William Cloutier, having captured hearts both locally and abroad, made waves with the release of his second album, titled L'amour, on March 14, 2025. Continuing the momentum he built with his successful debut album, On ira, which garnered over 6 million streams since its release, Cloutier's latest offering showcases his growth as an artist. The album, produced by Benjamin Nadeau, comprises 11 vibrant tracks, each reflecting unique facets of love.
Cloutier's transformation as a musician is evident throughout L'amour. The themes woven through the album range from heartfelt affection to self-love, offering listeners emotional depth alongside infectious beats. “L’amour fait du sens pour quelqu'un qui charme le public ici mais aussi en France,” he shared during his promotional tour, highlighting the cultural resonance of his work.
Riding high from his experiences spent touring with the iconic musical Starmania—where he portrayed Johnny Rockfort—Cloutier returned with renewed vigor and artistic clarity. Upon the album's release, he shared through social media the poignant background of one touching track, J'ai pas choisi de t'avoir, written for a friend struggling with Tourette syndrome. The emotional weight of the song showcases Cloutier's capability to address significant themes with sensitivity.
Equally adept at balancing humor and sincerity, Cloutier demonstrates versatility through tracks like Entre Montréal et Paris, which draws inspiration from his travel mishaps. On the other hand, the flirty Ta bouche promises to set dance floors buzzing across Canada. This playful energy, coupled with ballads reflecting more vulnerable sides of his persona—such as À quel prix?—exemplifies the album's dynamic nature. “L’amour continuera de faire danser les fans de musique pop pour un bon moment,” remarked music critic Bruno Lapointe, affirming the album’s infectious qualities.
Not only was the record crafted with input from collaborators like Claude Bégin and Laurence Nerbonne, but Cloutier actively sought feedback from his fans throughout the creation process. “Tout au long de la création, j’ai partagé avec mes abonnés des divers réseaux sociaux les premières versions d’à peu près toutes les chansons. Les gens ont partagé en fou... Je suis fier de ce partage créatif et heureux que mes chansons aient résonné autant en eux!” he expressed. This direct engagement allowed fans to feel part of the album-making experience, strengthening the artist-audience connection.
Alongside the album launch, Cloutier is preparing for his first solo tour, which will kick off during the summer of 2025. Initial performances are set for various festivals across Canada, including the highly anticipated Festival d'été de Québec. His electrifying stage presence, established during his time on Star Académie, promises to deliver unforgettable shows as he plays tracks from both L'amour and his debut album, On ira.
With 'L'amour', William Cloutier has crafted not just songs but stories—each track inviting listeners to share in moments of joy, vulnerability, and celebration. His infectious enthusiasm and the album's rich sonic palette suggest this pop gem is set to resonate with audiences far beyond Canadian borders.