Cody Fry’s latest album, ‘Pictures of Mountains’, was one of the greatest musical achievements of the decade. It illustrated a side to pop that has only existed in imagination, a feat which Cody Fry made seem so easy. One of the highlights from that album, where the record takes its first turn, was the song ‘Photograph’. An orchestral ballad that slowly unveils itself layer after layer, telling the heart-wrenching story of one’s desire to live in their favorites moments forever. That song, touching so many, has been reimagined with Clair de Lune as a prelude, which only emphasizes the beauty of the original song, not only in theme but also as it stands strongly alongside one of the greatest classical pieces ever composed.

The intro is quite simply a slight re-harmonization of Clair de Lune, the Debussy composition, but such a classic needn't have any serious reimaginings. It gives a bed for ‘Photograph’ to lay in comfortably, and transitions ever-so elegantly into the former song. The re-orchestration of Photograph elevates the song even higher than the original composition’s high stance. There are slight modifications to the dynamics, to the melodies, and one notable extra measure added for a climactic moment of the track that adds so much emotional punch. When the song comes to a close, we’re bookended by Clair de Lune once again to bring the composition full circle. The revisit of Clair de Lune at the end will give you goosebumps even in blaring heat – it’s a musical comeback worthy of the likes of John Williams, someone who I believe Cody Fry could very well embody his musical spirit in the years to come when John Williams will unfortunately no longer be able to provide us music.

Photograph is a masterpiece, and this version somehow tops it. What Cody Fry produces isn’t gold, it’s greater than that. Bless your ears with this rendition of one of the greatest songs ever composed.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.