Canadian and Quebecois artist Guillaume Lafond has released his first album entitled À Destination (to the destination). The themes are love and life/adventures.
The music is French Pop mixed with some Country. The compositions are rhythmic and edgy, with an impressive mix of the 80s and contemporary music styles. The guitar adds a pleasant touch to the Country vibe.
The album has engaging, fast-beat and lively songs that are catchy, with a mix of classic Country and contemporary beats. Rien à faire (nothing to do) has a Robert Charlebois vibe from the 60s/70s. The tune Rien à faire has a bold Garth Brooks / Tom Petty vibe. The song Beau temps, mauvais temps (good times, bad times) has a Shania Twain vibe, such as the pieces (If You’re Not In It For Love) and No One Needs to Know. Laisse-nous pas tomber (don’t let us fall) parallels Bruno Pelletier’s Aime (love), but with an upbeat sound. Prisonnier de ma galère parallels Robert Charlebois’ single J’t’aime comme un fou (I love you like crazy). These tunes are dynamic.
The ballads on the album are remarkable – full of heart and soul. J’veux bien aller (I want to go) reminds me of Daniel Bélanger Sêche les pleurs (dry the tears) and les Cowboy Fringants’ L’amérique qui pleure (America is crying). À Destination (to the destination) has a Country style that sounds similar to Wilfred LeBouthillier’s version of Zachary Richard’s single Travailler C’est Trop Dur (Working is too hard). Une Mille à la fois (one mile at a time) parallels Bastian Baker’s With You Gone, The Eagles’ 70s hit Hotel California, and Wilfred LeBouthillier’s single L’odyssée (the Odyssey). The song Rosie reminds me of musical works by Mario Pelchat and Nicola Ciccone. Mon Héros (my hero) reminds Roch Voisine’s 80s hit Helene, with a slightly slower beat. Tu y croyais (you believed it) parallels Francis Cabrel Je l’aime a mourir (I love her profoundly or to death)
The compositions are remarkably intricate. There is a musical richness that combines old-fashioned and contemporary styles in a balanced fashion.
Guillaume Lafond’s voice is deep, husky and soulful. He sings with an incredible variety of rhythms. His vocal style reminds me of Sylvain Cossette, combined with Robert Charlebois meets Daniel Belanger’s respective styles.
The lyrics are diverse and poetic. The songs have exciting metaphors that make the words rich in depth. They tell stories inspired by Guillaume Lafond’s life, which give them a personal touch and come from the heart.
The album tells stories, including some personal ones. Rien à faire (nothing to do) is about taking a break from the routine with some humour. The song Beau temps, mauvais temps (good times, bad times) is a heartfelt and cheerful story about staying together no matter what. Rosie is a story about a man who’s disappointed with not ending up with the beautiful woman whose name is in the title. However, he remembers a moment when they looked at one another. He also tries to salvage the night and move on with his evening and life. À Destination (to the destination) is a journey through life, appreciating the beautiful scenery on the way to the destination. It’s a beautiful and poetic song about living in the moment. Mon Héros (my hero) is a touching piece honouring a hero who served his Country, dealing with trauma and personal struggles. There’s remarkable depth and emotion in this song. The album ends with a romantic tune, Tu y croyais (you believed it), a sweet and heartwarming love song honouring his significant other (sources say).
The record has some songs covering heartbreak. J’veux bien aller (I want to go) is a sad tune about separation and the days of grief and heartbreak. It is the stage of sadness to which many can relate- genuine vulnerability. Prisonnier de ma galère (a prisoner of my galley)* is a metaphor for feeling stuck in life (even a rut), a prison of one’s struggles, rich in emotions.
Some tunes cover relationships that face obstacles but with the hope of it working out. Laisse-nous pas tomber (don’t let us down or don’t leave us) is about a man fighting for his relationship, a profound and well-written piece. Une Mille à la fois (one mile at a time) is about a challenging time while keeping some optimism that love conquers all – it takes time.
The songs in the album are impressive, rich in language and feeling, with incredible depth.
The album À Destination is available.
*Google translate
