Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Je veuxZAZ

ZAZ – Je veux (Clip officiel)

Zaz’s huge hit song “Je veux.” It was her debut single, and with this track she rapidly became known across France.

The momentum didn’t stop there—she went on to gain support throughout Europe.

The composer Kerredine Soltani also brings out Zaz’s individuality brilliantly.

Melody, rhythm, expressiveness, fun—by any measure, it’s a perfect song.

The live versions feature a variety of arrangements, so be sure to check them out!

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Ryo

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T’en va pasElsa

Elsa – T’en Va Pas (Clip Officiel)

“T’en va pas” is a chanson by French singer Elsa, which she performed in a film in 1986 when she was 13, becoming a huge hit.

In Japan, it is known under the titles “Kanashimi no Adagio” or “Kare to Kanojo no Sonnet,” and in 1987 Tomoyo Harada sang a J-pop–style arranged version that became widely popular there.

I think it’s a song whose original lyrics’ atmosphere comes through even more vividly when enjoyed together with the film’s story.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Champs ElyséesZAZ

ZAZ – Champs Elysées (Clip officiel)

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call “Champs Elysées” the theme song of Paris.

It’s that famous tune everyone knows from the line, “Aux Champs-Élysées.” The song was composed by Joe Dassin, and for a long time his version was synonymous with “Champs Elysées.” Nowadays, however, the cover by Zaz, a beloved French national artist, has become the version most familiar to the French.

Pay attention to its lively rhythm and lyrics that warmly portray everyday life.

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Ne Me Quitte PasNina Simone

Nina Simone – Ne Me Quitte Pas

Nina Simone, the legendary artist from the United States.

After making her mark in America, she set off around the world in search of greater heights.

She later settled fully in France, where she spent the rest of her life.

She is sometimes called the greatest artist America let slip away.

She likely couldn’t tolerate the decline in musical standards brought on by the commercialization of the scene.

This track, “Ne Me Quitte Pas,” is a cover of a song by Jacques Brel—a French-language piece listened to all over the world.

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Ryo

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La BohemeCharles Aznavour

Charles Aznavour – La Boheme – B&W – HQ Audio

Charles Aznavour, a French singer-songwriter born in 1924.

On stage, he always uses a white handkerchief, employing it like a Japanese rakugo storyteller’s fan to depict things like flowers.

I’d love for you to see, through video, his facial expressions while singing and the way he handles that handkerchief, but even just listening is enough to convey the excellence of his vocal performance.

The lyrics are tinged with the melancholy of youth, and it feels as though you can hear the streets and spirit of France resonating through the song.

As an aside, the Gundam character Char Aznable takes his name from him.

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Murakami Shinpei

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