NETHERLANDS EUROVISION 2024 - REACTING TO ‘EUROPAPA’ BY JOOST KLEIN (I’M IN LOVE) 

You: "I like happy hardcore, this is my kind of music." Me: "Just wait for it..." 😂❤

Ohhhh that sparkle in your eye's when you say 'Are we getting Dutch happy hardcore?!'

I’ve watched over twenty reaction videos to Europapa and yours is my favorite one.

I came here still being sad after EBU's decision. I'm happy you love the song the exact same way as I do. Much love from the Netherlands

12 points to The Netherlands. The winner of the Eurovision Songcontest 2024, for me. This is a masterpiece. Euro papa= Euro dad, because papa is dad in Dutch. A sad song with lyrics with a meaning, with a message, in a happy hardcore melody of the 90's. A letter to his father who died when he was a 12 year old child. His mother past away a year later. He promised his father that he will be someday on the Eurovision Songcontest stage. His father told him that it is possible because there are no borders between the countries, and no limits to follow his dream. Borders and limitations are made by human. In every country he went, he felt the pain and grief of no having his parents. The fire symbolise letting go of the grief and pain, and the start of a new chapter in his live.

He als made a reference to Stromae's song Papaoute, which means Papa, where are you? So many layers pointing to how much he misses and wants to honour his parents and especially his dad. A happy message of unity, a melody with a hook that stays with you for hours on end, combined with a deep layer of loss. A true masterpiece. And I say that as someone who can't stand happy hardcore... Except for this song 😁

As you really like Dutch happy hardcore, I thought you might like to know that the bald fellow sitting in the car during that final breakdown actually wrote a part of it. That man is Paul Elstak, who you might know from "Rainbow in the sky"

You mentioned Scooter in the reaction: in Scooter's "Hyper hyper" there is a list of DJs who were popular at that time (1994), and in that list there is Paul Elstak, who is a Dutch hardcore legend. Well, Paul Elstak is the man in the car at 6:30 (and he had his strong part in the production of this song)! Joost's track has everything I love to enjoy in an Eurovision entry: it's funny, well produced, it brings some insane nostalgia vibes (specifically from the 90's era) and the final part of the video is super emotional. I love it!

I agree 100% and it's extra sad now, knowing how it turned out. They deserved to win

I’m 55 so I was in my twenties when this genre was popular, but I hated it back then. Joost somehow makes me love this now. It’s nostalgic, very fun but with a serious undertone and very Dutch as well. Combined with the visuals and his charismatic persona it’s a real banger! It gives me Dadi Freyer fibes, the unofficial Islandic winner of the festival that never happened. That was also nostalgic, fun and serious at the same time. I’m confident he can at least win the popular vote. I saw him live at a festival in January and didn’t know what to expect. But in the end I was completely convinced of his incredible stage presence, so I’m very sure he will slay on stage. Go Joost and make us Dutchies proud!

The Dutch should definitely be happy with this! Finally something that represents their music! This is better than Duncan Lawrence!

12 points from France any day ! To me THIS is eurovision, singing in your language, enbracing your culture with also modernity, this is awesome !

Your enthusiasm is contagious. This is the best reaction video on you tube by far. Well done , Rache.

The lyric subtitles are necessary here. Tying into his backstory and being an orphan. I couldn’t stop crying, but as you said, it’s a celebration, it’s a happy song that everyone should enjoy! But rachel, please please please watch this (somewhere quiet by yourself) with the subtitles. It’s so rare for a song to hit me so emotionally, particularly an upbeat one, and this is a rollercoaster. So begging you to watch the subtitles version. With that said, thank you for the musical analysis underneath everything - that helps me get an understanding as to how he managed to pull this off.

The song has entered the charts at number one already... in Belgium...

the real winner

He should be allowed to re- enter in 2025, with this song.

I saw another reaction video where they said it was not very dutch and I was like, WHAT? So thx Rachel. This is a crazy eurodance song that shows the GABBA/HAKKEN subculture that for me, a danish person, is just the most dutch thing along side stroopwafel!

