Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Tombe la neigeAdamo

Adamo – Tombe la neige (1976)

Salvatore Adamo, the chanson singer famous for songs like “Sans toi ma mie,” also has “Tombe la neige,” another one of his signature numbers, known in Japan under the title “Yuki ga Furu” (Snow Is Falling).

Chanson often dwells on themes like love and local color, capturing the air of a city and the feelings of its people.

This piece, too, evokes a wintry French snow scene.

I hope you’ll take in the lyrics’ message and feel the lingering melancholy that defines this number.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Le Vent Nous PorteraSophie Hunger

Sophie Hunger – Le Vent Nous Portera (De Hofnar Edit)

Sophie Hunger is a Swiss-born artist.

In addition to English, she speaks various languages such as French, Belgian, and Swiss Italian.

Her song “Le Vent Nous Portera” is one of her popular tracks in French.

Basically, it’s a deeply immersive, dope tune, but parts of the vocals evoke the feel of old chanson.

French liaison is generally a disadvantage for vocals, yet in this song the liaison adds even more flavor.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

AmoureuseCLIO

CLIO – Amoureuse [CLIP OFFICIEL]

“Amoureuse” is a song by French singer Clio, released in 2019.

It’s a number that lays a four-on-the-floor dance beat beneath a fragile, chanson-like vocal.

The section where she repeatedly sings “Amoureuse,” especially in the chorus, is moving; if you understand that she’s expressing the phrase “falling in love” through the nuances of her voice, you may grasp the essence of the song a bit more.

It’s a standout in French pop, and I hope you’ll also enjoy its other literary turns of phrase.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem