Cian Ducrot – Little Dreaming
Following the chart-topping success of his debut Victory, Cian Ducrot returns with Little Dreaming – an album that boldly pushes him beyond the usual piano ballad territory and into pop music, with a healthy dose of 70s and 80s flair. Think Elton John meets Queen, but with a fresh, modern twist. In this record, Ducrot comes across as a vibrant and creative force, combining raw vulnerability with playful grandeur.
The album kicks off with It’s Cian B*tch, a snazzy, synth-laced intro that sets the tone as unapologetically self-assured, a little tongue-in-cheek, and musically ambitious – basically, Ducrot saying, “Yeah, I’m here, and I’m not messing around.” This upbeat energy flows straight into standout single Who’s Making You Feel It, an Elton John-esque piano-driven breakup song that juxtaposes heartbreak with buoyant, radio-ready production. The soaring chorus and powerful bridge showcase Ducrot’s striking vocal range, while the lively instrumentals bring an added sense of energy and personality to the track. Similarly, the title track blends whimsical melodies with a guitar-infused outro, capturing a sense of wistful freedom. Beyond its catchy refrain, it’s a highlight for its emotional immediacy and impressive production polish.
Throughout Little Dreaming, Ducrot’s signature confessional lyricism remains deeply personal. What About Love explores themes of comparison, fame and societal pressure, shifting from introspective melancholy to a tambourine-driven, almost anthem-like climax that questions the emptiness behind modern values. Meanwhile, No Way to Live addresses societal judgment and close-mindedness, using gospel-inspired harmonies and urgent rhythms to encourage resilience and challenge intolerance. Ducrot’s lyrics balance poetic subtlety with candid directness, revealing a growing emotional maturity and thoughtful critique of contemporary culture.
Love and loss are also recurring themes. Rock Bottom and Unfair convey the ache of heartbreak and the disillusionment of young love, both sonically leaning into a more stripped, emotive sound. My Best Friend and God Only Knows rely on gentle acoustics and Ducrot’s aching vocal delivery. However, the album’s consistent emotional intensity is both a strength and a weakness. When every track aims for catharsis, it can sometimes feel overwhelming in one sitting. A bit more variation in emotional pacing or tone might have helped the more poignant songs hit even harder, but this is a small drawback in an album that’s otherwise carefully crafted.
At its core, Little Dreaming is a personal and stylistic release that highlights Ducrot’s growth as both a vocalist and a songwriter. It doesn’t break new ground in pop, but it’s full of ambition, strong vocals and heartfelt lyrics that really establish him as a genuine and compelling voice in the genre. The record’s honesty and memorable melodies make it a satisfying follow-up.
Dionysia Afolabi
Image: Courtesy of Cian Ducrot
Little Dreaming is released on 1st August 2025. For further information or to order the album, visit Cian Ducrot’s website here.
Watch the video for Madness here:
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