Joost is such an inspiring guy for young and old people. He lost his father when he was 12 year old at cancer his mother died 8 months later due a heartattack. This song unites Europe he tells us that Europe is a huge village without borders. Joost is fantastic ❤

I'm so thrilled that you love this one! It's not my usual cup of tea musically at all, but both Joost and the song just have something so special. And you actually give me hope that some of the juries might appreciate it musically too... fingers crossed for a very high finish for the Netherlands this year!

I love that S10 shows up in the video at the dinner table 😂🇳🇱

What a joy to see that you had so much fun. This song is amazing. It gives you a happy feeling with a deep message in it. This is what Europe needs ❤🎉

Best reaction video to Joost Klein's Europapa. Thanks for that. Tears in my eyes :-)

Paul Elstak is a legend, happy that he finally get some traction in the mainstream

I’ve been waiting for this review. Thanks so much Rachel - your reviews are one of the highlights of Eurovision season.

Well... he did bring the whole Europe together.. just in a different way :D

I want to sincerely thank you for your reaction. I'm Dutch, a huge music lover (all sorts of music) who also makes music as a hobby. I have always advocated for the Netherlands to send something like this. And I love to see you appreciate it for exactly what it is, and getting exactly why it is so suitable for our country and place it in context so well , exactly naming the typical characteristics. Lots of Dutch people don't even manage to see that. I can see you feel the music for what it is. It was fantastic to see. Thanks again!

Your reaction between 6:17 - 6:23.. It is priceless for the singer ❤ This is the reaction I've been waiting for this song.

I'm loving it. It's so smart, so many references, S10 kameo and the whole happy sad impression. 10/10 indeed. 🎉

this is my number 1 atm. i love it more and more everyday. it much coming from me who was croatia stan until now (still am) but this, for me, is beating that!!

This is the year of sentiment and nostalgia. Is it because the 90s children are about to be the older generation and the target audience for votes? This year my Eurovision final will be a dance night. Enjoing the music I love.

So fantastic, your reaction. And you're so well informed about the happy hardcore style music, about the story line. Thank you! ❤

I really didn't expect to cry at the end. It's a silly song in the best way but the ending gives it another dimension.

Love your analysis and breakdown on the music aspect of this song, I totally agree it was long due the Dutch send a good trance/hardcore/techno act to Eurovision, especially since it's our biggest cultural export product. But without knowing the lyrics and Joost's backstory, you're only understanding the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The entire song (while sounding happy) actually has a very depressive undertone, relating to the fact that people with severe depression might act very happy to put up a mask they can hide behind. But the lyrics don't lie. And if you know Joost lost his dad when he was 12 and his mom a year later, things start falling in place. Lines like "I lost everything, except for time", "I'm in Germany but I'm so alone, even when I'm in Italy I still feel the pain" underscoring the fact that since the death of his parents he's felt deep pain and lonelyness no matter where he goes. And the bit that says "I'm running from myself, all day long I call for help, I even give people money but there's nobody who really helps me", highlighting his battles with his depressions, PTSD and eating disorder, but that even his doctors (the people he pays) can't really help him. So yeah, it's actually a very sad song in a very happy shell. Like Joost himself is very sad but puts up this happy mask for the world. And all this as a hyme to his parents, packed in a song that represents the unification of Europe, and the importance of it, especially now with the big red angry giant from the east lurking over us Western Europeans. It's not a great song, it's a masterpiece.

I was there at Thunderdome in 1992 and 1993 . Now I’m 50 and love this happy hardcore style. Also like you said: Paul Elstak should be there once. Love your review and see you getting more happy. You make me happy! Thnx.

Yep, this is everything i wanted in Eurovision. Goodness just how good this song is. Pure ecstasy and an emotional ride as well. What a great song. oh a little note: Other than the subtitles, search for the full outro, Rachel. You have to hear it

What a fantastic reaction! Great analysis and it went straight to your heart - both the fun and the sadness.

