Music in French

French music is not as popular as American music now, with few current exceptions. It doesn’t seem like it, because in the past it did have cultural prominence even beyond the chanson, as evidenced by names like Serge Gainsbourg, Charles Aznavour, Édith Piaf, Françoise Hardy, Charles Trenet and so many other voices from years ago. However, we rarely hear French or French-speaking artists on radio or television, where the Makeba song used in advertising stands out, even if they hardly use parts where Jain sings in French.

In any case, beyond the sales successes or the fame of old and new voices, the truth is that music in French is always capable of maintaining a high number of followers, among whom we find ourselves, which is why this label The category exists to give you visibility in the form of singers, groups and music charts.

Because French music has had a significant impact on the entire European musical culture since the beginning of the 20th century, with that mix of jazz and popular music that gave rise to the French chanson. As in so many things, it all started with a series of independent patrons who invested money in the musical culture of their country, of which, on the other hand, they were not ashamed.

As it turned out, music in French occupies one of the leading places in world culture and even in the influence of music in other countries outside of Europe. It is enough to look at the world after the Second World War, when thanks to talented artists such as the aforementioned Piaf, Damia, or Fréhel, the French chanson acquired global dimensions.

French music groups and singers

Today most of these names are still remembered as world famous music stars and musicians or, at least, some of their songs are mythical for most of us, despite their antiquity.

It must be said that the French nouvelle chanson has revitalized any hint of wear and tear in the genre with other big names that, since the 2000s, have given rise to new movements that have diversified into rap, trap and other genres that we develop in this category. From Benjamin Biolay to the Videoclub duo, passing through Fauve or Radio Elvis.

There is a well-developed industry of music festivals of all styles in many French cities, where there is room for both commercial and non-commercial music. Some television program dedicated to live performances is still alive. Modern groups are, although the essence remains, ultimately, and the taste for good music regardless of the genre is also present here, regardless of whether the origin of the artists is Canadian, Belgian, Swiss, French or even Spanish. The only thing that matters to us is the language, as you will see below.

Top 5 francophone singers of all time and their best songs

A classic French song is “chanson à texte”, which, for short, is a song in which the words play the most important role, but they do not forget the importance of the music. That’s why it’s so important to understand French song lyrics, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t focus on the music.

In any case, here is a completely subjective list of the 5 best French songs of all time. Most of them are quite old songs, but as you know, the passage of time is the best proof of the value of music.

Ne me quitte pas, by Jacques Brel

This is absolutely and undeniably number one, despite not being a French song, as it belongs to singer-songwriter Jacques Brel. This sad love song was written in 1959 as a result of Brel’s breakup with his lover Suzanne Gabriello (Zizou). Their relationship was very turbulent, full of constant breakups and comebacks. On this occasion, it is Brel who leaves Gabriello and writes this song. In later interviews, he said that this is not a song about a break up but about the cowardice of men.

Ne me quitte pas delighted the public immediately and to this day squeezes the hearts of everyone who listens to it. This is an excellent theatrical interpretation of Brel: a shaky voice, tears in his eyes, a deep performance. The poetic words encouraged many artists to interpret this song with their own arrangements, including Edith Piaf, Mireille Mathieu, Nina Simone or Sting.

My Lord, by Edith Piaf

A 1959 song written by George Moustaki, a friend of Piaf’s, and composed by Marguerite Monnot. In the song, a prostitute comforts a wealthy client about her heart problems. Edith Piaf’s performance is full of tension and emotion. Milord sold 400,000 copies.

La Boheme, by Charles Aznavour

The song La bohème was originally written for Georges Guétary, who would perform it in the operetta Monsieur Carnaval. Aznavour, however, intercepted the song and recorded it faster than the resulting operetta. This caused a media storm and a dispute between the two artists.

The song is about bohemia, a life in poverty, but also a life without the worries and problems of bourgeois society. Aznavour, who plays the role of a painter who remembers his youth with regret and nostalgia, made gestures as if he were painting a picture during concerts. To this day, the song is easily included in the repertoire of many artists.

Je t’aime, moi non plus, by Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin

In the ranking of the most controversial songs, Je t’aime, moi non plus would definitely take first place. Introduced in 1967, initially written and composed by Gainsbourg for Brigitte Bardot, who asked him to write the most romantic song imaginable, it was not published until 1969, the erotic year, alongside her post-Bardot partner, Jane Birkin.

The song, full of eroticism, caused a scandal and was banned in many countries. The text contains many expressions related to the sexual act, and Birkin’s sighs indicate the ecstasy of love.

Aux Champs Elysées, by Joe Dassin

Who does not know the song Aux Champs Elysées? All it takes is the first bar, the first words, and everyone starts humming this hymn to the Champs-Élysées.

The story of the song begins in 1969, when the composer Pierre Delanoë decided to convey the mood of the song Waterloo Road by the English group Jason Crest, and in the same spirit wrote a ballad praising the Champs Elysees. The song, sung by Joe Dassin, immediately became an international hit.

The song narrates the unexpected encounter of a woman and a man on the Champs-Élysées, an encounter that is the beginning of a great love. Everything is possible on the Champs Elysées, like in an American dream. Joe Dassin presents France, smiling, romantic, carefree.