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Everything is stylish! Popular music in France

Out of the blue, when you hear “French music,” what songs come to mind?

Many people probably imagine traditional styles like chanson, don’t they?

But actually!

French music has evolved tremendously, and when it comes to Black music and electronic music, France ranks among the world’s best.

This time, we’ve picked out a selection of French tracks brimming with charm.

From timeless classics to brand-new releases, we’ve covered a wide range—so be sure to check them out!

[All Stylish!] Popular Music in France (11–20)

Pardonne-moiMonsieur Nov

Monsieur Nov – Pardonne-moi (Clip officiel)
Pardonne-moiMonsieur Nov

The artist I especially want to recommend is Monsieur Nov.

He’s a Vietnamese-French musician who excels at R&B with a strong neo-soul flavor.

His biggest appeal is, above all, his exceptional songwriting ability—he’s an artist known for strikingly sophisticated melodies.

While incorporating modern sounds, he still brings out the best of classic Black music.

One of his signature songs is “Pardonne-moi,” a slow jam—a genre derived from R&B—featuring a high-quality track and sweet vocals that leave a lasting impression.

Balance Ton QuoiAngèle

Angèle – Balance Ton Quoi [CLIP OFFICIEL]
Balance Ton QuoiAngèle

This track stands out for its powerful message advocating gender equality and its lively fusion of pop and electro.

Featured on Belgian artist Angèle’s album “Brol,” released in October 2018, the song earnestly—yet with a touch of humor—addresses entrenched sexism and societal stereotypes.

“Brol” received high acclaim on the music charts in France and Belgium, and at the 2019 NRJ Music Awards it won “Francophone Breakthrough of the Year.” The music video, featuring actors Pierre Niney and Antoine Gouy, drew attention for its depiction of a “anti-sexism academy.” It’s recommended for those who want to reflect on contemporary society and embrace a message of social change alongside feel-good music.

L’Amour en SolitaireJuliette Armanet

Juliette Armanet – L’Amour en Solitaire
L’Amour en SolitaireJuliette Armanet

A tale of solitary love performed by Juliette Armanet from France.

Sung over delicate, piano-centered melodies, the protagonist’s emotions evoke a traveler walking alone through the desert.

While accepting a sense of loss and loneliness, there is a palpable strength in the resolve to face oneself.

Included on her 2016 album “Petite Amie,” this track carries on the tradition of French pop while incorporating contemporary arrangements.

Showcasing the talents of an artist who transitioned from journalism, it received high praise at the 2018 Victoires de la Musique.

A recommended song for those seeking music that gently accompanies the heart—perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.

AvenirLouane

Louane – Avenir (Radio Edit Officiel)
AvenirLouane

The French songstress Louane paints heartbreak and hope with refined musicality, capturing listeners’ hearts with a voice that blends strength and tenderness.

Featured on her debut album “Chambre 12,” this track portrays a woman who, despite carrying anger and sorrow toward her partner, chooses to face forward and move on.

Upon its release in January 2015, it swiftly reached number one in France and climbed high on the charts across Europe, including Belgium and Germany.

The fusion of delicate emotional expression with a danceable beat is superb, offering comfort to those who’ve experienced a breakup while encouraging a step toward the future.

It’s a supportive anthem we hope you’ll hear if you’re troubled by love.

Saint ClaudeChristine&the Queens

Christine and the Queens – Saint Claude (Clip Officiel)
Saint ClaudeChristine&the Queens

Christine and the Queens, an artist from France, delivers warm messages that stand beside those who feel loneliness or alienation.

Blending elements of synth-pop, their sound is minimal yet emotionally rich, creating an expansive atmosphere.

Released in April 2014 as the second single from the album “Chaleur Humaine,” the track reached a peak of No.

4 on the French singles chart.

Its distinctive world and performance captivated many as an expression that breaks fixed notions about gender and sexuality.

It’s a song that gently accompanies anyone feeling suffocated by everyday life or unsure about living true to themselves.

BottegaEva

Eva – Bottega (Clip Officiel)
BottegaEva

Eva, the most talked‑about female singer‑songwriter in France right now.

Despite being just 22, she has already released three high-quality albums, and her polished work has caught the attention of music producers worldwide.

Her new track, “Bottega,” blends her strongest genre—urban pop—with elements of dance music and dancehall, resulting in a stylish, catchy sound.

The hook is incredibly addictive, so it might just go viral on TikTok before long.

[All Stylish!] Popular Music in France (21–30)

Parle à ta têteIndila

Indila – Parle à ta tête (Official Music Video)
Parle à ta têteIndila

When it comes to the most globally recognized musicians from France, the names that likely come up are Indila and Daft Punk.

Indila boasts the highest number of YouTube views among artists from France and enjoys popularity both at home and abroad.

One of her standout hits is Parle à ta tête.

The song leans toward an electro-swing style, with a chic vibe and an infectious, catchy melody that leaves a strong impression.