Reviews
PRAISE FOR "MORNING BY MORNING"
Le Concorde‘s taking that classic sophistipop grace and launching it straight to the heavens…”Morning By Morning” is like a shot of holy espresso for your weary soul… the makings of a modern hymn… Becker’s known for mixing reverence with groove, and this track sounds like the perfect anthem for shaking off the darkness…
Becker’s not messing around here. He’s assembled a killer lineup of scene veterans for this beast. (we’re talking Roger Joseph Manning Jr. on keys, Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow bringing those harmonies, Lewis Gordon on bass, and Ross McFarlane behind the drums). And those backing vocals from The Posies duo are pure rocket fuel for Becker’s lead. Produced by the legendary Calum Malcolm (The Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout – yeah, that pedigree).
We’re talking less ‘polite jazz club’, more ‘midnight drive down the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down and the volume maxed’…
What’s the fuel in the tank? Becker’s poured his journey into Second Mansions. The whole album’s a lush, soulful and celebratory work infused with Catholic spirituality and mysticism.
“Morning By Morning” is a whole vibe of renewal, introspection, or maybe just the sheer, defying energy of facing a new day spiritually, head-on.
The track rolls along nicely with Le Concorde’s thoughtful vocals and careful arrangements, but then something wild happens:
Two harmonica players, Brendan Power and Ross Garren, take over the final stretch with this back-and-forth conversation that completely changes the mood.
You don’t expect harmonicas to show up in sophisti-pop, but here they are, turning the ending into something that sounds like seagulls having a philosophical debate…the kind of creative decision that could backfire completely, but instead makes you hit repeat all day.
Le Concorde returns with a new single that breeds a beautifully cinematic soundscape… you end up painting such great pictures in your head as the song unfolds...that it gets you attached to the song itself…which blends old and new school sounds together to create something that is impactful and lasting. … listen to this one with headphones on–you can take in all of the great layers that are going on. Like any kind of great pop music with a message or sentiment behind it, it comes from some real place.
…brilliantly captures the light yet lush pop sounds and post-punk freedom of a swirl of bands that coalesced into small, indie labels such as Postcard and Sarah Records. … “Morning By Morning” feels like time travel, like an echo of the more delicate end of the growing independent scene, a cool and cultured corner of those formative years. It has made my day.
Stephen Becker, the man behind the moniker, calls his music “sophistipop,” and I can’t think of a better term for such soulful, serene, and seductive music.
“Morning By Morning,” the latest single from Le Concorde, reimagines the love song through a cinematic and spiritual lens.
Produced and mixed by Calum Malcolm (Prefab Sprout, The Blue Nile), “Morning By Morning” unfolds with the lush textures and elegance of classic sophistipop. Recorded between Sunset Sound’s Studio 3—the fabled “Prince room”—and North Lodge in Scotland, the production is a transatlantic collaboration built on expertise and craftsmanship.
The single features a remarkable ensemble of musicians, including:
- Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (Jellyfish, Beck) and Stephen Becker (Le Concorde) on keyboards;
- Lewis Gordon (Deacon Blue) on bass;
- Liam Bradley (Van Morrison, The Blue Nile) on percussion;
- Ross McFarlane (The Proclaimers, Texas) on drums;
- Jon Auer & Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, Big Star) contributing their signature harmony blend;
- Stephen Becker also performs vocals, guitar, guitar synth, and additional keys.
But what truly sets the song apart is its transcendent extended outro: a duet between two of the most acclaimed harmonica players in the world:
- Brendan Power (Kate Bush, Sting)—an innovator and master of the chromatic harmonica;
- Ross Garren (Robbie Robertson, Bruce Hornsby, A Complete Unknown)—the contemporary harmonica voice of film and Americana.
Their call-and-response performance evokes the newly joined voices of the couple themselves—and the haunting cries of seagulls circling in blessing. It’s an unconventional and deeply moving finale to a song that celebrates not only earthly love, but love elevated—carried by the divine.
A modern classic in disguise, polished to perfection with help from music greats like Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Brendan Power… feels like sunlight pouring through your window on a slow, dreamy morning.
