Versatile French artist Manu Chevalier is raising the bar of funk-infused pop with his majestic new single “If You Could Hear What I Say.”Between the arrangements and the smooth voice of the guest artist Deran Day, Chevalier has created a sparkling tour de force that will take everyone to the dance floor. Taking inspiration from disco legends, R&B and beyond, “If You Could Hear What I Say” is a new track with a familiar feel.
Right from the first bass line and the clavinet fills, a funk is established that is irresistible. Keys and guitars interweave and staccato, keeping the beat funky and positive while maintaining a bright, shiny new sheen. Day then comes in with smooth harmonies, adding subtle feelings all through. Even the backing harmonies are tight and slick, and the solos get their moments to shine in a production that is as precise crafted as the songs themselves. But for all that, the track has a live band feel that makes toes tap every time the track is replayed.
Most remarkably, Chevalier is able to mix the old and the new, creating something that is in between the two but not belonging to either. “If You Could Hear What I Say” sounds like it belongs to genres of soulful past yet it is ready for any present or future. It is difficult to imagine many artists being able to breathe new life into such inspiration so vividly. With his single, Chevalier demonstrates not only that he is a worthy guardian of funk through tribute but also a worthy artist in his own right. Chevalier’s boundary-pushing talent continues to excite fans eagerly awaiting more from this genre-bending French virtuoso.
Stay connected with this incredible artist by following their social media accounts:
Check out our playlist featuring a curated selection of incredibly talented artists within the POP genre: