Canadian and Quebecoise singer Marie-Mai released a new single, Noir sur Noir (black on black). The song tells the story of a woman who advises other women about their toxic relationships. Marie-Mai, Lucas Liberatoirse, and Betta Lemme wrote/composed the single.
The music is French Pop. It starts with a mix of slow and semi-fast beats and boldly picks up in tempo. The throbbing rhythm in the beginning parallels the introduction beat of The Police’s 80s single Every Breath You Take. The song has a dynamic sound that reminds me of 90s Grunge and 80s Rock. The composition is incredible, and the beat is catchy. It transitions from intensity to more upbeat and uplifting music to represent hope and the silver lining that things will get better after a breakup and heartbreak. The musical style is impressive in harmoniously blending different genres and rhythms.
Marie-Mai’s voice is bold. She sings this song with great passion. She sounds confident, determined and resilient, giving many women hope that heartbreak is not permanent. Marie-Mai captures the mixed emotions one feels during those difficult times.
The lyrics are empowering. The song advises women to end their toxic relationships. Initially, it describes the heartbreak from the pain but then talks about moving on, which takes courage. The words are poetically well-written. Freestyle poetry is suitable for demonstrating a change in attitude and mindset. It reminds me of other Marie-Mai songs about feeling empowered, such as Cobra, Empire, Je Décolle (I Launch) and Je Reviens (I’m Coming Back) – a similar vibe. The most impressive of the song is when the chorus the first couple of times says, “Écris noir sur noir – le pire pour le pire,” and then it changes with a more positive sentence by saying, “J’écris blanc sur noir – avec un sourire,” representing the silver lining and hope following a time of heartbreak and grief. The song is remarkable in expressing confidence and resilience following a trying time.
The single Noir sur noir is available.
