Success does not buy happiness. No better proof for this statement than 4Us (1983), Doe Maar's fourth album, which was released at the height of their success. The gentlemen show cynicism (Doe Maar Just Alsof), fears (Bang), disillusions (Alles Gaat Voorbij) and unresolved youth (Pa). A year after the release of 4Us, the band broke up. It was widely believed that the nasty side effects of the
… overwhelming success were the reason for the break. But the musical cake was also finished. With the exception of a few strong pop songs by Vrienten - Nachtzuster, 1 Nacht Only, Pa - the last album drags itself through mediocre compositions, which have also been recorded lifeless on the tape, due to the first generation of inferior digital recording equipment. Lyrically, the band does everything it can to alienate the young target group, by addressing serious problems such as adultery and drug abuse. But despite the blatant swearing, a song like Heroin does not turn dark, and Je Walkt Je Lul After, despite the explicit lyrics, remains a little memorable tune. A somewhat disappointing swan song by the most popular Dutch band ever. (MS)more