Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Comme d’habitudeClaude François

Claude Francois – Comme d’habitude (Official Lyric Video)

When you hear “My Way,” you immediately think of Frank Sinatra—this song is that famous worldwide.

But in fact, the original is a chanson.

Claude François, a singer who was hugely popular in France in the 1960s and ’70s, composed it himself and performed it under the title “Comme d’habitude.”

Le lundi au soleilCathy Claret

Cathy Claret – le lundi au soleil (1990)

Le lundi au soleil, sung by Cathy Claret—who has French and Gypsy roots—in a coquettish and distinctive style, is originally a hit French pop chanson released in 1972 by Claude François, a hugely popular singer in France from the 1960s to the 1970s.

AquabonistJane Birkin

JANE BIRKIN – L’Aquoiboniste

Aqua Boniste, sung by Jane Birkin, has a mysterious charm that makes you feel as if you’re wrapped in a beautiful, gentle velvet cloth, and makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, she came to Japan and held the Jane Birkin Earthquake Recovery Support Charity Concert.

MilolEdith Piaf

Edith Piaf – Milord (Audio officiel)

Milord is a classic chanson with a light and bright rhythm that lifts your spirits.

The lyrics were written by Georges Moustaki, the music composed by Marguerite Monnot, and it became a huge hit when the queen of chanson, Édith Piaf, released it in 1959.

Les Enfants du Pirée (Never on Sunday)Marie Myriam

Marie Myriam – Les Enfants du Pirée

Sung by Marie Myriam, praised as “the most beautiful voice in France,” Never on Sunday became a massive hit in France and around the world.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she came to Paris in 1963 at the age of six with her parents and sister as immigrants and endured a very poor childhood.

However, she seized her chance by winning the Eurovision Song Contest held in Paris.

She then went on to star in the globally successful film Never on Sunday and achieved success by performing its theme song.

Sweet Whispers (Paroles Paroles)Dalida & Alan Delon

Dalida & Alain Delon – Paroles. paroles. paroles (PL)

A masterpiece you can’t forget once you’ve heard it, with a sweet melody that feels as if it were poured into this world from a beautiful star, is Gianni Ferrio’s “Parole, parole.” It was originally sung by Mina and Alberto Lupo, and the cover by Dalida and Alain Delon became a big hit.

Tu verra (Tu verras)Pauline Croze

Pauline Croze – Tu verras (Clip officiel)

Pauline Croze’s “You Will See: Tu verras” is a chic, sexy, and elegantly charming song.

It is a chanson that became a major hit when Claude Nougaro, a leading figure in the French chanson world, released it in 1978.