Victory (Cian Ducrot album)

Victory is the debut studio album by Irish singer Cian Ducrot. It was released on 4 August 2023 through Polydor. The album was preceded by five singles: "All for You", "I'll Be Waiting", "Part of Me", "Heaven", "Everyone Who Falls in Love (Has Someone Else They're Thinking Of)".

Background and singles
The album was recorded in Paris in 2022. Ducrot himself chose the place due to his mother's deep connection with the city. Ducrot first released the self-written and self-produced lead single "All for You" in April 2022. The song quickly gained viral attention and prompted a duet version with Ella Henderson, released in August 2022. The second single "I'll Be Waiting" achieved similar commercial success. On June 2, he released the single "Heaven" which reflects on the relationship with his brother.

Ducrot announced the album on 13 April 2023. In an accompanying Instagram post, Ducrot wrote: "This album represents that victory, the victory of self-belief, the victory of everyone around me who I love and who loved me back, the story of my brother, of my mother, of my grandparents, of my friends, and everyone who fought by our side every step of the way."

The release date was initially slated for 21 July but was later moved to 4 August.

Critical reception
In a positive review, Lauren Murphy of The Irish Times opined that Ducrot "sets his stall firmly in the former camp" (referring to songwriters who 'wear their heart on their sleeve') with his debut album. Murphy called the record "impressively accomplished" and predicted ensuing "international success" for the artist. Jen Long at Line of Best Fit described the album as a "culmination of everything he's worked towards and everything he's been through" with most of the songs stemming from "personal experiences". Long praised his "tender and diaristic" lyrics and vocals which "are placed at the forefront of the songs".

Commercial performance
Victory debuted at number-one on the UK Albums Chart, with combined sales of 15,668 units.