Joost's Exploration Into Sonic Polish: 'Fryslân'

JOOST: FRYSLÂN

SCORE: 100/100

Fryslân is what can largely be considered as Joost's first "proper" project as the artist he is known as today, with many of the songs that make up this 34-minute LP being staples of his discography to this day. The 2022 album showcases a massive amount of both artistic and sonic growth for the Dutch rapper-turned-Gabber artist, and the shift further into Nederpop makes Fryslân  one of his best projects.

This album is where Joost had officially started to find his sound and style, with 2022 being the year where he would dive deeper into hardstyle while still having slightly toned down music with thick bass and exceptional production. The full-time switch to Tantu Beats as his producer of choice started with this album and has continued ever since; and his work is immediately apparent throughout the entire album. 

Every single beat on Fryslân is something impossible to ignore. Every song creates something new and exciting - and not one song is the same as the last. Each and every track uses different sounds and styles, and each beat stands out from the one before it. The album is formatted in a way that makes it endlessly replayable, and every song is a massive accomplishment in it's own right. 

Not only is this one of Joost's best albums, it is also one of his most personal and emotionally potent projects that dives deep into his life. From his upbringing to the tragic loss of both of his parents in such a short time, Joost laments about his entire life story on many of the songs within the album. The vulnerability within the album helps to showcase his growth as an artist even more, and songs like Florida 2009 and Pinkpop 1983 touch on heartbreaking events that have happened throughout his life - some of which still influence his music so many years later.

The tone shifts found throughout Fryslân are exceptionally and tastefully done with exceptional execution and flawless bouncebacks making the album come together even better than it would without these changes in tone and style. Every style and sound imaginable can be found throughout Fryslân, and it's an album that prides itself on identity and variety. 

It's almost impossible to find an album where every song is truly memorable - but this is one of them. Tantu Beats' incredible production helps to make this the album that it is, and it's clear to see that Joost had found himself, his style, and his sound almost entirely by this point in his ever changing career.