Boom Boom

Personnel: Richard Desjardins (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano).
Audio Mixer: Claude Champagne.
Richard Desjardins' first new solo studio album since the 1991 Tu M'Aimes-Tu, Boom Boom was expected and did not disappoint, although it does not top his previous efforts. The singer/songwriter uses his acoustic guitar more and more, but unlike Tu M'Aimes-Tu, where it was used for country & western-like strumming, this time it takes a more Latin or classical flavor. Obviously, Desjardins extensively developed his guitar technique, now a worthy rival for his piano chops. Highlights include "Senorita," "Boom Boom," and "Söreen," all deep love songs, the latter filled with erotic overtones. But the singer's activism is less represented. "Charcoal" puts every plague of the world on the fault of the Money God, but it lacks the acute social commentary of past songs. Boom Boom is similar in style and content to Les Derniers Humains and Tu M'Aimes-Tu, but it lacks the sense of urgency, the feeling of an artist singing with his heart on his sleeve. The listener comes out of it happy but slightly unsatisfied, missing a "Nataq," a "Les Yankees." Did success (well, acceptance at least) dull Desjardins' aptitude to revolt? This opus is so soft-spoken...so disarmingly simple (down to the song structures) and somewhat uninvolved. Lovers of intelligent acoustic songs with a folk touch will still appreciate. ~ François Couture