“It’s everything I ever wanted!” That reaction is so pure haha I love it

Rachel, looking forward to your reaction on the live version of Europapa, which is out now. 😃

Such a lovely reaction video. I love how you explain your opinion so well and I love how you are able to feel the song without even understanding the words. Really lovely.

❤ 🥲 🎶 thanks for sharing your personal reaction. I was moved 💗 and recognized myself in you

I think we're gonna win again . Incredible , with this ! Never thought it was possible, let alone had a chance to win.

Growing up in '90 in The Netherlands, HAPPY HARDCORE FOR LIFE!!

Rachel, you are the best reaction channel for Eurovision! Your insight, articulate critiques and knowledge are super enjoyable for the non-expert audience. You've made me want to learn more about music! Keep it up! ❤

Love ❤this song. Its getting better every day. 12 points for The Netherlands. ❤❤❤

I've loved your reaction so much. Thank you. It was the loveliest and sweetest i have seen so far. you are so adorable and so honest Thank you. Love and kisses from Holland xxx Eric

Thank you Rachel! This is the BEST REACTION!! ❤ I'm so happy of your happy, joyful reactions about this song, it makes me proud! The Netherlands are now number 3 by the Bookmakers! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Hope so that Joost Wins! Have watched your video many times. LOVE IT! IT 'SO GREAT! ❤ EUROPAPA 🇳🇱

Love to see you so happy Rachel 😇

This is probably my favorite entry of 2024 so far. Everything about it is so awesome and exactly the genre I was hoping the Netherlands would send!!! And I love that it's goofy on the surface but has a deeper serious meaning behind the lyrics. As someone who can speak English (of course) and German, the Dutch lyrics aren't that difficult to understand. If I mentally translate the "kh" sounds into G's, I can basically understand most of the lyrics.

Your reaction on 6.15 in the video made my day! I knew the beat was going to drop and was waiting for your reaction, all smiles afterwards. Thanks for sharing.

Yay I was waiting for your reaction! Glad you liked it. It is totally different to what we normally send to Eurovision and totally authentic Dutch. Exciting that it is already so well received.

Wow love you’re comments on this song. You’re so well informed about happy hardcore and our Dutch music culture. Thank you!!❤🙏🏽

This video is still a joy to watch. Your reaction to the happy hardcore bit is priceless! Too bad Joost got disqualified... but maybe he's this year's real winner because of all the publicity. Much love from The Netherlands.

Awh Rachellll! You reaction is so wonderful. Hoping this one gets far in the contest, but we're proud of Joost Klein nonetheless. It's a complete package of emotions, just wow.

Thank you for the comments. So proud to be dutch !!!

What a wonderful reaction! Loved your enthusiasm! :) And yes, that ending is so moving... It's a fun song, but with a deep meaning.

Nice to see a musucian also into this genre. Im a classicsl musician bit have wanted to hear this gente in eurovision for years. 😊 Thr only thing i dont like is thag its really not long enough for this type of track, but thats the 3 min constraint.

Yey! I was waiting for this one

The moment you locked in about wanting dutch happy hardcore you instantly secured my sub.

Hi. what a lovely and nice and open review.. I liked it a lot. So into your feeling and so into the music of Joost... Great Review!!! Greetings from the Netherlands...

Love your reaction. Happy hardcore never dies❤

This is one of the better reactions to our submission. You can see you appreciated the song and I love that you also showed some personality. A lot of reactors just play the video and shout some random words every now and then

A totally deserved 10! This song has a great chance to get my Italian vote, together with Norway and Switzerland (brilliant), after the performance on stage. Great job! ❤️

Great review!! For me this song is HOPE! Hope in the future! Hope for Europe living in PEACE!

Hey Rache, I really loved your reaction and the sparkling in your eyes. Europapa is indeed not only a cool song, but also unexpected beautiful with an emotional message to his parents. A specially to his father.

