If Cian Ducrot’s inaugural album ‘Victory’ was an exposed wound—raw, emotional, and intensely confessional—then his new single “Shalalala” serves as the healing scar that responds with resilience and joy. Recognized for his deeply personal ballads of heartbreak and yearning, the Irish singer/songwriter takes a creative turn with this latest track, presenting a triumphant, gospel-informed anthem that is both surprising and electrifying.
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Listen: “Shalalala” – Cian Ducrot
Cian Ducrot has a remarkable ability to evoke emotions.
Whether it’s the sting of heartbreak or the sorrow of unrealized dreams, his music has become a source of emotional support for a generation that values vulnerability. With “Shalalala,” he shifts from sadness to genuine joy—not the fleeting kind, but the profound, soul-stirring, gospel-choral kind that elevates you.
Dynamic, vibrant, and entirely life-affirming, this song not only signifies a new phase in Ducrot’s career; it bursts open the doors to an entirely fresh sound.
Cian Ducrot’s second album, ‘Little Dreaming,’ will be released on July 11 via Polydor Records.
Wherever you go, I’m with you;
As long as the ocean remains blue.
We’ve faced tougher challenges than most;
A nuclear war and fools,
decked out in fancy clothes.
They’re cutting trees
to produce paperwork for loans.
Meanwhile, in the streets,
people are dying without homes.
I’ve visited Hollywood,
I’ve come face to face with the Devil.
The one at the gathering
that everyone is eager to meet.
From the very start of “Shalalala,” Ducrot breaks free from all previous confines. It begins with his unmistakable voice, soaring, urgent, and filled with familiar intensity, but that’s where the similarity to his past work ends. In mere moments, you are enveloped by booming percussion, surging piano, and a choir that seems to lift the track into the heavens. The outcome is visceral: a blend of Elton John’s extravagance, a Sunday church revival, and a complete renewal of Ducrot’s musical persona.
“Shalalala” marks a clear turning point, and it feels deserved. Instead of retreating into sadness or contemplation, Ducrot boldly embraces something more courageous and, surprisingly, joyful. The song resonates with light and energy, exuding a sense of togetherness that transcends genre and location. It doesn't just ask you to listen; it compels you to feel, sing, and believe.
So, if your heart has been shattered, sing,
“Sha-la-la-la” (Sha-la-la-la)
And if your love has been betrayed,
“Sha-la-la-la” (Sha-la-la-la)
That’s just the way things are,
And we can’t predict what life holds.
Together with our voices, we can sing, “Sha-la-la-la”
At its core, this euphoric anthem possesses a deceptively simple chorus: “Shalalala.” Wordless, universal, and reminiscent of a chant, it serves as both a musical hook and a spiritual mantra. In a world filled with noise, division, and doubt, this simple phrase becomes an act of defiance, a joyful sound that conquers despair.
“This song is about hope and unity in times when the world needs it the most,” Ducrot shares with Atwood Magazine. “It’s about holding our friends, loved ones, and even strangers close, and recognizing that we are all interconnected within the same world, community, and purpose. Love is the ultimate answer, and beauty exists where you seek it.” This sentiment resonates throughout every beat and harmony, offering not an escape but a sort of emotional call to action.
Co-written with an impressive team, including Anton Göransson, Isabella Sjöstrand (RAYE), Bill Maybury (James Bay), and Theo Hutchcraft (Calvin Harris, Måneskin), “Shalalala” showcases a masterclass in collaboration. Göransson’s production is both thunderous and delicate, allowing Ducrot’s voice to shine without overshadowing the grandeur of the arrangement. The gospel choir, swelling behind him, adds emotional depth, crafting a soundscape that feels designed for stadiums rather than just headphones.
Cian Ducrot © 2025
This song also serves as a clear indication of the direction Ducrot is moving toward. Alongside recent singles “Who’s Making You Feel It” and “Little Dreaming,” “Shalalala” signals that Little Dreaming, slated for release on July 11th, will be more than just a follow-up to Victory. It promises to be an evolution. While Victory introduced us to the tormented poet, Little Dreaming
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If Cian Ducrot’s debut album ‘Victory’ represented an open wound – raw, emotional, and profoundly confessional – then his new single “Shalalala” symbolizes the healing scar that responds with resilience and joy. Renowned for his heartfelt ballads of heartbreak and yearning, the Irish singer/songwriter takes a new creative direction with this latest track, presenting a triumphant, gospel-influenced anthem that is both surprising and exhilarating.