Ulrich Jannert opens 2026 with โTwo Men by the Harbor,โ a powerful soul-rock reflection, written for those in-between moments when life asks uncomfortable questions. Now based in Northern Europe after a long musical journey that began in Germany, Jannert has a knack for turning personal crossroads into songs. This single, released on January 2, leans into that strength, offering contemplation without preaching and warmth without gloss.
The track unfolds like a scene from a short film. It begins with gentle, slow-moving piano chords, soon joined by a deep, evocative, and warm breath of horn. It gives you space to think, to feel, to pause. Jannertโs weathered, raspy voice enters unhurriedly, thick with experience, singing with a soulful calm that suggests heโs lived these questions, not just imagined them. Light percussion rustles and taps behind him, steady but never intrusive, while the horns return in soft, contented phrases that give the song its easy sway.
Lyrically, โTwo Men by the Harborโ plays out as a simple conversation with heavy implications. One man longs for safety, with warm lights, steady living, a peaceful place to land. The other listens to the wind and chooses uncertainty, storms and all, because staying still hurts more. He sings, โTwo roads calling / Safe or free / Choose your story / Who will you be?โ Thereโs no right answer, just an honest mirror held up to the listener.
As the song drifts toward its closing image, two men build a final vessel, then disappear from view. It leaves behind a sense of resolve. With soul, folk rock, Americana, and soft R&B, โTwo Men by the Harborโ is reflective and cinematic. Itโs not about choosing the โcorrectโ path โ itโs about choosing your own, and learning to trust the tide.
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Review by: Naomi Joan