms our existence in this reality
Gently blow some life into hope for a strange world
Bringing hope to a world that seems unfamiliar and strange
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES FINK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind