Reviews
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.”