Le Concorde’s latest single, “Morning by Morning,” from the upcoming album Second Mansions, is the tune to wrap yourself in. Stephen Becker — the brain and beating heart behind Le Concorde — serves up another slice of poetic sophisti-pop, like a soft-focus daydream, sticking in your bones.
There’s a richness to the instrumentation that feels both classic and fresh, layered with textures that pull you in deeper the longer you listen. What I love most is how the melody unfolds, it feels thoughtful and carefully built but never forced.
The lyrics carry real weight too, they are meaningful and deep in a way that makes them easy to connect with…the outro is a unique twist that lingers. For me, this song highlights Le Concorde’s creativity and distinctive style in the best way. I can’t stop replaying it, I’m already excited for what comes next.
A total swayer… If you’ve ever wished the golden age of sophisti-pop would make a comeback, this one’s for you. With shimmering synths, silky basslines, and the kind of glossy production that wouldn’t feel out of place next to The Colour of Spring or Steve McQueen,
“Morning By Morning” feels like cracking open a lost gem from 1986—but with a modern twist.
And that outro? A harmonica showdown for the ages—Brendan Power (Kate Bush, Sting, Peter Gabriel) and Ross Garren (Robbie Robertson, Bruce Hornsby) trading runs like it’s the final scene of your favorite forgotten ’80s film score.
Stephen Becker, brings with him a touch of elegance in all his music, and this is no less evident in ‘Morning By Morning’. Additionally there is an element of 80s sun-drenched sound to his music… a gorgeously catchy track, and a great follow-up to Le Concorde’s previous releases, ‘Corpus Christi’, and ‘Saint James’.
PRAISE FOR “SAINT JAMES”
“Le Concorde’s ‘Saint James’ glows with spirit and grace.”
” ‘Saint James’ is an example of how pop can be intelligent, elegant, and emotional at the same time.”
“…an ensemble that reads like a who’s-who of music royalty.”
“I could go on listing names – the song and upcoming Second Mansions album have a stellar cast. But the vision is all down to Becker and his ability to write songs that are complex while never straying far from a pop sound. Sophisti-pop is a good genre tag for ‘Saint James’ but it doesn’t get across how good, how fun, the song is.”
“‘Saint James’ is both gloriously nostalgic and the shot in the arm that the charts could do with right now, a reminder that there is a meeting point between authenticity and accessibility, between grace and groove, sheen and seduction.
It is also a reminder that you can find pop purpose in even the most highbrow of subjects; why do we need even more shallow, boy-meets-girl, boy-looses-girl, boy-writes-achingly-bland-ballad-about-it when we can have vibrant pop songs that contemplate a medieval European pilgrim trail and revel in the awe-inspiring cathedrals found there?
Poised, poignant, and purposeful. That’s my kind of pop music.”
“Effortlessly grand yet deeply personal…
…emotionally rich, polished pop shines through, backed by an ensemble that reads like a who’s-who of music royalty.
What sets Le Concorde apart is Becker’s ability to assemble dream-team lineups. …
It’s a testament to Becker’s reputation that he can pull together such a roster, and the result is a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.”
“I found it fascinating how he blends the sacred with the everyday, as if documenting a mystical journey in a pop key.
The figure of Santiago, or Saint James, appears as a guide between internal battles and external redemptions. Phrases like “Does vengeance make the heart a liar?” open up spaces for reflection without interrupting the musicality of the song. There’s something cinematic about the way these scenes are told: candles, statues, red wine, exiles… everything vibrates with a melancholic elegance.
The fine work in the details is evident: subtle harmonies, instrumental lines that appear and disappear like brushstrokes.
Saint James is an example of how pop can be intelligent, elegant, and emotional at the same time.”
“Becker’s knack for crafting emotionally rich, polished pop shines through, backed by an ensemble that reads like a who’s-who of music royalty. We’re talking Calum Malcolm (The Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout) on production, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (Jellyfish, Beck) on keyboards, and more. It’s no wonder the song feels so effortlessly grand yet deeply personal.
The melody is instantly catchy, with a driving beat that nods to 80s new wave and indie rock’s brighter edges. Becker’s vocals carry a reflective warmth, weaving through lyrics that evoke the spiritual weight of Compostela’s cathedral and the awe of standing in Saint James’s ‘home on earth.’
What sets Le Concorde apart is Becker’s ability to assemble dream-team lineups. … It’s a testament to Becker’s reputation that he can pull together such a roster, and the result is a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.”
“Not only a killer pop song but one that echoes with the sophisticated sound of the best of eighties pop, those bands making commercial headways in the heady post-punk days but doing so without having lost their edge, bands such as Prefab Sprout, The Blue Nile, and Aztec Camera.“
PRAISE FOR “CORPUS CHRISTI”
“‘Corpus Christi’ by Le Concorde is a masterpiece of a song that takes us into an alternative universe where unheard melodies take birth. Le Concorde has brought together a super talented ensemble that resulted in a futuristic song called ‘Corpus Christi’. This song is a prime example of the evolution of music.”
“The first taste of his upcoming album Second Mansions, Le Concorde’s “Corpus Christi” is a five-star knockout of synth rock magic. Becker and his studio wizards invite us to play it loud and let the miracles begin.”
“A journey through sound, emotion, and the open road. ✨🌊@LeConcordeMusic unveils their mesmerizing new single, ‘Corpus Christi’, a track filled with shimmering melodies, nostalgic vibes, and a sense of longing for something just out of reach.”
“But what really makes ‘Corpus Christi’ special is Stephen Becker’s thoughtful songwriting. There’s this deep reflection on faith, beauty, and belief in every note. Somehow the track never feels heavy. It’s uplifting, elegant, and just downright stunning. This is the kind of song you can play on repeat and find new little details every time.”
“If you are looking for elegance and energy, you just found them. ‘Corpus Christi’ is a slice of retro energy and unmatched charisma, delivered by Le Concorde’s evocative, dynamic vocals.”
“The golden glow of 80s sophistipop. That’s Le Concorde’s “Corpus Christi” the anthemic return of Stephen Becker’s brainchild after 15 years, recorded by legendary producer, Calum Malcolm with a star-studded line up featuring Jellyfish’s Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., ABC’s Vinzenz Benjamin, and Trevor Horn’s Ash Soan. Sophistipop is vibing hard in 2025—think Prefab Sprout’s lush melodies or Script Politti’s sleek hooks—and this single’s here to reignite that flame. Ready to dance through time? Let’s dive into ‘Corpus Christi’ and the LA visionary bringing it back.”
“From the opening seconds, ‘Corpus Christi’ arrives fully formed. It’s polished sheen and tight rhythm section a clear nod to the meticulous studio craft of its inspirations. The baseline—rubbery, propulsive, and undeniably funky—anchors the track, cutting through layers of glossy synths and bright, chiming guitars. Despite the density of the arrangement, the mix remains surprisingly spacious, evoking the layered yet breathable soundscapes of So-era Peter Gabriel.”
“Never has the past sounded so of the moment as it does here. Brilliant.
Stephen Becker puts an Anglo-centric musical posse through their paces and truly lives up to the expectations… The song grooves and shimmers and shines, is spacious enough to let the light shine through, and has infectiousness in spades. Gently nostalgic for those of us old enough to remember but also brilliantly original, so much so that with his delicious music, Becker is sure to attract no small amount of new and younger fans too.”
“Le Concorde drops their long-awaited cut, ‘Corpus Christi’ — Vocally this is fantastic, and it’s got plenty of hooks to bring you in as a die-hard fan. It’s a very dreamy slice of new-wave with elements that sound very Michael Jackson mixed with the sexy swagger of Chic, all rolled into one with a shimmering undertone that you may even find in a Mystery Jets tune.”
“From the first moments, the track locks into a smooth, infectious rhythm, balancing its nostalgic heart with modern finesse. The melodies get quite addictive, weaving between sleek production and airy harmonies, creating a sound that’s as cinematic as it is intimate. It’s the kind of song that shifts and shimmers, revealing something new with every listen.”
“Becker’s voice is just so deliciously nostalgic; almost like a cross between Bowie, Trevor Horn, and maybe a pinch or two of Lindsey Buckingham. Exquisite! The track features backing vocals by Doris Brendel, drums and percussion by Ash Soan, bass from Vinzenz Benjamin, while Roger Joseph Manning, Jr and Becker provide keyboards and is accompanied by a suitably pixelated music video, set in an 80s video game.”