Stromae, Multitude | Album Review 💿

Belgian musician Stromae (Paul Van Haver) delivers sheer excellence on Multitude, his first album in eight years.

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fter an eight-year hiatus, Belgian musician extraordinaire 🎙 Stromae (Paul Van Haver) has returned! This is marvelous news considering how gifted he is.  He doesn’t disappoint on his 36-minute album, 💿 Multitude. Early on, singles 🎵 “Santé” and 🎵 “L’enfer” suggested Van Haver had a winner on his hands.  Indeed, Multitude is a surefire winner that never misses a beat.  You might say that Paul is, indeed, ‘undefeated.’

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“Invaincu” 

🎵 “Invaincu” (“Undefeated”) serves as a strong introduction on Multitude. Stromae keeps things short but sweet as the record runs just north of two minutes.  “Invaincu” features bright production work which is ear-catching.  The cherry on top is undoubtedly the assertive, expressive rhymes from Van Haver.  A lyrical highlight: “Tant qu’j’suis en vie, j’suis invaincu” (“As long as I’m alive, I’m undefeated”).

Take one listen to surefire bop 🤩 🎵 “Santé” (“Health”) and you’ll find yourself playing it on repeat.  Vocally, Van Haver gives a strong performance, singing pleasantly. Furthermore, his rapped/chanted moments satisfy too. Lyrically, “Santé” celebrates workers who don’t get any thanks or far too often go unappreciated.  Translated from French, on the chorus, he sings:

“Yes, let’s celebrate those who don’t celebrate

Once again, I would like to raise my glass to those who don’t have

Those who don’t have

Those who don’t have.”

It’s a nice, thoughtful sentiment.  With a great performance, intriguing and thoughtful songwriting, and a stellar music video, arguably the crowning achievement is the sound.  This is a superbly produced record (Stromae, 🎛 Juanpaio Toch, and 🎛 Moon Willis), one that leaves you in awe of its creativity.  It’s bright, ear-catching, and groovy as albeit.  The guitar, synths, the rhythms (incredibly distinct) – it’s EVERYTHING. “Santé” is a must-hear sure to boost your musical health!

Appears in 🔽:

• Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: October 2021
• Best Songs of 2021: 50-36

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“La solassitude” 

Following “Santé” is an elephantine task. 🎵 “La solassitude” (“Solitude”) is no slouch, however. This three-minute and change joint features continued sleek production work.  I heart the rhythmic melody, awesome groove, and colorful pad.  Furthermore, I love the use of strings (violin).  “La solassitude” marks another nice performance by Stromae.  He has a beautiful tone and delivers great execution all in all.  Another selling point is the catchy, memorable chorus.  In English, that chorus goes something like this: “Being single makes me suffer from solitude / Couple lie makes me suffer from weariness.” My, my, my!

🤩 🎵 “Fils de joie” (“Son of a Hero”) also proves successful. Thematically, the record destigmatizes prostitution. Notably, at one point, the son of a prostitute comes to the defense of his mother rather than be ashamed of her profession. “I’m a son of whore as they say /… Oh, dear mom / They dehumanize you /… But they also court you / And everybody looks the other way.” Besides the theme, the music is awesome! There’s a superb use of rhythmic strings which adds a classical element, not to mention ample personality. “Fils de joie” is anchored by an awesome beat and groove. Van Haver offers a mix of pitched and un-pitched (rapped) moments, exhibiting great balance.  I truly heart the level of drama during the chorus.

🤩 🎵 “L’enfer” (“Hell”) marked the second single from 💿 Multitude.  It’s another stellar French pop gem. “L’enfer,” set in a dark, minor key, is magnificent from start to finish.  Starting with the vocals, Stromae sings with a radiant, rich tone, delivering the French lyrics with incredible finesse.  Lyrically and thematically, Van Haver isn’t in a sexy place. He’s honest about struggles with mental health, including suicidal thoughts.  On the chorus, he sings:

“I have sometimes had suicidal thoughts, and I’m not proud of it

Sometimes people think it’s the only way to silence them

These thoughts that make me go through hell.”

