On My Playlist: Top 5 Francois van Coke songs

Since bursting onto the scene as the lead vocalist of the band, Fokofpolisiekar in 2003, Francois van Coke has been an enigmatic and polarising figure in SA’s music industry. The rock frontman has done it all during his 14-year career, in which ‘rock and roll’ has been the key phrase for this musician. Van Coke has also ventured into a solo career lately, with great success and his self-titled debut includes a number of big hits, none more so than ‘Toe Vind Ek Jou’, a soulful duet with Karen Zoid that had music lovers in awe. Van Coke will, once again, perform at NWU Pukke’s JOOL this year and his performance is sure to be top notch as usual. His second album “Hierdie Is Die Lewe” will release tomorrow (2 February) and is sure to be a hit with fans.
Here are my top 5 Francois van Coke songs in his capacity with his band Die Gevaar.
Honourable mentions:
Ek Weet Nie, Moontlik Nooit
5. Waarheid, Weg en Lewe
When you first hear this song, you might feel transported into the 70’s rock and roll scene. The wailing guitar tone and effect opens it up before Van Coke’s recognisable voice enters the scene. This sound fits Van Coke like a glove as he begins with a confession of emptiness and a loss of inspiration in his search for truth in his life. ‘Ek soek die waarheid, ek soek die weg, ek soek die lewe,’ he sings in the chorus as pounding drums and a crunchy palm-muted guitar riff almost substantiate his claims. An insane guitar solo from Jedd Kossew only sweetens the deal as the song reaches a fitting crescendo.

4. Neonlig
‘Neonlig’ is one of those songs that has the ability to tell a story and to speak to your soul. It sets a picture, a time and a place with its haunting melody and lyrics. The guitar intro fits perfectly with the overall vibe of the melancholy verses and adds to making the chorus stand out that much more. ‘Weet nie of ek sal terugkyk nie, sal seker moet stop vir petrol en ‘n dop, ek hoop die tyd vee ons heeltemal uit,’ sings Van Coke. One of my favourite parts of the track is the guitar lick in the bridge as it is melodic, catchy and complements the song brilliantly.

3. Toe Vind Ek Jou
If you haven’t listened to this song yet, you have probably been living under a rock. This is the quintessential Francois van Coke song and this well-known duet is a sincere love ballad that looks at various relationships aspects and up and downs. It eventually focuses on the important aspect of being there for each other. The unpretentious nature of true love and the emotions that go with it are also beautifully portrayed in the verses and repeating chorus that you can’t help but sing along to. ‘Jy’s my toevlug, wil jou nooit laat huil nie. Jy’s my wysie, ons het ‘n hond ons het ‘n huisie,’ is one of my favourite lyrics from this song.

2. Behoort Aan Niemand Nie
This song has a more individualistic tone than the previous songs in this list and looks at Van Coke’s up and downs in the music scene. In this number, he shares his views that he does not owe anyone anything and is in charge of his own life. The song has great structure, musically, with a guitar riff that is the building block of a darker sounding song.

1.Waar Daar ‘n Wil Is…
This is probably the closest to a straight up rock song you will find on Van Coke’s debut album, and this is one of the reason’s I chose this as number one. There is something about this style of music that just suits Van Coke’s voice – where he can belt it out at full volume with headbanging, complemented with a change of pace in his voice. The guitar riff is memorable – it has an old school rock vibe and gives the song the necessary edge. This is a trademark song that Van Coke performs with absolute aplomb. The lyrics are also fantastic and look at humans’ ability to overcome obstacles and to find a way.