Music Review: The Birth of Cornelius, by Corneille

When I had the opportunity to review the American debut of a singer/songwriter named Corneille, I did what any internet savvy gal would do:  I Googled him.  Not sure if I would find much at all, I was embarrassed when a slew of search results came back on him.  *I* may not have known who he was, but the world sure does!

Born in Germany, but returning to his parents’ native Rwanda when he was just six years old, Corneille fell in love with music in Africa. He started his music career there in Rwanda when he was 16, but just one year later his life was tragically interrupted by the horror of the genocide there.  His parents and other relatives were killed, and with nowhere to go, he fled back to Germany to be adopted by friends of his family.  When he was ready to pursue music once again, he came to North America – to Quebec, where he could sing in his first language, French.  He gained the attention and admiration of fans in Quebec and beyond – all over the world, really – but hadn’t yet attempted to write in English and record in the U.S.  Until now.

If I had just one word left for this review of The Birth of Cornelius*, it would be this:  smooooooth (and yes, with that many “o”s).  Corneille’s R&B influences of such artists as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye truly show through, and partner comfortably with Corneille’s own thoughtful lyrics.

(*quick note: the link is for the cd site, which is in French. On the bottom tabs, third from the left, choose “vidéos” to see video of Back to Life.  Or, visit this link for an audio of the track, Too Much of Everything.)

Let me talk about those lyrics.  There’s no doubt this man has a fabulous voice, but the lyrics – they are so mature and evoke so many thoughts and emotions.  You get the feeling that Corneille invested himself in every single song on this cd.  Nothing is “thrown in,” there’s no filler.  This is a man who knows himself, knows his story, and chooses the medium of music to communicate himself to the rest of the world.

I love the track, “All of My Love,” for it’s slightly funky feel.  The third track, “Liberation,” is filled with the irony that we have so many ways to connect with each other and the world these days, but we have somehow become more isolated.    “Home is By You” is probably one of the MOST romantic songs I have ever heard.  It’s so austere in it’s sentiment, it makes you just wish someone felt for you what Corneille expresses for his wife (and co-producer on this cd!  she is a musician, too!), Sofia de Medeiros.  A final mention must be made for the track, “I’ll Never Call You Home Again,” which is a heartbreaking ode to Corneille’s Rwanda.

I really loved this cd.  I feel like Corneille has entrusted something to his listening audience, a piece of himself.  I appreciate that investment, and it makes listening to the cd that much more personal.

And can I just say?  Not that this has any bearing on a person’s musical talent, but he is one lovely fellow.  I honestly think he deserves some kind of “Best Dressed” award.  Smooooth, indeed!

You might also enjoy these related posts from Tree, Root, and Twig:

1. Music Review: Hey! Hey!, by The Love Willows
2. Music Review: Kate Earl
3. Music Review: Yanni Voices

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