Marie-Annick Lépine, known for her role as the multi-instrumentalist and vocalist of the beloved band Cowboys Fringants, recently released her fourth solo album, Le cœur est un rêveur, on March 14, 2025. The album arrives less than a year and a half after the heartbreaking passing of her partner, Karl Tremblay, who succumbed to prostate cancer on November 15, 2023. It also follows the death of her father, who passed away at the end of January 2025, adding another layer of complexity to this poignant artistic endeavor.
With Le cœur est un rêveur, Lépine offers listeners both her vulnerability and her resilience—a musical reflection of her personal pain intertwined with moments of humor and lightness. "Je tenais à la mettre au début pour respecter la chronologie de l’album," she explains, referring to the opening track, 'Comme on était'. This song was born during the period when Tremblay was battling cancer, encapsulating the melancholy and introspection of those times. The lyrics express longing and the desire to return to the past, singing, "J’aimerais tant revenir comme on était, avant le pire," capturing the emotional weight of her experience.
While 'Comme on était' opens the album with sorrowful melodies, the title track, 'Le cœur est un rêveur', reveals Lépine's ability to embrace life again, reflecting her strength as she tackles her new reality as a single mother. "Les gens ont besoin de rire," she notes, emphasizing the importance of balancing sad themes with moments of levity. The album is not merely a collection of gloomy tunes; it encourages listeners to find joy and respite amid trials. It's about recognizing the warmth of human connection and the healing power of laughter.
Lépine's dependence on music as her lifeline resonates throughout Le cœur est un rêveur. "Quand tu joues de la musique, tu ne peux pas être malheureux,“ she states, illustrating the therapeutic role music has played during her difficult retention period. Collaborators Daniel Lacoste and Pierre Fortin helped her produce this emotional yet festive album, bringing experiences of joy and sorrow together through various instruments and arrangements.
Of special significance are the closing track, 'Ta dernière adresse', and the song 'Ne me secouez pas', both touching dedications to her loved ones. Lépine shares her hopes of instilling magic through her music, even amid poignant subject matter. "Chaque instant je veux croire / Et dire aux enfants / Que nous quatre c’t’encore vrai / Qu’un homme comme toi / Ne s’éteindra jamais," she sings, channeling her feelings of loss and the undying nature of memories shared. Lépine talks about how she wrote 'Ne me secouez pas' after discovering beautiful artwork referencing the emotions tied to grief, illustrating just how deeply interwoven her thoughts and feelings are with her artistry.
Yet, the album is not solely about personal sorrow. Lépine also intersperses humor as she navigates single motherhood, with tracks like 'Ma vieille chum', where she cleverly satirizes the world of dating post-loss. "Mes chums célibataires se sont mises à m’envoyer des photos des pires cas," she recalls with laughter, encapsulating the absurd moments of life she chooses to embrace.
With frequent reflections on her connection to the audience, Lépine emphasizes the universality of loss and healing. Her thoughtful social media presence serves as a bridge to her fans, allowing for genuine exchanges of emotions and experiences. "Sa personnalité, sa sagesse, sa tendresse, ça reste gravé dans nos vies," she asserts about Tremblay's enduring impact on her and her daughters.
The album, described by Lépine as "un cheminement lumineux rempli d’espoir et d’humour," resonates not only with the pain of loss but also with the tenacity of the human spirit. It encapsulates feelings of grief, hope, humor, and perseverance. The musical project serves as both tribute and catharsis for Lépine, embodying her experience processing life after the passing of two significant figures.
Looking forward, Marie-Annick Lépine plans to take her music to the stage, with several performances lined up, including dates on June 5 at L'Assomption and November 21 at the Théâtre Petit Champlain. Although the Cowboys Fringants will not perform as they once did, Lépine is ready to explore this new chapter, confident and vocal about her artistic evolution. "Je suis rock," she says proudly, showcasing her vibrant personality as she balances motherhood and music.
Through Le cœur est un rêveur, Lépine invites listeners to navigate the myriad emotions inherent to life: the depths of sorrow, the lightness of joy, and, above all, the enduring strength of the heart. This album is not just about surviving tragedy; it's about celebrating life amid the pain, proving the incredible ability of music to heal and uplift.