Once in a while, there comes a debut album that completely stops you in your tracks. It doesn’t feel like a rookie effort, rather it feels like the work of a seasoned pro who has been in the game for ages. This is exactly what happened when i spun “What A Dream It Is”, the debut solo record from 28-year old Parisian artist Alexandre Laugier.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that we’re always on the lookout for music that tells a real story, the kind of songs that make you feel like you’re sitting in a movie theatre watching the story play. Laugier delivers exactly that type of feeling, blending the smooth, old-school charm of classic jazz crooners with modern pop vibes.
One notable and interesting thing about Alexandre Laugier is not just his voice, but his background. He has lived and breathed music since the early age of five, learning both the Piano and the trumpet in a French town called Vernon but here’s the secret sauce: he also studied musical theater at the famous Cours Florent in Paris. This means he’s not just a regular guy behind the piano singing notes, he’s a total performer who knows how to use acting, movement and timing.
“What A Dream It Is” was entirely written, composed and put together by Alexandre Laugier himself and he chose to sing the entire song in English. It’s essentially a concept album about the timeline of a passionate love story. Instead of random tracks, the 10 songs in the album takes you on a trip. You get that butterfly inducing highs of falling in love, the heavy sad ache of breaking up and finally, that quiet, peaceful feeling when you’ve moved on.
Musically, this album is a brilliant mix and it’s really impressive how modern pop and rock element is sneaked into this work. It gives you a mix of emotions; sweet, regretful and relieved, all at once.
The bass and drums keep things moving with a steady swinging heartbeat. The saxophones and harmonica pop in to add moody solos and emotions to the lyrics. You can feel the influence of Frank Sinatra’s effortless cool and Peter Cincotti’s wild piano skills. It feels less like a sterile recording session and more like a conversation between talented people.
This album is a beautiful reminder of how past relationships shape who we are and help us grow. It’s rare to find a debut artist who can write, compose and arrange an album this perfect. Alexandre Laugier is the real deal so do yourself a favor, listen to this album and let it take you on a journey. Your ears will thank you.
LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:
English