Ok, I’m really pushing my luck here… I’ve heard people say this 1993 release by Valensia is nothing short of the Dutch ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’! To be fair, there’s some understanding to that thought. The song’s structures and storytelling share some similarities and the production of ‘Gaia’ is borderline insane. Recording this song had been a ridiculously expensive project – some say one of the priciest Dutch single recordings ever! – and featured many skilled musicians including a full orchestra and choir. ‘Gaia’ features an enormous amount of layers and elements – for popular music standards that is – and the technical ability required to properly perform it are displayed perfectly by Madelief van Straaten, who arranged an orchestral cover of this song and conducted Utrecht’s conservatory students during a performance of this song. You can watch this impressive performance right here! Either way, I noticed I can’t quite get enough of ‘Gaia’ due to it being such a brilliantly written song. Understandably, symphonic rock isn’t everybody’s cup of tea but if you haven’t heard this song before (which I can hardly imagine if you’re one of my Dutch followers), give this piece of music a try. I’m sure you will appreciate it in some shape or form.