I have been following this artist from his early television appearances, through his days as BOO! lead singer and bass guitarist days and I’m still a follower some years later with his stellar solo career. I find the singer/songwriter enigmatic and his stage presence absolutely magical; there’s just something about him. Every time he releases a CD I hold my breath though, have they managed to capture the essence of the versatile chameleon on one single disc?

The album is said to chronicle a relationship; from the beginning to the end and the opening track ignites the butterflies-in-the-tummy feeling you get. “Met Die Eerste Oogopslag” is characteristically Chris. It takes you on a musical rollercoaster, starting gently and building up to a strong vocal composition backed by gentle harmonising. It is falling in love for the first time; at first you are shy; scared the person may not return your feelings but (OH!) when they do, you are singing it from the rooftops with a silly grin on your face.

“Soen” is another personification of the sound we have come to know and appreciate from the Chameleon; he plays with tunes, not afraid to experiment with a variety of sounds and percussions. The track is light and fun, with its content artfully illustrating the emotions around the first kiss.

Although Chris Chameleon has proven time and time again that he is a deep, deep soul with a freehold on emotive lyrics, intricate melodies and skilfully layered vocals, the duet with Lize Beekman, “Ek Vir Jou”, is a surprisingly emotional and tender song performed with a sincerity and honesty which caught me off guard.

Something about this man which I appreciate greatly is the fact that he will write a haunting ballad and accompany it with low lingering vocals that guarantee goose bumps. “Ek Dink Ek Hou Nog Van Jou” echoes with his sultry vocals complemented by his high pitched harmonising and somewhere in the background something I once heard on a BOO! track.

I first saw Theo Crous’ name on “Ek Herhaal Jou” and was quite surprised to see his name on an album so intricately different to what he usually does. A respected musician in his own right; Theo is one of the original Nudies and the other half in the Afrikaans heavy metal outfit Kobus!, which is why I wrongfully categorised him as a rock musician. On “Ek Vir Jou” he plays guitar, the kazoo, piano and is responsible for the programming as well as taking on the recording and producing of the album. His contribution to the album is exceptional and definitive, especially on the track “Vertrek Van Die Twaalf”.

And as usual, I kept the best for last. “Epiloog” is just beautiful, I found it to be a reflection of a side people treasure and generally hide far away from the rest of the world; that vulnerable side that always has hope.

Yep, there is definitely something about Chris Chameleon…