We see “29” and we think of Loïc Nottet. The Belgian star set us “On Fire” with his latest single in late 2018. Now, the Eurovision 2015 star has released “29”, his first release of 2019. The release comes packed with a slick music video, which you can watch below.
“29” — Loïc Nottet
Much of Loïc’s previous work told us tales of struggling to fit in and learning to be confident in himself. This is evident in songs such as “On Fire” and “Million Eyes“. “29” is a conspicuous change of pace, talking about heartbreak and longing for lost love. Despite the change of subject matter, the mood is on brand for Loïc — there is hopelessness, loneliness and struggle conveyed both musically and lyrically.
Stripped of the fireworks of a grand composition, the strength of “29” is the way it allows Loïc’s vocals to shine. “29” showcases his vocal range, spanning a lower register through the choruses and some sky high notes in the final chorus which he hits with aplomb.
The music video of “29”
Visually, most of the music video is set in and around a car. Loïc and his lover are sitting side by side but the distance between them is evident. They are drifting apart throughout the video but it is interspersed with fleeting moments of love. They are both trying to hold onto the last remnants of their passion but their efforts are in vain as it slips away.
Loïc and his lover are also on top of a floating car throughout the video. Loïc reaches out for his lover, trying to rekindle their relationship, but she does not offer her hand. She then makes her way back towards him and they find themselves in a warm embrace. They reach out for each other over the bridge but the distance is too far and they can’t reach. As the song climaxes, Loïc slips and falls down, trying to hold onto the car. He loses his grip and falls as his lover turns her back and walks away. There’s no happily ever after in this fairytale.
Loïc told fans on Instagram that this is the most personal project he has worked on. That is indeed saying something — his debut album Selfocracy was deeply insightful and revealing.
The story is visually gripping and moving. Loïc concludes by singing “last kiss on the 29… October night”, adding context to the message and demonstrating the significance of that number to him.
What do you think of “29”? Is this Loïc’s best song to date? Let us know in the comments below.
“29” — Loïc Nottet lyrics
She said I never want to hurt you again
I said I never want this to come to an end
She said look at me baby, these tears we run out
I said I took you for granted but I can’t be without you
Please can we just say
Pretty lies, pretty lies
Lie to each other again
One last time
Slowly let me down
Every word pulls me apart
Gently tell me how
To forgive me now
‘Cause all I need is on your lips
Tell my enemy they’re my remedy
So slowly let me down
Give me a kiss just one last time
Give me a kiss just one last time
As we both sat in your car
Talking about the past
As we were facing each other
We were falling apart, yeah
Please can we just say
Pretty lies, pretty lies
Lie to each other again
One last time
Slowly let me down
Every word pulls me apart
Gently tell me how
To forgive me now
‘Cause all I need is on your lips
Tell my enemy they’re my remedy
So slowly let me down
Give me a kiss just one last time
Nights so long, days longer
It seems no end in sight
I lost it all, the 29
That October night
Slowly let me down
Gently tell me how
Slowly let me down
Every word pulls me apart
Gently tell me how
To forgive me now
‘Cause all I need is on your lips
Tell my enemy they’re my remedy
So slowly let me down
Give me a kiss just one last time
Give me a kiss just one last time
Last kiss on the 29
October night
So proud of him
In 2020 it’s Flanders’ time to choose. And they’ll choose Ibe who just won The Voice with Duncan actually being in the same room when Ibe was crowned.
And in 2021 Wallonia will pick Loïc again.
And Belgium will win two years back to back.
You’re welcome. X
He can’t do wrong it seems. Another good song from Loic. Keep the way!
Next album please!
Every new song he reseases seems to be better. Congratulations for him and for the team behind this song.
Stunning
Another great song by one of my favourite ESC artists from this decade
Besides the obvious things about Loïc Nottet – voice, melody, lyric – one of the things I like most about him is his understanding of subtlety and quiet. He is never ‘too much’ or doing things to show off. It is always to convey an emotion.
His best song – no but top 5 (subject to change upon additional listens). Best songs Million Eyes and Mud Blood.
He is probably my most favourite ESC entry in decades.
I’d rank him 3rd – but for pure music quality of his catalog, I’d put him 2nd.
Belgium could have used him this year. Big time.
Wait!? First Nathan Trent, then Alekseev and now Loic Nottet? Stop, please, it’s already so hot this summer, I can’t stand this heat huntyyy 😉 😉 😀 😀
Note: This comment is not meant to offend anyone and it’s intentionally exaggerated – just before someone with K at the beginning replies to me again…
I LOVE HIM. He’s honestly the best thing Eurovision has had on its stage for as long as I can remember. Just listened to this song like 5 times, it’s so soothing and sophisticated… (Also, not to ruin anything: I always thought he was cute but he’s getting HOT).
Send him again Belgium, he could win this whole thing!