Taking Flight with “Courage”: Harry Kappen’s Daring Leap of Faith

Michael Stover
2 min readMar 24, 2025

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Harry Kappen’s new single, “Courage,” is a sonic voyage that doesn’t so much break new ground as it boldly reclaims territory long deemed sacred by the great rock and pop legends. With a piercing lyric like “And the eagle spread its wings,” Kappen signals not only his departure from familiar shores but also his earnest embrace of both vulnerability and audacity. The track, emerging as a heartfelt ode to transformation and commitment, is as much about personal rebirth as it is a defiant tribute to the timeless spirit of rock ’n’ roll.

What stands out in “Courage” is its fearless hybridity — a restless concoction of Western underground pop, jazzy interludes, and Latin grooves that feels like a pointed reminder of the era-defining experiments of Bowie, Prince, and McCartney. Yet, unlike many contemporary acts that lean too heavily on digital polish and empty sentiment, Kappen’s work pulsates with a genuine, almost tactile emotional weight, one clearly honed by his experiences as both a musician and a music therapist. His lyrics craft a vivid narrative, painting imagery of stormy introspection and daring adventures, while the buoyant chorus transforms personal struggle into anthemic resilience.

In an age overloaded with cookie-cutter pop and manufactured messages, “Courage” stands apart as a rallying cry for those willing to embrace change — even if it means stepping into an unknown future. Its blend of eclectic influences, raw lyricism, and subtle defiance makes it a refreshing, if at times uneven, reminder of what rock music can be when it dares to soar above convention. Kappen’s willingness to mix the playful with the pensive, the jazz-inflected with the downright militant in terms of message, is not just a nod to his musical forebears but a call to arms for a new generation longing for authenticity and innovation.

In sum, “Courage” isn’t merely a song — it’s an invitation, a challenge, and a promise all rolled into one. For die-hard rock aficionados and seekers of sincerity alike, Harry Kappen’s single is a potent reminder of the transformative power of music, one that both honors the past and looks boldly into the future.

-Pete Poundstone

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