In 2015 Loïc Nottet brought Belgium back to the Top 5 for the first time since 2003. Since then his star has only risen as he has gone on to win Danse Avec Les Stars, the French version of Dancing with the Stars, and watched his single “Million Eyes” smash the charts. Now, the long wait for Loïc’s debut album has come to the end with the release of “Selfocracy”. And it’s set to take him even higher.
Selfocracy — Loïc Nottet
“Selfocracy” features twelve tracks that are collectively contemplative and brooding. The title track introduces the album with a stirring monologue set over dark but stirring music. The album properly kicks off with “Mud Blood”, which is arguably the best track on the record. Despite the name, “Mud Blood” is not about Harry Potter — the lyrics are deep and set over a deep bass beat. Loïc sings about wanting “to be the selfish kings of a worthless empire” and escaping with drugs to “pretend that we enjoy the lives we’ve got”. It’s deep, y’all. The trend continues with “Team8” and “Dirty”.
The lead single “Million Eyes” kicks things back into gear. Having already been crowned Team Wiwi’s Top Track of 2016, “Million Eyes” carries the theme of the album superbly, as Loïc sings about the glare of the public eye. With lyrics as powerful as “different, too different, I’m scared of judgement”, it’s easy to see why this was our favourite track of the year.
The second half of the album has plenty of highlights of its own. The 6 minute and 39 second-long “Poison” is mandatory listening. Joined by rapper Shogun, Loïc delivers his signature brand of darkness. He sings about people talking and his conscience being poisoned. The lengthy instrumental conclusion captures his avant-garde spirit and is worth a listen.
“Hungry Heart” and “Wolves” add to the sombre nature of the album. It is difficult to find a weak link as each song stands on its own and they come together to form a perfect collection. This is emphasised in the final song “Mirror”, which features a compilation of some of the previous tracks on the album. It’s not an awkward copy-paste of the previous songs, it’s a perfect amalgamation that shows off the album’s cohesion.
Score: 10/10
I was a little disappointed when I saw that Rhythm Inside was not in the album but after listening to it I realised that the song didn’t fit in the album’s concept. Selfocracy is perfect, every song has a link with the others and almost all of them are about the same theme but in a different way, it’s just amazing, I can’t stop listening to it besides his voice is soooooooo good. This is the best album I’ve ever heard, by far, my favourite song are Poison, Hungry Heart and Mud Blood, Peculiar and beautiful is not a song… Read more »
It would definitely go down as one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. As amazing as “Rhythm Inside” was, several songs on the album are even better!
The album doesn’t need Rhythm Inside. It’s old and he even made a new video and a new artwork for the song.
It seems super odd to me that Rhythm Inside isnt on the album. I was going to suggest that maybe whoever wrote it didnt agree to let him put it on the album but I just looked up and he wrote it himself!!! Is there any end to this man’s talent?!
‘Selfocracy’ is really really really good. Loïc is an amazing singer, the lyrics and the music are great, the concept is Original….. SELFOCRACY IS THE BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR, maybe even of the decade. Listen and enjoy 🙂
Rythm Inside was written almost 3 years ago, I think he was on a totally different mood when writing this album and I totally understand why he did not include it. This album is amazing and doesn’t need Rythm Inside! Loïc is much more than just a song.
What an amazing young artist! This is why I’m watching the ESC. I just love him.
‘Million Eyes’ is the best song, even better than ‘Rythm Inside’! I invite you to listen to it, you won’t regret it!
I love his songs original, but still radio-friendly just like Sia!:)
I think he should’ve included Rhythm Inside, most of the songs were heavily built along its lines anyway.
The biggest problem with the album is that there’s no Rhythm Inside!… so what if it doesn’t fit in exactly with his theme – include it as a bonus track at the end. 🙁
This boy is a real talent.
Also, he’s adorable.
I like him, but why does he says that he is more interested in the dark side? He said that in an interview, that the darkness is more interesting. I understand he was bullied because he liked dance, not football, but something positive might help him.
Rhythm Inside should have won in 2015…
Mud Blood is the best song of this album, I really like it!
It’s a very good album!