Pierre Lapointe — Sentiments Humains

Pierre Lapointe, francophone Quebec's most unpredictable songwriter, throws another successful curveball to those expecting another lavish, operatic rock spectacle with layer upon layer of irony and some rock star effusiveness tossed in.

But Sentiments Humains — with its Maximo Park cover art — is by no means a stripped-down affair, thanks to an enthusiastic orchestra. Lapointe seems to be more focused on pure songwriting, however. Scaling things back is a good thing, considering his last project was the wildly ambitious metaphysical space opera, Mutantes.

Lapointe's traditionally irreproachable wit is on full display here, even with the Dixie swing of "Au Bar Des Suicides" and the locomotive tempo on "L'Enfant De Ma Mere." There's nary a Tron helmet in sight to attract listeners perhaps unwilling to submit to Lapointe's near-caustic attitude.

Due to the larger-than-life persona he's created for himself, the mostly tasteful arrangements mean he's never sounded so out there. Who knows if that's actually a good thing?

Get it from