Billy Boguard – Cracks (2021)
With his authentic and imaginative sound, singer-songwriter Billy Boguard is breeding a new brand of pop music. Using trip-hop elements with a contemporary pop sound, the French musician aims to expose the essence of the human soul in his songs. In addition to our previous reviews, Boguard has featured on The Bops Collective, A&R Factory, YMX and several playlists reaching audiences on an international level. The latest addition to his critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Cracks’.
Retaining the acoustic-inspired sound of ‘California’ (read our review here), ‘Cracks’ is a heartfelt combination of simplistic keys atop hip-hop beats. True to his innovative style, Boguard once again balances organic instrumentation with synthetic elements resulting in a fantastical, otherworldly effect. Add Boguard’s rich vocals and you have a kaleidoscopic ambience sending shivers down your spine.
While there are interspersed crescendos throughout ‘Cracks’, the melody is primarily steady and flowing representing, to me at least, the foundation of reality. Yet, while there is a sonic smoothness, the lyricism has far more depth with an “up and down” quality. Touching on “an identity crisis within a relationship leaving the person fighting a losing battle”, ‘Cracks’ is a fragile, vulnerable and intimate tune. Boguard’s dulcet tones add a sentimental intensity, but there is a lingering haunting effect amidst the melancholic lyricism.
Alongside the toe-tingling single, Billy Boguard released an official music video for ‘Cracks’ starring Guillaume Pevée and Marine Duhamel. Whether it is the visual representation of the protagonist’s reality, the flashbacks to happier times or Boguard singing from a literal cage on the beach, all I know is I felt goosebumps when watching the video. The provocativeness of the vocals is heightened with the chorus sending goosebumps along your arms. For a simplistic pop song, ‘Cracks’ is the ideal option for a drama film’s theme song…just be ready to wipe a few tears away.
For more from Billy Boguard check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
