Album Review: Cian Ducrot, Little Dreaming

As soon as I hit play on Cian Ducrot’s latest album, Little Dreaming, I could sense the musical fluency he has developed since childhood, given that his mother is a classically trained musician.

2025 has already been a landmark year for Ducrot. He kicked it off with a Grammy win as co-writer of SZA’s chart-topping hit ‘Saturn’ and now, he's stepping fully into the spotlight with a confident, charismatic record that blends heartfelt storytelling with shiny, summery pop.

The opening track, ‘It’s Cian, Bitch’, sets the tone with humour and charm. It’s a Harry Styles-esque moment of pop joy, beginning with ambient studio chatter and mispronunciations of his name before he asserts, “It’s Cian, bitch” – launching into a buoyant, brass-laced groove. It’s playful, self-aware and instantly likeable.

Throughout the album, Ducrot sounds like an artist coming into his own. Tracks like ‘Who’s Makin’ You Feel It’ and ‘Little Dreaming’ show off his polished pop instincts with infectious hooks, warm vocals and slick production. The title track in particular stands out. It’s breezy, catchy and tailor-made for summer playlists, with just enough edge to avoid feeling like a throwaway.

‘Your Eyes’ is a highlight, beginning delicately, just voice and acoustic guitar, before blossoming into something bigger and brighter. The rhythmic hand claps and uplifting beat give it a joyful energy. It’s a celebration of love, gratitude and connection. Unapologetically feel-good.

The album as a whole feels like a love letter to the pop greats of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Ducrot has cited Elton John, Michael Jackson and Queen as inspirations, but filtered through his own lens. There’s a sense of modernity in the way he blends old-school instrumentation with contemporary pop structures.

The closer, ‘See It To Believe It' featuring American starlet Grace Bowers, is a highlight. The tempo shifts are smart, the drumming subtle but effective, and the guitar solo – courtesy of Bowers – is dynamic and textured. It’s a clean, layered track that closes the album on a high note.

Ducrot ends the project by speaking directly to the listener, thanking them for coming along for the ride. It’s a personal touch that adds to the sense of intimacy running throughout.

Little Dreaming feels like a conversation with a friend – warm, familiar and full of charm. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s the sound of an artist finding joy in his craft, and inviting us to share it.

8/10

Out now