When you learn a language, not only do you learn the vocabulary and grammar, but you also discover the cultures that come with that language. Learners of French are especially spoiled when it comes to French language music. Here are some of our favourites:
Yelle
Poppy, electronic music that sounds as good on your iPod as on the dancefloor. Yelle consists of singer Yelle (Julie Budet), GrandMarnier (Jean-François Perrier) and Tepr (Tanguy Destable). The band became a MySpace sensation in France and soon began touring the world to promote first album Pop Up. Yelle’s second album Safari Disco Club was released in 2011.
Serge Gainsbourg
Always a controversial figure, Serge Gainsbourg made some of the most beautiful music of the twentieth century. And made music with some of the most beautiful women of the twentieth century.
Sébastien Tellier
(This one is in English but it is an unbelievable piece of music – have a look for the full 7 minute version)
Sebastian Tellier was one of the more unusual choices for the 2008 Eurovision song contest. He didn’t win, but the sight of one of France’s finest artists in trademark huge sunglasses was somehow incongruous in among all the synthpop and bawling ballads. Multitalented and multilingual, Tellier sings in French, English and Italian.
MC Solaar
There were so many French hip hop artists to choose from, but MC Solaar is probably the best place to start. Claude M’Barali has been around for years and changed with the times… the older stuff is often funkier while his newer work is slicker.
Georges Brassens
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rslShTbqNbo
Georges Brassens rarely performed abroad but was a legend in France. His songs were highly political and caught the mood of the times during the 1950s and 60s. Interest in Brassenssurged again after his death in 1981, when a new generation discovered his music and lyrics.
What’s that? Solaar over IAM? Where’s Vanessa Paradis? And Tryo? Who made this list anyway?!? Get involved in the comments…
What do you think?