Want to get your hands on new French music for 2015? There’s lots of great new music out there, so let’s dive in. Here’s what’s new and notable.
The quirky chanteuse who reigned supreme during Nouvelle Star season 8 is back with a cheeky sophomore album befitting of her personality.
These fun tunes will have you singing and humming along even if you only know limited French. It’s the kind of music you hear in the background at a hip dinner party, and proceed to ask the hostess about. If you need a frame of reference, think Pink Martini.
For those who like a taste of the traditional, Zaz presents an album full of her renditions of of timeless songs celebrating Paris. The album includes “Sous le ciel de Paris” (one of Edith Piaf’s signature tunes), covers of classics by Charles Trenet, Josephine Baker, and Yves Montand, and a duet with the legendary Charles Aznavour.
She’s backed by a Big Band, with production assistance by Quincy Jones.
A new Shy’m album is always an event. The “French Rihanna” is back with her 5th opus, and she’s delivered a quite provocative album. This artist never makes the same album twice, and opinions are sharply divided over whether this one represents a step forward or back. After an album full of big, brash EDM songs, Solitaire seems to be a mellowing out of sorts, with some hard-to-miss 1980’s inspiration.
Enjoy angelic harmonies from this cheeky Indie Pop duo. Sylvie and Aurélie have scored with a follow-up album as good as their first. There are plenty of Folky, pretty songs, but keep your Disco ball within reach for when they channel ABBA on the mid-tempo tracks. This album is a delightful listen and a must-have for in-the-know music nerds.
Featured Artist: Luce
Ben l’Oncle Soul
À coup de rêves
After carving out a niche with his 2010 debut, Ben l’Oncle Soul is back and better than ever. The production is better than the last outing, and the songs feel more organic.
I could listen to him the phone book, so I’ve always had a hard time with his tendency to include so many English songs on his album. They sound amazeballs, but I already have Aloe Blacc and Charles Bradley for this. What I need from BEN is French Soul, and I wish he’d given me more than 5 tracks of it.
After her critically acclaimed and commercially successful debut, the reality competition alum returns with a downright gorgeous sophomore album. This artist has always demonstrated a musical maturity well beyond her age, and that continues on this album. Her beautifully croaky vocals are a perfect match for the lush, moody compositions. It reminds me of Brigitte’s first album, but without the two-part harmony.
Mellifluous Indie Pop from France’s favorite quirky heartthrob. This is his best album yet.