Today we start a new article series highlighting the great works of animation composers – on their birthdays, no less – and today’s star is composer Cœur de pirate (Béatrice Martin), a Canadian singer-songwriter who scored the music to Ubisoft’s pioneering video game Child of Light. We’ll be listing our favorite tunes from her personal albums and game soundtrack!
Born in Quebec, the “Pirate Heart” songwriter burst onto the scene in 2008 with her self-titled album and feature in the 2009 surprise viral video Time lapse of a baby playing with his toys. Her sophomore release Blonde is a throwback lounge-style album seemingly inspired by the 50s and 60s “blue-eyed soul.” Starting in 2013, Martin began work in the film and game industries, writing scores for Trauma and Child of Light.
With a delicate nod to folk and classic pop music, here 5 of our favorites from Pirate’s discography:
Comme des enfants (2008)
One of her debut singles that showcases her musical aesthetic and folky piano. Gentle and seeping with sweet nostalgia, the lead track from her debut album is cute, colorful, and completely comforting.
Adieu (2011)
If you love Meghan Trainor, Amy Winehouse, and Adele, you’re sure to eat-up Pirate’s “Adieu” – an uptempo break-up song with a classic speak-easy feel. A more mature Pirate has upped her game with a full-orchestrated tune that’ll have you bidding “Adieu” to your bugaboo!
Aurora’s Theme (2014)
A somber cello melody speaks for the journeying Aurora as she works her to save the sun in the coming-of-age tale Child of Light. Pirate is at her best with her gentle piano accompaniment, minimal string writing, and soft musical phrasing. The percussion might be a bit too much at times, but the overall feel of empowerment and determination cannot be stamped out.
Metal Gleamed in the Twilight (2014)
The action-battle music from Child of Light. Pirate is highly-adept at creating landscapes from 3 chords or less using a number scoring techniques such as driving percussion, strings in menacing octaves, and pleading choir voices. The piano takes a back seat in this tune that brings to mind God of War and The Lord of the Rings.
Carry On (2015)
From Pirate’s latest release Roses. The only English track on this list is definitely modern pop – a Katy Perry-like anthem with the vocal stylings of Ingrid Michaelson and Ellie Goulding. With this album, Pirate has solidified her place in Canadian pop culture.
Happy Birthday, Cœur de pirate!