At its heart, Optimisme deals in the same joyous protest music Songhoy Blues are known for, only now bolstered with a grit that matches the multi-lingual lyrics. “Don’t worry/You’re going to be happy/Keep fighting today/That smile will come one day”. Optimisme indeed.
In a year like 2020, we all need Optimisme - an essential album that gets better with every listen.
So, as autumnal clouds signal the close of a dismal year, is Optimisme justified? Is the glass half full or half empty? Well, it's a very big glass and - more importantly - what it contains is extremely tasty.
It’s a recipe that turns Optimisme into a pissed-off record that somehow still celebrates the sheer joy of just being alive. And, let’s be honest, we can all do with something like that right now.