The history of English pop is punctuated with whirlwind romances between Great Britain and France. Among the most striking musical love stories are ’Michelle’ by The Beatles, ’Donner pour donner’ by Elton John and France Gall, and the English versions of Jacques Brel’s songs by Scott Walker (a naturalised Englishman). This new album is the result of a brief romance between British Charlie Winston and the French label Tôt ou Tard on the one hand and the French producer Vianney on the other. The singer of ’Like a Hobo’ is a perfect match for Vianney’s sparkling folk pop on tracks such as ’Don’t Worry About Me’ (featuring a jazz trumpet and a gospel choir) and ’I’ll Be Your Algorithm’ (where the humanism of both artists is laid bare).
Perhaps more surprisingly, the duo also veers towards a more orchestral and lyrical type of pop, as evidenced by ’Exile’ (a glowing song featuring stunning strings and piano) and ’This Storm Too Shall Pass’ (a pared-down ballad that turns into a steamroller of a track complete with a trumpet, youth choir, strings and an electrifying piano). Another song that’s just as orchestral—though in a more minimalist way—is ’Unconscious’, which depicts what can only be described as an interstellar voyage towards the unconscious mind. Meanwhile, ‘Overprotective’ is an energetic rock track with a style undeniably influenced by the Police but with the addition of a string quartet. With this album, Charlie Winston reveals his true self: from his enduring optimism to the doubts that sometimes plague him (‘Limbo’, ’Letter from My Future Self’). © Nicolas Magenham/Qobuz