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!
- Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- Popular French bands. Recommended groups.
- Summary of French music genres
- Recommended French artists. Popular international singers and singer-songwriters.
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- “Somehow Nice” Chillout Music: Chill tracks perfect for BGM and relaxing time
- Refreshing Western music: pleasant Western songs that help you feel refreshed.
- [2026] A Guide to Bossa Nova: From Classic Standards to the Latest Hits!
- [2026] Stylish New Western Music to Listen to at Night: Latest Picks
- Western pop music popular with Gen Z. Hit songs.
- [Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces
- ZAZ's Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
[All Stylish!] Popular Music in France (21–30)
Eblouie par la nuitZAZ
Zaz, an artist who represents France.
She has established a position akin to that of the late Édith Piaf, and her exceptional expressive power is praised around the world.
Among her works, one particularly moving masterpiece is “Éblouie par la nuit.” Because the lyrics are crafted in an abstract way, they don’t carry a clearly defined meaning.
However, the melody has a strong narrative, and when you align the melody with the lyrics, I believe it sings about the importance of never losing hope, even in the depths of despair.
It’s a masterpiece packed with the very essence of France, a country marked by many revolutions.
SpeedZazie
Zazie is a female singer-songwriter who has remained popular for many years.
If you enjoy overseas audition shows, you might recognize her—she once served as a judge on the globally popular program The Voice.
One of her signature songs is Speed.
It’s a highly distinctive piece, built around an audacious structure where the tempo keeps accelerating as the song progresses.
The fact that such a curveball of a work can be featured at the forefront really gives you the sense of a nation of the arts.
[All Stylish!] Popular Music of France (31–40)
Confessions nocturnes feat. VitaaDiam’s
France has one of the most developed hip-hop scenes in Europe.
Unlike mainstream English-language hip-hop, it often features strong, socially and politically charged messages and many songs about love.
Among such French hip-hop, the reigning queen is Diam’s.
She’s a rapper known for her fiery vibes and a distinctively husky voice.
If you’re tired of today’s hip-hop dominated by trap music, definitely give her a listen.
Baby Hit The FloorSipo
Sipo is a singer-songwriter from Paris.
Her music is rooted in R&B, and she’s steadily gaining attention in the French R&B scene.
In Japan, R&B often feels more like pop with an R&B flavor, right? In the U.S., the hip-hop influence has become so strong that it’s hard to tell what’s R&B and what’s hip-hop.
By contrast, French R&B has a clear definition: while it may lean slightly into trap-style beats, it still features smooth phrases that convey a strong sense of soul.
This work is one of those—an exquisite track crafted as a slow jam, with stylish vocals layered over a trap-tinged beat that doesn’t tip too far into hip-hop.
L’OlivierWallen
Wallen is an R&B singer from France.
With Moroccan parents, her music clearly reflects those roots.
Her song “L’Olivier” is one of her classics, incorporating a melody that blends Spanish flamenco with Moroccan folk music into the track.
While it evokes the essence of classic Black music, it also features distinctive, inventive arrangements—impressive work.
The groove is excellent as well, so it’s perfect for driving music.
In conclusion
This time, we took a look at French music, and I got the impression that many French tracks have stylish melodies.
In particular, genres like R&B and hip-hop are among the best in the world.
I couldn’t cover everything here, but France has also developed an outstanding electronic scene, including techno and house, so be sure to check those out too!