That’s a bummer! While Stromae sings with this angelic tone, he’s digging deep into a very personal place.  The backdrop reflects this, with incredibly sleek and ear-catching keys, synths, and drum programming. “L’enfer” may entail hellish experiences, but there’s nothing hellish about it. Van Haver turns his pain into emotionally charged, high-flying musical art.

Appears in 🔽:

• Awesome Songs: January 2022

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“C’est que du bonheur”

“I gave you life, you saved mine / If you knew how much I love you / I’ve never loved so much.” On 🎵 “C’est que du bonheur” (“This is Happiness”), Stromae reflects on parenthood.  While Van Haver highlights the pros and cons (diapers and smells), ultimately, he is happy to be a parent.  “You’ll see, it’s only happiness,” he sings, adding, “You’ll see, it’s only joy.”  On 🎵 “Pas vraiment” (“Not Really”), Van Haver paints a picture of fake love – truly an intriguing topic.  The song comes from various perspectives. In the first verse (the man’s perspective) deals with a relationship that’s driven by clout, not love.  In the second verse, the crowd shares their perception of what’s going on between these two nameless people.  Finally, in the third verse, it comes from the perspective of the woman.   Stromae does an excellent job of storytelling, capped off by stellar production work. 

On 🎵 “Riez” (“Laugh”), the laugh is on a foolish, overly ambitious man. “Riez” finds the character chasing and dreaming about fame; focused on clout. Given the song title, ultimately, the character is made fun of because his dreams are outlandish.  Also, the fourth verse spits reality, where it is revealed that this ambitious protagonist has nothing, and he seeks consistency and stability in his life.  Once more, supported by a tremendous backdrop, Stomae imparts a compelling tale. 🎵 “Mon amour” (“My Love”) cedes no momentum with continual intriguing storylines.  The first verse finds the character listing numerous women he’s been with. Ultimately, in the chorus, Van Haver asserts, “My love, my love / You know there’s only you / And that I’ll love you forever.” Verse two finds him swearing off other women while the third finds him defending his love due to a meaningless one-night stand. The final verse of this rhythmic joint marks the end of the relationship, filled with its share of anxiety. Oh, the plight that is love!

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“Déclaration”

🤩 🎵 “Déclaration” (“Declaration”) ranks among the most thought-provoking songs from Multitude. Stromae expresses skepticism about God but throws his full support believing in her.  Woo! That’s significant considering “Déclaration” explores feminism and women’s rights, equality, etc.  Good, relevant stuff indeed!

Multitude concludes with two connected songs.  The first is 🤩 🎵 “Mauvaise journée” (“Bad Day”) which explores struggling mental health, a bad poop (literally), and bigger picture, the mundaneness of life.  Notably, in the third verse of this minor-key penultimate cut, Van Haver asserts he’s sick of depression.  Despite the pessimism, “Mauvaise journée” is a delightful listen with its unique rhythms, awesome groove, and moody guitars and synths.  Following a shitty day (Van Haver’s words, via translation, not mine), what’s better than 🎵 “Bonne journée” (“Good Day”)? This direct contrast to “Mauvaise journée” remains in a minor key but shows a much more confident, happier Stromae.  Just as he had a bad poop on the previous cut, he’s had a satisfying one here. Quite important!

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Final Thoughts 💭

All in all, the return of Stromae is awesome. Multitude is a well-rounded album from start to finish.  Paul Van Haver is a capable performance, delivering assertive, commanding vocals whether rapping or singing.  The songs have relatable and interesting themes – another big selling point.  Arguably, the biggest pro for Van Haver and Multitude is – drum roll please – the production! There’s never a miss when it comes to the backdrop! Ultimately, Multitude is a must-hear.

 

🤩 Gems 💎: “Santé,” “Fils de joie,” “L’enfer,” “Déclaration” & “Mauvaise journée” 

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🎙 Stromae • 💿 Multitude • 🏷 Monsaert Label / Universal Music France • 📅 3.4.22

[📷: Monsaert Label / Universal Music France]

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