YESSSSSAAAAAAHHH! 10 for me too! Equal to Greece. I'm very happy for NL or Greece to win this year. (No, I'm neither Greek nor Dutch). Both have blown my mind. ❤🎉

I think the Dutch Gabber part + Joost's fun performance might just make the stage audience in Malmö ..blow up!

i felt the same way as you, because the 90s hardcore scene is stored in a special place in my heart❤❤❤

I really love this! I’m very lucky to be from Belgium, because now I can vote for Joost 😎😀🇧🇪

The end makes me cry every time I see it 😭😭😭

THANK YOU. I've been saying it for years. Bring a song that reflects our amazing EDM heritage and it's a shoe -in. They finally did it.

So proud as a dutchie on Joost and his team. From a high energy beat to goosebumps..can't wait to see them on stage .❤

Is it just me, that I also experienced this song as a cry to save our small european family and unity in times when it is in danger of burning down to the ground?

How did I miss your reaction videos so far.. Yours were so entertaining to watch last year, glad to see you do it again. Guess I've something to bingewatch now. Definitely happy with our entry this time, although I didnt hate our last entries, it's great to see Joost going a different direction for once.

Best reaction of the season!!

I feel exactly the same, it grew on me.

Literally my favourite reaction to any video, ever :). Go Holland! (and go Belgium and Croatia too!)

Great reaction Rachel. ❤from the Netherlands 🇾🇪🇾🇪🇾🇪

I was also one of those who grew up with this genre and absolutely loved it! It was therapy (frustration) and it was bliss and ecstasy. I must say you have a very detailed producer's view of this typical Dutch happy hardcore song! Yes, that plasticky piano came from the famous Korg M1 from that era. Not to mention the "amen break" (jungle) beat!

A true masterpiece by Joost!!!

ThePeaceAround Just a funny fact! Finland's and Netherland's entries having some similarities, both inspired by the 90's. There have been many mentions about Windows95Man and Joost Klein looking like brothers, and also Windows95Man is married to a woman from the Netherlands

This is such a fun song, but with an unexpected deep meaning - i do love it ❤

I’ve been waiting for this reaction. I’m so glad you liked it !

Finally we sent in a song that i like! Let's Go Netherlands

This is is not only music, this is art. So many double messages. It makes me happy, gives me energy and makes me sad as wel. How is that posible. Respect

Watched a lot and this is the best reactional video.

Like your review a lot 🥰 didn’t expect that you would like this genre of music. Your reaction made me smile 😍

Great song! I love your reaction and fully agree this is a perfect dutch entry.

His parents where “Gabbers” and where fan of Scooter, DJ Paul Elstak, and the whole happy hardcore scene (in holland called Gabber). The start of the song is actually been inspired by Scooter.😎

Did you see the live performance yet Rachel? Curious to find out how you think about it :)

Very accurate reaction catching all the qualities of the song and the things that catch you right in the feels. I'm very proud of joost but lets not forget all the top-end producers that worked tirelessly for 7 months on this song and the Biggest happy hardcore producer in the netherlands the legend Paul Elstak worked on this so you know it's gonna be legendary. This deserves to be #1!

The Dutch love you too ❤️

Hi Rachel, I love your review and reaction to Joost Klein and Dutch music!!! ❤ There's so much he put into this clip, unbelievable: happy feelings, a very personal and deep story, and sad feelings as well. 😢

The best reaction ever…. Thank you

A televoters number 1❤❤

Thank you for your honesty! This is why I like following you!😀

I really love your emotion. I had the same feeling while listening this for the first time.. Douze points to The Netherlands! ❤❤

Woooooow, I like your in depth musical analysis!!

Firstly, it's so nice to hear your Eurovision commentary again! And Secondly, it's so cool to see you're as excited as I got when I first heard this entry.

The synths in verse 2 are my absolute favourite part of the song, and to see you go “Ooooh, the synths!” was everything I ever dreamed of in a reaction video. Loved your musical analysis, the way you listen to music, and your enthousiasm. And the fact that you made a reference to Go_A … subscribed 😁👌🏾