What makes Roses by Cœur de pirate notable?

Roses received widespread acclaim, reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and earning a Juno Award nomination for Adult Alternative Album of the Year. The album's blend of emotional depth and accessible melodies influenced a resurgence of interest in French-language pop music internationally. Released in 2015, Roses is Cœur de pirate's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed album, Trauma. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her presence in the Canadian music scene and expanding her international reach, showcasing a maturation in both songwriting and musical exploration.

Roses works well if you're into steady melodic journeys, introspective late-night reflections and hauntingly emotional soundscapes.

How many songs are on Roses?

Roses has 14 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Roses

Cœur de pirate · 2015

49 min · 14 tracks · folk music

A tender blend of folk and pop, infused with introspective lyrics and Cœur de pirate's hauntingly beautiful vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Don’t Want to Break Your Heart — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its poignant lyrics that explore vulnerability and fear of loss. Its delicate instrumentation complements the heartfelt delivery, making it a standout example of Cœur de pirate's artistry.
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Oceans Brawl — With its rich imagery and sweeping melodies, this song captures the essence of longing and connection that permeates the album. The production builds gradually, reflecting the lyrical journey through tumultuous emotions.
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Drapeau blanc — This track showcases Cœur de pirate's ability to blend melancholy with an upbeat rhythm, making it a compelling listen. It combines catchy hooks with introspective lyrics that reveal deeper layers of meaning.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Roses combines introspective lyrics with strong melodies, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
Vocals are layered with harmonies in several tracks, adding depth to the emotional delivery without overshadowing the lyrics.
The arrangement often includes sparse instrumentation, allowing the piano and vocals to take center stage, particularly in tracks like 'Oublie-moi' and 'The Way Back Home.'

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic journeys
introspective late-night reflections
hauntingly emotional soundscapes
gentle background ambiance

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2015, Roses is Cœur de pirate's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed album, Trauma. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her presence in the Canadian music scene and expanding her international reach, showcasing a maturation in both songwriting and musical exploration.
Stylistic neighbors: Lisa Hannigan· Regina Spektor· Norah Jones

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Oceans Brawl

The shift from reminiscing about love lost to confronting unresolved feelings marks a pivotal moment in the song.

This transition deepens the narrative tension, illustrating the complexity of moving on while still cherishing past connections.