Is the title of Cyril Mokaiesh’s seventh solo album a pledge of optimism, an invitation to fight, or a wry observation? Perhaps a little of all three, given that Mokaiesh isn’t one to succumb to pessimism or shy away from lucidity – a quality, as René Char put it, “the wound closest to the sun.”
Bonne chance pour la suite, released in , appears less assertive than his previous work, and less overtly confrontational than 2011’s Du rouge et des passions, the album that brought him wider recognition. That earlier record featured the anthem Communiste, a bold statement of intent.
However, Mokaiesh’s latest effort is no less engaged, simply focused on the more intimate aspects of our collective discontent. The artist, speaking to L’Humanité, suggested a desire to showcase his evolution. “I’m still aware of what’s happening, still alert, and still angry,” he said. “But when you’re approaching 40 and your child is about to…” The sentence trails off, hinting at a shift in perspective, a recalibration of priorities.
Mokaiesh’s career has been marked by a willingness to engage with political and social issues, often through a distinctly personal lens. His music blends French chanson tradition with influences from his Lebanese heritage, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and strikingly contemporary. The success of Communiste, a song that directly addressed political ideology, established him as an artist unafraid to take a stand.
The release of Bonne chance pour la suite has been met with a somewhat muted response, according to a review in Baz-art.org, a fact the reviewer finds both logical and frustrating. In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, albums that demand thoughtful engagement often struggle to break through the noise. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of the album’s quality, but rather a commentary on the challenges facing artists who prioritize substance over spectacle.
The album itself comprises 12 songs and is available on Spotify, where Mokaiesh currently has over 29,000 monthly listeners. His most popular track on the platform is “Regarder passer les…”, according to his Spotify artist page. The album, titled Bonne chance pour la suite, follows his previous release, Regarder passer, and represents a continuation of his artistic exploration.
Mokaiesh’s work often grapples with themes of identity, displacement, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world. Born in France to a Lebanese father and a French mother, he navigates a complex cultural landscape, and his music reflects this duality. His latest album, reportedly written and produced between France and Lebanon, likely further explores these themes.
The artist maintains an active presence on YouTube, with a channel featuring his music videos and other content. His YouTube channel, Cyril Mokaiesh, serves as a direct connection to his audience, offering a glimpse into his creative process and artistic vision. He is currently promoting his fourth solo album, Paris-Beyrouth, on the platform, alongside Bonne chance pour la suite.
While Bonne chance pour la suite may be less immediately confrontational than some of his earlier work, it doesn’t signal a retreat from engagement. Instead, it suggests a more nuanced approach, a willingness to explore the complexities of the present moment without sacrificing his characteristic honesty and intelligence. The album’s title, with its blend of hope and resignation, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. It’s a wish for the future, tempered by a realistic awareness of the challenges that lie ahead.
The album’s reception, while quiet, has garnered attention from music critics like those at Baz-art.org, who recognize Mokaiesh as a consistently compelling artist. His ability to blend personal reflection with broader social commentary continues to resonate with listeners, and Bonne chance pour la suite is likely to solidify his position as a significant voice in contemporary French music.
