Album Review: Cian Ducrot - ‘Little Dreaming’
Cian Ducrot’s sophomore album ‘Little Dreaming’ is honest, emotional, brimming with joy, and the album we didn’t know we needed.
Following the success of his chart-topping debut Victory, Cian Ducrot returns with a project that feels not only more confident and musically ambitious but also more vulnerable and soul-baring. The result is a record bursting with personality, honesty, and an unshakable sense of purpose.
Little Dreaming, is a radiant triumph; an emotional, expansive, and deeply personal journey that cements the Irish singer-songwriter’s status as one of pop’s most compelling and relatable voices.
At its heart, Little Dreaming is a mosaic of life’s beautiful contradictions; joy and heartbreak, nostalgia and hope, clarity and chaos. Written over two years filled with long studio days and intimate voice notes, it’s clear this record wasn’t just made; it was lived. From the very first moment, Ducrot invites listeners into his world with open arms and an even more open heart.
The album kicks off with the tongue-in-cheek intro ‘It’s Cian, B*tch’, a playful nod to the frequent mispronunciation of his name. It’s a charming, cheeky prelude that sets the tone for what’s to come: a project where personality shines just as brightly as production polish.
First single ‘Who’s Making You Feel It’ is a standout, and arguably one of the strongest pop ballads of the year. It channels the grandeur of Elton John with a fresh, modern edge; elevated by lush piano arrangements and Ducrot’s impassioned vocal delivery. Lyrically, it’s a tongue-in-cheek lament of an ex’s new relationship, blending sarcasm, sorrow, and simmering bitterness. The accompanying music video, dripping in vintage Hollywood glamour, is the perfect visual companion to the song’s sonic elegance.
Tracks like ‘Little Dreaming’ and ‘No Way to Live’ showcase Ducrot’s evolution as an artist willing to push boundaries. The title track is a glimmering anthem of self-expression and joy, a technicolor celebration of individuality and freedom. ‘No Way to Live’, on the other hand, takes a stand, calling out judgment, hate, and small-mindedness with fiery conviction. In both, Ducrot’s message is clear: be bold, be kind, and be unapologetically yourself.
But for all its pop polish, Little Dreaming never loses touch with the emotional intimacy that fans fell in love with on Victory. ‘Unfair’ and ‘Break My Heart’ are gut-punching ballads that reflect on lost love and self-doubt, written in vulnerable spur-of-the-moment sessions that give them a raw, unfiltered power. Meanwhile, ‘What About Love’ is perhaps the album’s emotional centerpiece, a quiet, contemplative track born from burnout and the desire to reconnect with love in its purest form. It’s a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down and feeling deeply in a world that constantly demands more.
The album also embraces sonic variety. ‘Shalalala’ delivers a rallying cry for unity in troubled times, carried by gospel-infused harmonies and thunderous drums. It’s a song that radiates hope and solidarity, and its energy is infectious. ‘Kiss & Tell’ offers a warm, folksy embrace with nods to Ducrot’s Irish roots, while ‘Rockbottom’ adds a darker, edgier dimension with lyrics that are as revealing as they are cheeky.
‘Book of Love’ is a heartfelt ode to a friend in pain, written as a musical hug, a gesture that exemplifies Ducrot’s gift for writing songs that offer comfort and understanding. Likewise, ‘My Best Friend’ is a devastating tribute to someone lost, full of aching nostalgia and quiet grief. These tracks underline Ducrot’s extraordinary ability to turn personal moments into universal experiences, making his music feel like a conversation between close friends.
The album’s final stretch brings light back into focus. ‘Your Eyes’ and ‘See It To Believe It’ feel like two halves of the same soul, one tender and grateful, the other bombastic and celebratory. They capture the joy of having everything you need right in front of you: love, friendship, health, and happiness. It’s this celebration of the everyday miracle of contentment that gives Little Dreaming its warm, glowing aftertaste.
With help from longtime collaborators Anton and Isabella Sjöstrand, as well as a formidable team of co-writers and producers, Ducrot has crafted a sonically rich and emotionally resonant record. There are echoes of Elton John, Queen, and Michael Jackson in the production, but the storytelling is all his own. His candidness, humor, and emotional honesty are what make this album not only compelling but deeply human.
In Little Dreaming, Ducrot brings us along for every high and low, every stolen moment of joy and aching heartbreak. It’s a record about dreaming even when the world tells you not to. About loving even when it hurts. And about finding yourself, even if it takes a few detours and a whole lot of late-night voice notes.
This album is a window into the heart and soul of a young artist who’s not afraid to feel deeply, dream loudly, and speak truthfully. Little Dreaming is a triumph, equal parts catharsis and celebration. And for Cian Ducrot, it's not just a step forward; it’s a giant leap into pop greatness.
Words by Danielle Holian
