De Palmas’ Rare Sound Begs A Closer Listen

Photo by JM Lubrano

In an alternative universe, this singer could very well be the subject of a “Where Are They Know” post. But 20 years after being crowned Best New Artist, Gérald De Palmas is reinventing himself in creative ways.

He spent the late 80’s playing in a synth band (Les Max Valentin), then made it big huge as a Guitar Pop solo star in the 90’s and early aughts, with a diamond-selling album. (He was that era’s Christophe Mae / John Mayer, if you will.)

His next phase — the one that made ME take notice — involved some inventive Acoustic Pop that sounded oh-so-good with his crackly vocals. I was desperately seeking some male singers who didn’t do that whispery thing that the French seem to find sexy, and I found De Palmas’ style of full-throated crooning refreshing.

These days you’ll find him fronting a French Rock band with some rootsy American influences.

Let’s check out his best work, along with his latest and greatest.

France’s love affair with De Palmas began with the top 10 hit, “Sur la Route.” He struck gold his first time out, winning a Victoire de la Musique (French Grammy) in 1995 for Best New Male Artist on the strength of his debut album, La Dernière année and his hit, “Sur la Route.”

After a sophomore slump, he launched a comeback with his third album, 2000’s Marcher dans le sable. Songwriter Jean Jacques Goldman penned the top 10 song “J’en rêve encore” for him, and the songs “Tomber” and “Une seule vie (marcher dans le sable)” took off as well. The album soared to number two on the charts and was certified diamond. It also won him his second Victoire de la Musique award for Best Male Artist in 2002.

His fourth studio album, Un homme sans racines, reached number 1 in France and featured the top 20 hit, “Elle danse seule.”

Sortir

My introduction to De Palmas was his 2009 studio album, Sortir — his fifth. It includes among other highlights the English duet “Pandora’s Box” with (and written by) Eagle Eye Cherry. It has the same acoustic Pop vibe that his fans have come to love, and once again, his album reached the top of the charts.

Please note: This album is only available in physical CD in the U.S. or the UK. No digital formats are available.


Here’s the Country-tinged “Dans une Larme” which sounds like a great road trip song. The video was shot in New York City.

Also from the album, check out “Mon coeur ne bat plus” (my heart doesn’t beat anymore), where he selectively injects bits of orchestral and electro sound effects into the acoustic Pop.

Sur ma Route

In 2011, the De Palmas released a 2-disc set called Sur Ma Route (On My Way). This Best-Of collection includes his biggest hits, acoustic and live recordings, and previously unreleased material.

One of the new songs was the single “L’etranger” (“The Stranger”). It’s melancholy, yet still plenty catchy, with a complex background that’s a perfect complement for his textured voice. This previously unreleased single seems organic, mellow, and effortless. He sings the verses in French while using English in the chorus to ask, “Do you care about me anymore? Do you mind if I knock at your door?”

The music video returns him to his birthplace of Reunion Island (off the coast of Madagascar). Watch it and check out his best-of album for this single and all his hits to date.

De Palmas

In his latest incarnation, the singer fronts a pretty cool Rock band named De Palmas. 2013’s album of the same name peaked at number 11 on the French charts. I loved the Americana and Alt-Country influence, and I found the album energetic and unpretentious. French Rock tends to be a little overwrought, but here it sounds effortless. I even liked the English songs.

The singles included “Je Me Souviens De Tout,” and the rollicking “Serait Il,” which remind me a lot of The Black Keys:

Visit his official site (in French) to find out more about this singer.

Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think of this singer.