I first became an admirer of Charlotte Gainsbourg as an actress, after her subtly naive performance in the 1996 film adaptation of Jane Eyre (which I love, by the way). But it's no surprise that the actress is now turning to music: She is, after all, the spawn of legendary French singer/eccentric Serge Gainsbourg, with whom she recorded her first album, Charlotte For Ever, at the age of 13.
Now, Gainsbourg the singer is all grown-up, and her first adult solo album, 5:55, was just released in the U.S. this week. The album flicks at French tradition, with pianos and bells that call to mind gray Paris afternoons, while also feeling very modern. I particularly love this ethereal, romantic track "The Songs That We Sing," with its fluttering, insect-like strings. To listen, read more
Isabella Oliver
Net-a-Porter
Del Gatto
I've got my hands on this right before Christmas - it's a really good album. She has a sweet little voice.
1I like the sound of this song. Thanks, buzz!
2I love the song "Somewhere between sleeping and waking." Great idea for song of the day!
3I really don't like her voice and the way she sings; actually I'm not even sure I can talk about 'voice'! The instrumental part of the CD is really good imo, but the mix with her voice sounds too artificial too me. Actually she reminds me a lot of Jane Birkin and Carla Bruni with her "if I talk during a song maybe people will think I can sing".
4Ooh thanks for the recommendation! I like it!
5"The album flicks at French tradition, with pianos and bells that call to mind gray Paris afternoons"
?
I'm French and I don't get the point here... I would not qualify her album as "traditional " but "fashionable/mareketable" (if I dare) as she hires famous people to compose it for her, i.e. Air band frontguy.
For me, it is symptomatic of a specific "trend" we have here in France : actresses/models making out their albums. I'm not saying that by principle they shouldn't, but, let's face it, they are plenty of talented artists who don't get enough mediatic exposure...
Anyway, you could have tried a more unconventional, let's say, Philippe Katerine : a very witty, funny guy who likes to dress up and sing whatever he likes. He is my prefered French artist these days !
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