Isaac Dunbar, comme des garçons (like the boys) | Track Review 🎵

Isaac Dunbar, exploring identity and stereotypes, opts against conformity, embracing individuality on “comme des garçons (like the boys).”

Isaac Dunbar has had an impressive 2020 to say the least. The youngster (17 years of age) has released an excellent series of singles in advance of his EP. Those absolutely, showstopping bops are “Isaac’s Insects”, “Makeup Drawer”, and “Scorton’s Creek”.  All three of those singles made the respective Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in January, February, and March – pretty cool. Dunbar is back with another surefire winner, “comme des garçons (like the boys).”

Obviously, the first thing that stands out about “Comme des garçons (like the boys)” is the title, which is in French.  Beyond the song title, the next thing that makes the record stand out is the production.  This is a synth-heavy number, and let me tell you, I’m here for it! The synths are colorful, filled with exuberance, making “comme des garçons” sleek AF.  While all of the singles Dunbar has unveiled prior to the release of his EP have been sleek, “comme des garçons” has a compelling argument for the best production work.  So far, we have a great title and top-notch production.

What else makes “comme des garçons” another winner for Isaac Dunbar? His voice is amazing, as it has been throughout the promo campaign.  Hard to believe he’s just 17 to be honest. More striking, however, are the lyrics.  The three songs Dunbar released prior to this one all have very personal, thoughtful elements.  “comme des garçons (like the boys)” is no different, as Dunbar reflects on identity issues but fiercely embraces nonconformity on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“I don’t wanna be the same
I don’t wanna be like you
I don’t wanna be comme des garçons
C-c-c-c-comme des garçons
I-I-I-I-I don’t wanna fight for my name
I don’t wanna get tattoos
I don’t wanna be comme des garçons
Comme des garçons.”

Final Thoughts 

If you haven’t explored the gift that is Isaac Dunbar, well, you totally need to get on that! Once again, this teen has shown talent far beyond his years, not to mention exploring subject matter that’s also transcendent in so many ways.  I dare you find something objectionable about “comme des garçons (like the boys).”

Isaac Dunbar • “comme des garçons (like the boys)” • RCA • Release: 4.2.20

Photo Credit: RCA