Album Review: Little Dreaming by Cian Ducrot

Cian Ducrot is back, and his new album 'Little Dreaming' might just be his boldest, most heartfelt project yet. As someone who’s followed Cian’s career closely—from his viral beginnings on TikTok to his chart-topping debut—I went into this album with high expectations. And honestly, I think he’s exceeded them. Little Dreaming is the sound of an artist stepping into his own with confidence, vulnerability, and a clear desire to push his sound further than ever before.

Before diving into the album, it’s worth revisiting where Cian came from. He’s a singer-songwriter from Cork, Ireland, who originally studied classical music. That background still echoes in his arrangements and vocal control, even though his style now leans firmly into pop. After switching gears from classical to pop, Cian found his breakout moment in 2021, when TikTok helped propel his heartfelt ballads into the spotlight. Songs like “All For You” resonated deeply with listeners, and his debut album Victory didn’t just make noise—it went straight to number one. It was clear from the start that Cian had a gift for connecting with people emotionally.

Now, with Little Dreaming, he’s taken that emotional intensity and wrapped it in a bigger, more daring sound. This album feels more expansive, more adventurous, and in many ways, more personal. He’s not just writing songs—he’s telling stories, digging into identity, memory, grief, joy, and the complicated spaces in between. It’s a record that doesn’t shy away from being “a lot”—and in my opinion, that’s exactly why it works.

Let’s talk about some of the standout tracks.

The album opens with “It’s Cian, Bitch,” a tongue-in-cheek intro track that immediately caught me off guard—in a good way. It’s a playful, self-aware riff on name mispronunciations and the way artists are perceived versus how they perceive themselves. While it’s not the most musically complex moment on the album, it sets the tone: this is an album concerned with self-expression, performance, and identity. It’s a fun, unexpected way to start, and it tells the listener right away that Little Dreaming is not going to play things safe.

Watch the album review over on YouTube with clips and snippets from the album.

One of the early highlights for me was “Who’s Making You Feel It.” This track is pure pop energy—piano-driven, catchy, and tailor-made for a live crowd. The chorus soars, practically begging to be shouted back by fans in a packed venue. It’s one of those songs that feels instantly familiar in the best way, and I can already imagine it becoming a live staple in Cian’s future tours. There's something joyous and freeing about it that contrasts beautifully with some of the album’s heavier moments.

Speaking of heavier moments, “What About Love?” might be the emotional center piece of the album. It begins delicately, just a voice and a gentle melody, and gradually builds into a powerful, emotionally charged crescendo. It’s in this track that Cian’s classical training really shines through, as he manages to blend restraint and drama in equal measure. For me, this song captures the kind of emotional honesty that first drew me to his music. It doesn’t try too hard, it just hits you where it hurts.

“Kiss and Tell” takes things in a slightly different direction. It has a folk-inspired warmth to it, with storytelling at its core. The lyrics navigate the terrain of gossip, rumour, and personal boundaries, but the instrumentation remains simple and grounded. There’s something comforting about this track, like a conversation with an old friend. It’s one of those songs that might get overlooked on a first listen, but grows deeper with every replay.

Then there’s “My Best Friend,” and honestly, this one hit me the hardest. It’s a stripped-back tribute to someone Cian has lost, and the simplicity of the song is what makes it so powerful. There are no flashy production tricks, no layered vocals—just Cian, his voice, and the raw grief that comes with missing someone. It’s brave, intimate, and completely unguarded. Listening to it feels like intruding on a private moment, yet it’s shared with such sincerity that you can’t help but feel connected to it.

The album closes with a bang with “See It to Believe It,” a Queen-inspired glam-rock anthem that throws caution to the wind. It’s dramatic, theatrical, and completely unapologetic. There are big build-ups, layered instrumentation, and a sense that Cian is fully leaning into the maximalism of it all. As a final track, it works beautifully. After all the emotional highs and lows of the album, this feels like a statement: a bold, celebratory declaration of artistic freedom. He’s dreaming aloud and he’s not afraid to make some noise while doing it.

Taken as a whole, ‘Little Dreaming’ is a journey. There’s joy here, but also loss. There’s self-doubt, but also a defiant kind of hope. And woven through it all is that signature Cian Ducrot magic, emotional authenticity, pop, and a willingness to take risks. It’s a lot, yes but that’s what makes it such a compelling listen.

So, if you're even remotely curious, I’d really recommend giving Little Dreaming a listen. Whether it’s the upbeat anthems or the stripped-back ballads that speak to you, there’s something here for everyone. For me, it might just be Cian’s best work yet, I loved it!