Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Mademoiselle de ParisJacqueline Francois

Mademoiselle de Paris – Jacqueline François ( original )

Jacqueline François, a chanson singer born in 1922.

Her song “Mademoiselle de Paris.” The word mademoiselle is familiar even in Japan, and the Japanese title, “The Young Lady of Paris,” may help you grasp the mood of the piece.

Through the expressive quality of her calm voice and the resonance of the backing orchestra, you can feel Paris in the 1940s.

It’s a masterpiece to be grateful for, one that we can easily listen to in Japan—record noise and all, which is beautiful in its own right.

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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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Pain au chocolatJHAS

JHAS – Pain au chocolat

The French pastry filled with chocolate, “pain au chocolat.” In France, it’s so beloved that it’s even a breakfast staple, typically enjoyed warm until the chocolate inside melts.

The song “Pain au chocolat” takes this treat as its theme.

It’s a French-language track by JHAS that gained attention on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud.

Set over a looped programmed beat, the sweet vocals of a female singer create a piece that feels experimental yet even hints at a classical atmosphere.

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Je voleLouane Emera

Louane – Je vole (subt. Español)

“Je vole” is a song by the French singer and actress Louane Emera, born in 1996.

This track is a cover of a song by the chanson singer Sardou, originally released in 1978.

Louane, who starred in the 2015 French film La Famille Bélier, performed the song in the movie, which brought it widespread attention.

The film’s family theme highlights the song’s excellence.

It’s a moving piece that sets the feelings of a girl leaving her parents to a beautiful melody.

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C’est Si BonHalie Loren

C’est Si Bon – Halie Loren

The American singer Halie Loren covers the classic chanson “C’est si bon,” known in Japanese as “Se Shibon.” Many people in Japan may feel they’ve heard that phrase before, since Japanese singers have covered it as well.

The meaning is something like “it’s so good” or “so wonderful,” which perfectly captures the song’s vibe.

In this version, she sings it with a moodier, sexier touch, and the simple accompaniment of upright bass and piano evokes the atmosphere of a French jazz bar.

It’s a song you can enjoy in many versions, including ones in Japanese.

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Göttingen (Göttingen)Barbara

Barbara Göttingen (1964)

The song that makes you swoon with the beautiful French intonation and melody of the legendary chanson singer Barbara is the gem of a masterpiece, “Göttingen.” As you listen, its overwhelming beauty leaves such a deep impression that tears naturally well up—it’s a truly wonderful piece.

Paris sera toujours ParisZAZ

ZAZ – Paris sera toujours Paris (Clip officiel)

French singer-songwriter Zaz covered Maurice Chevalier’s song “Paris sera toujours Paris” in 2014.

Chevalier, a French musician, entertainer, and national icon, originally performed the piece, which is set against the backdrop of 1939 and the war.

Zaz delivers a more rhythmic and comical interpretation.

Both versions are well worth a listen—a chanson that evokes the cheerful spirit of Paris.

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