Canadian and Quebecoise singer Marie-Mai released a new album, Sept (Seven), marking the release of her seventh album. The themes are soul-searching, love, and heartbreak.
The music is French Pop. The album has dynamic songs. It blends sounds similar to other Marie-Mai records with contemporary beats.
The record has impressive semi-fast beats. Noir Sur Noir starts with a bold sound that parallels The Police’s 80s single Every Breath You Take. There’s a sombre vibe, and the gradient rhythm complements it suitably. Tout Le Monde a Ses Raisons has an impressive gradual rhythm that reminds me of Marie-Mai’s Mentir. The song has a fantastic techno beat parallel to the popular dance music of the late 90s and early 2000s. Je Le Berce Dans Mes Bras has an impressive composition. It parallels older works by Marie-Mai, including Mentir and Qui Va Prendre Place. It also contains incredible, contemporary sounds. Fausses Alarmes has an intense, wavy rhythm that represents the feeling of one’s head spinning from confusion and grief. The composition conveys this emotion well.
The song Sur Le Plancher has a fast, catchy beat with an impressively rhythmic blend of wavy and gradient. When the tempo picks up, it works with that feeling of empowerment.
The album has lovely ballads. The tune C’est La Vie reminds me of French songs, especially ballads from the ’60s and ’70s. The rhythm has a smooth flow, creating a relaxing vibe. Pas Prévu has a fantastic composition. It starts with a slow beat and then gradually increases into a fast-paced tempo, representing that “dizzy feeling” when being in love.
Sans Effet has a dynamic guitar beat with a bold R&B-style rhythm. The composition is intricate, changing from slow to semi-fast and back again. The electric beat in certain parts adds a bold touch. Combien de Temps has a lovely gradient rhythm, creating a dynamic composition. The piano is phenomenal and makes a momentous transition effect. Each intensity is like a chapter of a book. The musical structure is well thought out. Conte de Fée has a beautiful piano playing in the background, which gives it a smooth and easy-going rhythm – a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. It complements the song’s heartwarming love story.
The musical compositions are remarkable in creating various moods and vibes—incredible work by the musicians.
Marie-Mai’s voice is edgy yet soulful. She sings each song from the heart. She performs each with genuine feeling. It’s impressive to see Marie-Mai evolving as an artist.
The lyrics are profound, personal and heartfelt. Some songs discuss soul-searching, while others are about love or heartbreak. The diversity of subjects is fantastic.
The album beautifully discusses soul-searching, a time to reflect. Je Le Berce Dans Mes Bras (I rock it in my arms) is a remarkable piece about fighting one’s demons and dealing with inner turmoil. However, it also talks about hope and determination to overcome this challenging time, not being intimated. C’est La Vie (that’s life) is a heartwarming song about finding happiness from within and having faith—everything happens for a reason. This tune is full of love and hope. Sur Le Plancher (to the ground) is a fantastic metaphor representing a crumbling empire – what goes up must come down. There’s heartbreak but also a hopeful sense of balance. Sans Effet is an outstanding tune that discusses how some people refuse to listen because of their fixed perceptions. There’s an essential message: no need to prove oneself to anyone – being true to who we are.
Two lovely, romantic songs that are poetic and profound. Pas Prévu (unexpected) is a cheerful song about finding love. It’s sudden but beautiful, making you feel nervous and excited. The tune gives hope for love. Conte de Fée (Fairytale) is a lovely, romantic song about the hope for true love. It was sweet to hear references to Disney movies and fairytale stories.
The record also covers songs about heartbreak. Noir Sur Noir (black on black) is about the feeling of betrayal that causes grief and disappointment. It’s a time of intense darkness and heartache. Tout Le Monde a Ses Raisons (Everybody has their reasons) is a well-written song about the harsh aspect of life, where people have ulterior motives, lie, and use others for their self-interest. Fausses Alarmes (False Alarms) is a profound song about a woman grieving after a miscarriage. It’s vulnerable and genuine, and one can feel the heartbreak of this difficult experience—a relatable topic. My heart goes out to those who lived through a situation like this one. Combien de Temps is a well-written piece about getting over a breakup. It feels like it will never end -the sadness stage of grief. The song also talks about the feeling of a bubble bursting when one realizes the relationship has to end, even if the memories make it tempting not to end it. It profoundly covers nostalgia, a powerful feeling that is sometimes hard to fight, which is relatable.
The lyrics of these songs are rich and poetic – so much depth and feeling.
Marie-Mai’s album Sept is available.
