Chérie

Albumbeschreibung

Today’s country music tends to be made to appeal to as many people as possible, and it might leave you reminiscing about all the things you loved about the country music of yesteryear: the countryside, the land, the smell of apple pie cooling on the windowsill, and music that was crafted, not produced, and told stories that unfolded like short films. Fortunately, a few singers are still keeping this golden age of country music alive, and one of them is the amazing Theo Lawrence. The last few albums from this French-Canadian from Bordeaux (the capital of the French South West) have been brimming with a country sound that feels like it’s straight out of 60s Tennessee.

His previous album, the incredible Sauce piquante, had a swampy, bluesy sound to it. However, this most recent release, Chérie, is pure country. It indulges in a honky-tonk style and features immensely talented musicians who never overdo it (a special mention must go to the incredible violinist). Crisp, timeless production meets a cool, aesthetic singer who, throughout the album, proves he has an intimate understanding of this kind of music. This is undeniably a referential album, but it’s far more than a mere forgery: it’s homemade and lovingly crafted the old-fashioned way, reviving the dreamy days when country was equal parts rustic and romantic. This is a gallant attempt to revitalise country pop and soul, complete with velvety arrangements (‘with strings and chorus’) and deceptively light melodies. It’s the perfect country album. All Theo Lawrence needs now is a few harmonies from Dolly, Loretta or Skeeter. @ Stéphane Deschamps/Qobuz