Description
Stromae – Multitude – Vinyl Record
Stromae’s Multitude, released on March 4, 2022, is a triumphant and globally inspired return from the Belgian singer, producer, and visionary artist after nearly a decade-long hiatus. Following the critical acclaim of Racine Carrée (2013), which made him a household name with hits like “Papaoutai” and “Formidable,” Multitude marks a significant evolution in Stromae’s artistic journey—a dazzling, emotionally intelligent album that blends world music influences, personal introspection, and socio-political commentary with his trademark electronic-pop production.
As the title suggests, Multitude is an exploration of diversity—not only in terms of cultural sounds but also in emotional and thematic scope. Stromae (born Paul Van Haver) weaves together rhythms and instruments from around the world, incorporating Brazilian forró, Middle Eastern strings, Chinese erhu, African percussion, and more, while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity. The result is a body of work that’s globally resonant yet deeply personal, reflecting Stromae’s own multicultural upbringing and global perspective.
The album opens with “Invaincu” (Undefeated), setting a tone of quiet resilience, before launching into more rhythmically adventurous territory. One of the standout tracks, “Santé,” celebrates the working class—those who are often overlooked while the rest of society parties. It’s a perfect example of Stromae’s ability to pair danceable grooves with lyrics that carry social weight, wrapped in irony and clever wordplay.
Another highlight is “L’enfer” (Hell), a haunting ballad about depression and suicidal thoughts. With stark honesty and vulnerability, Stromae addresses his own mental health struggles, reinforcing a theme that recurs throughout the album: the complexity of human emotion beneath the surface of daily life. The starkness of the lyrics is countered by rich production, with swirling synths and cinematic strings that elevate the track from confessional to cathartic.
In “Fils de joie” (Son of Joy), he explores the life of a sex worker from the perspective of her child, combining baroque orchestration with club-ready beats. It’s bold, provocative, and empathetic—classic Stromae, challenging listeners to find humanity in the unexpected. Elsewhere, “Déclaration” turns a song about gender dynamics and feminism into an understated slow burn, reflecting his growing maturity as a songwriter and observer of culture.
Stylistically, Multitude is less immediately club-oriented than Racine Carrée, but more adventurous in its instrumentation and arrangements. Stromae worked closely with his brother Luc Van Haver and longtime creative collaborators to build a soundscape that spans continents without becoming pastiche. Every element, from vocal phrasing to instrumental choice, feels carefully placed. He sings mostly in French, but the emotional resonance transcends language.
Stromae continues to shine as a storyteller. His narratives are rich in irony, social critique, and empathy, and his delivery—somewhere between singing, speaking, and theatrical performance—adds an extra dimension of intimacy. He tackles everything from burnout and addiction to joy, love, and self-worth, all while never preaching. His genius lies in his ability to blend profound commentary with accessible, often joyful soundscapes.
Visually and conceptually, Multitude also reaffirms Stromae as one of the most innovative artists in contemporary pop. His live performances, music videos, and stylized promotional appearances (including a viral live performance of “L’enfer” during a TV interview) underscore his commitment to blending music, performance art, and social consciousness into one seamless experience.
Critically acclaimed, Multitude has been praised for its ambition, emotional honesty, and cultural openness. It’s not just a comeback; it’s a reassertion of Stromae’s unique position in the global pop landscape—a genre-blurring artist who elevates pop into something theatrical, meaningful, and beautifully strange.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Invaincu
Santé
La Solassitude
Fils De Joie
L’enfer
C’est Que Du Bonheur
Pas Vraiment
Riez
Mon Amour
Déclaration
Mauvaise Journée
Bonne Journée
