It’s always a treat to discover an artist that we think, or rather know, will be the next big thing. Nicolas McCoppin is a hidden gem in pop music, and I have a feeling Loverboy is going to prove that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Released late in September, Loverboy features McCoppin blending the various elements that make a good pop song, and transforming them into something great. Think Bloom-era Troye Sivan mixed with early Charli XCX. It’s filled with fun, dance-worthy, romantic pop tracks that would be a crime not to sing along to.
But to compare it to the likes of Troye and Charli is unfair, because McCoppin has crafted something here that’s entirely his own. It’s unapologetic storytelling filled with rich, intense imagery that pulls the listeners in and makes us feel like we’re there in those moments he’s recalling within the lyrics.
The album starts off with “Stuck”, which far surpassed my expectations for the opening track. It builds up the anticipation, getting us ready for what Loverboy has to offer. Guided by incredible harmonies, “Stuck” is an instant fan-favorite that’s sure to be just as well received when performed live. It’s relatable, fun, and gives us a glimpse into what McCoppin has up his sleeve with this release.
“Ur Love” feels a bit out of place on the record. I’d have preferred to have seen it placed near the title track for the album, so that the high-energy of “Stuck” could be taken to the next level in the second track. Regardless of this, it’s still a great song, and has the potential to be an instant radio hit. Believe me when I say that there are no “misses” or “skips” on this release; each song brings something unique to the table.
I think “Heaven”, the third track on this release, could have taken the spot as the second track on the album. It’s high-energy, infectiously fun, and showcases McCoppin’s talent for storytelling. The stories that are woven into the lyrics might be specific to him and his own experiences, but his grasp on imagery and lyricism make the listeners feel like we’re really there with him as he remembers running around Brooklyn.
“Subway Sunsets” is another instant hit. It’s fast-paced, fun, and impossible not to sing along to. If you’re looking for another song to jam out to while driving with the windows down, go ahead and add it to your playlist — you’ll thank McCoppin for this one later!
If “Subway Sunsets” offers a chorus that’ll get stuck in your head, then “For Years” will get you up and moving instantly. While it was probably my least favorite track on the record, I want to emphasize my point that there’s not a single bad song on the album. While this song was a bit out of my range of what I enjoy, I still appreciate the energy that “For Years” brings to the album.
The instrumentals on “Remember That Night” allow McCoppin’s vocals to take center stage. The production is pulled back a little bit, allowing the spotlight to shine on the story that the lyrics are telling.
This feeling allows for a perfect transition into “Loverboy”, the album’s title track. The beginning of the song is soft and sweet, reminding me of a music box initially. As the track goes on, the song builds upon itself, becoming more and more intense each time out ears are met my the chorus. It’s one of my favorites from the record, and showcases McCoppin’s impressive vocal range before the album comes to a close.
“City Of Love” brings the album to a close, starting with a pulsing introduction to let us know that something’s coming, and that something is going to be great. Crafting a perfect ending track for a release is no easy endeavor, but McCoppin does it effortlessly. “City Of Love” truly belongs in a movie, soundtracking a climatic moment where the main characters realized they loved each other all along. “City Of Love” wraps up Loverboy perfectly, but leaves me with excitedly awaiting whatever McCoppin releases next.
Loverboy is truly a once-in-a-lifetime release, and likewise Nicolas McCoppin is a once-in-a-lifetime artist. He comes across as a storyteller, first and foremost, with an incredible gift for creating music unlike anything we’ve heard before.
I’ve been searching for a good pop album that brings something new and innovative to the table, while also reminding me why I love pop music so much. It’s a tall order, I’ll admit, but Nicolas McCoppin delivered, and then some, with Loverboy.
You can stream the record below. I promise you won’t regret it.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2VkPpNKePVs45eKh8duWyD?si=nxBLQxyoQWmzc48gZwDqRA
