CIAN DUCROT - VICTORY
Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot has had quite the year - from emerging with a viral TikTok hit, ‘All For You’ back in 2022, to performing at multiple prime-time spots at festivals across the country, all leading up to the release of his debut album Victory. Ducrot bears all on this record, delivering vocal heavy track after track whilst retaining his Irish roots throughout - the future is bright for the singer as he shines in his Victory.
Opening with the title track ‘Victory’ Ducrot solidifies the album's theme - deep thought-compelling tracks about growing up, past lovers, and personal trauma. The piano-heavy song explores the idea of growing up and proving those who have doubted you wrong. The Irish singer’s vocals carry the chorus as he sings: “The sweeter the victory, victory.” His dulcet tone combined with the feel-good tempo brings an empowering intro to the record. The echoing and repeated oh’s after each chorus is a perfect opportunity for the crowd to sing along with Ducrot - a chance not to be missed and to get into your feelings.
‘I’ll Be Waiting’ follows the story of wanting someone, but they do not show up when you need them the most - the process of getting over someone without the closure you think you need. A song which has gained growing popularity across both TikTik and Ducrot’s wider fanbase - it is an emotional song to sing for the ones you regret letting go of - it is cathartic. “If you ever wanna fall in love / If you ever wanna bet on us / If you ever wanna be my one / I’ll be waiting” appear as some of the most passion-fueled lyrics on the entire record - the notion that he will wait for this person resonates throughout Victory.
Songs such as ‘Heaven’, ‘Step Dad’, and ‘Mama’ are odes to the singer's family. ‘Heaven’ is dedicated to his brother and is an uplifting track about his memories with him - embedded between choral choir-like vocals and joy. “Are we in Heaven, Heaven” adds to the beauty of the song - Ducrot’s admiration for his brother becomes immortalised within the song. ‘Step Dad’ has a more soulful RnB tone - honing in on the tireless work a stepdad must carry as they are: “Picking up the pieces left by a monster.” Following the same theme - ‘Mama’ is a love letter for the Irish performer's mother. Again with a similar RnB style flow to ‘Step Dad’ - ‘Mama’ tells a tale of how Ducrot will do whatever it takes for his mother to be happy as she has raised him: he wishes to return the favour. These three tracks simultaneously highlight Ducrot’s admiration for his upbringing, and his family and how they have helped him reach his full potential - this shines throughout the songwriting on Victory.
Peaking his career back in 2022 was the track ‘All For You’, which appears on Ducrot’s debut respectfully. As another piano ballad - he rejoices in the knowledge that despite losing a loved one, or a relationship, he wishes the best for her even though he still yearns for them to be together. This track adheres to the album theme wholly - regret in love and relationships whilst dealing with trauma. “I should have called / And I should have tried” are gut-wrenching tear-inducing lyrics - the singer has a unique way of expressing his inner turmoil during this heartbreak.
A song with different production to the rest of the piano-heavy tracks on the album is ‘Everyone Who Falls In Love (Has Someone Else They’re Thinking Of)’ - the song builds heavily with an aggressive guitar strum, reminiscent of the stylings used in Billie Eilish's ‘Happier Than Ever’ with a similar vocal pattern also. “But what if it's me who made her feel like she's not enough” adds to the intense darkness of the song production-wise - opposing the other songs on the record.
This carefully produced run of songs highlights the stardom of Cian Ducrot - as well as being able to bear his soul to all through intricate melodies. The heartache and yearning are felt vividly through Victory - the respect for Ducrot deserves uttermost appreciation and value - he is a triumph. Despite the running similarity in production throughout, Victory is a record recommended for those a fan of pop music and heartfelt lyrics.
Amber Nielsen
★★★☆☆