Faouzia FILM NOIR: Every song ranked from best to worst

Faouzia Performs At August Hall - Source: Getty
Faouzia FILM NOIR: Every song ranked from best to worst. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)

Canadian-Moroccan singer Faouzia dropped her debut album, Film Noir, on November 7. She gained popularity with her breakout track, Tears Of Gold and has collaborated with industry giants, including John Legend and Galantis. In an exclusive interview with Riff magazine, Faouzia spoke about her new album and stepping away from her record label, Atlantic Records.

She told the magazine that the tracks may be "different" from what she has released in the past five years, but she feels more "authentic" to her. She took to her Instagram to announce the album release, expressed gratitude and wrote in the caption,

"i have waited over 7 years for this moment . a culmination of every thought and every story i so urgently needed to tell - every obstacle , every defeat , every triumph, all poured into one project … my one and only testimony."

Note: This article reflects the writer’s opinion. Do comment with your suggestions to let us know which other items deserve to make the list.


Every song ranked from best to worst on Faouzia FILM NOIR

Max Mara Celebrates Yara Shahidi At The 2023 WIF Max Mara Face Of The Future Award Recipient Cocktail Event - Source: Getty.  (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Max Mara)
Max Mara Celebrates Yara Shahidi At The 2023 WIF Max Mara Face Of The Future Award Recipient Cocktail Event - Source: Getty. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Max Mara)

We are taking a look at Faouzia's LP, FILM NOIR and ranking them from best to worst:

1. Don't Ever Leave Me

Don't Ever Leave Me is immediately catchy and brings in a wave of much-needed originality. Fans immediately took to YouTube to drop praise for the artist, with one (@thephoenixwillrise613) writing,

"I love Faouzia!! Her voice is hypnotizing and boy can she sing! Better than most of the mainstream artists today. I wish she had more recognition."

2. Desert Rose

Faouzia's rendition of Desert Rose is a fitting tribute to Sting. In her interview with Riff, she revealed that it was the "first song" she decided to incorporate both Arabic and Western elements. She praised Sting and said,

"Sting is an absolute genius. The mix of the Middle Eastern world and the Arab world with the Western world, and the whole psychedelic feel of the song—it doesn’t feel like anything else that exists. That’s what really inspires me when I feel like something that has never been touched before is being created."

3. Unethical

Released three months ago, Unethical displays Faouzia's singing prowess. The song is upbeat and easy to listen to, but the lyrics are sombre. She sings,

"I don't know what it is / Got me wrapped around your cold fingertips / Maybe it’s my fault I can’t walk away / Maybe I just thought you'd feel a little shame."

4. Peace & Violence

It is challenging to rank the tracks on the list, as each track, including "Peace & Violence," offers something new for listeners. As one user @bomp1555 mentions on YouTube, the singer's creative process has only expanded and grown over the years, leaving many mesmerised.


5. Lost My Mind In Paris & Tous Ces Mots

Lost My Mind In Paris has a poignant and theatrical appeal. It would not be uncanny for it to feature in a James Bond movie. The track has a smooth momentum, and Faouzia concludes it with French singing, providing her fans with a complete package.

It seems natural to shift to Tous Ces Mots, which allows her culture to come through. Even non-French-speaking fans would be able to fully appreciate the depth of her singing.


6. Porcelain

Porcelain was a trailer to Faouzia's music repertoire as an independent artist. Her singing is delicate and yet indicates a powerful message. She sings,

"It hurts me to say this/ But it hurts me more to stay /My fingers are bleeding from/ Picking up pieces you made of me."

7. Weirdo

Weirdo transports one to a magical space and is reminiscent of singer Aurora's singing. The only reason it appears at the seventh position of the list is that it ends soon, leaving listeners asking for more.


8. Ornament & Sweet Fever

She keeps the momentum going in Ornament and Sweet Fever. The singing is sweet, the instrumentation is fast-paced, and yet it all works together.


9. Pretty Stranger

The album ends with Pretty Stranger, and almost feels like a fitting finish. She slows down and sounds like a lullaby. The track is in contrast to other tracks on the album and displays Faouzia's deep and vulnerable vocals. Even if it appears at the last position on our list, it is completely worth listening to.


Which is your favorite track from the album? Tell us in the comments below.

Edited by Janvi Kapur