Cian Ducrot - Victory - album review.

By Olivia Kendall.

Album cover by Holly Whittaker.

Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot returns with his long-awaited album releasing on 4th August 2023, titled ‘Victory’. Rising to new heights of popularity through TikTok with his videos garnering millions of views, Ducrot has won over the hearts of countless new fans, especially since the release of his most popular song ‘I’ll Be Waiting’, which features on this album. Supporting Ella Henderson in 2022 and Ed Sheeran in 2023 on their tours, Cian Ducrot has grown an audience who are keen to hear even more beautiful and heart-touching music, and he has most certainly delivered.

The first song on the album happens to share the title of the album, ‘Victory’. Fast-paced, Ducrot sings about his story growing up and his experiences of abuse from his father and how he survived with his mother and brother. The whole of his heart and emotions are exposed for the listeners to relate with or sympathise for. The following song which many are familiar with, ‘I’ll Be Waiting’, talks about similar themes which many will be able to link their own experiences with. The lyrics are open-ended enough for many to initially think of it as a love song, but the true meaning of the lyrics is discovered when understanding Ducrot’s story. These first two songs alone display a great depth of emotions, and the album continues with feelings of bittersweetness and vulnerability throughout.

Song four, ‘Heaven’, brings back the beautiful sounds of the choir heard in other songs like the previously mentioned ‘I’ll Be Waiting’. The song is filled with hope and love, evoking intense emotions. Ducrot has previously mentioned in interviews that he wishes to tell his story for people who are going through a similar time in their lives, helping them to get through it and assuring that they aren’t alone. It is easy to see how the lyrics can speak to people in need of someone to understand their troubles.

The eighth song on the album titled ‘Step Dad’ is bound to draw tears from many around the world who have stepped up to the challenge of being a new father figure in a broken household. In this song, Ducrot sings his appreciation and affection for his stepdad who helped his family get back onto their feet. Song nine, ‘Mama’, has a similar message of love and appreciation, this time for his mother who the singer has a very strong connection with –they’ve been through a lot together, with Ducrot always showing and singing about his gratefulness for what she has done for him throughout his life.

Rounding off the album is ‘Thank God You Stayed’. Many will interpret this as a love song, sung by someone who has gone through damaging experiences, thanking their lover for staying and helping them through their time of healing. Whichever way you interpret this song, you can appreciate the emotive flair given by the choir harmonising at points throughout the chorus.

Cian Ducrot has created not just an album, but a story for us to understand and remember. His pain and trauma are open for the world to see and understand, which is a brave and inspiring move to make. Whether you relate to his experience or not, ‘Victory’ is the album you need to hear if you need something cathartic to cry, smile and belt your heart out to.