Friday, January 27, 2023

The king has returned with Santé

A good song evokes thoughts and emotions. Stromae's latest song, Santé, certainly does that for me. It makes me thoughtful and it reminds me of a lot of things, such as the fact that is clearly an ode to the blue collar workers, a.k.a. the essential workers, the backbone of the society, low pay but indispensable. The fact that "santé" means cheers and health at the same time, to which I see it as very fitting as the world just walks out of the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. The song is also meant to cheers for the healthcare workers as well, as they were the real heros serving at the frontline during this worldwide crisis.

Stromae disappeared for so long, only to return with this masterpiece. I know Stromae since Alors On Danse, arguably his most famous song. I could still remember when Alors On Danse was first released in year 2009, my second year living in France, it was played non-stop in every club and every dance floor in France. Stromae's songs have always been very danceable hits with a heavy dose of social commentary. This time it is no difference with Santé. I learnt from the video by Adam Neely that there is so-called micro-rhythm that carries the whole song. The slightly-off-beat beat is quite genius. Once you notice it, it becomes an earworm and it somehow just makes you want to move your body, dancing to it. I also like how the actors in the music video dance awkwardly and spontaneously. It is just fitting to such an unconventional beat, a pure expression of emotion.














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