Famous French Songs
From LoveToKnow French
When looking up famous French songs, it is not surprising that many of the most famous French songs are about love. Whether it's love of one's country (such as Jacque Brel's Le Plat pays or Gilles Vigneault's Gens du pays) or romantic love (such as Edith Piaf's La Vie en rose or MC Solaar's Caroline), love is a central theme in traditional, as well as modern, French music.
French Radio
In France, there is actually a rule that radio broadcasters have to play at least 40% of the music that they play in French. This means that radio stations cannot play only American music or other international music as part of their quota (unless it's international music that's in French). The result of this regulation of the French radio is that there is a booming music industry in France. In addition to the modern music industry, there is also a long line of well-loved French singer-songwriters whose songs have become famous the world over.
Famous French Songs
Of course, there are French songs popular in Québec as well as French songs that have only been popular in Europe. The interesting thing about French music is that each continent has its own distinct style and musical history; however, both in France and in Québec, there is a significant amount of music on the radio that is sung in French.
Europe:
These are all clips of famous French love songs:
- La Vie en rose: One of Edith Piaf's most well-known songs, recognized the world over
- Le Plat pays: Jacques Brel's love song to his native land, Belgium
- Je l'aime à mourir: A classic Francis Cabrel song; this video on Youtube is amusing as he teases the audience and eventually gets them to sing the whole first verse without him prompting the words.
- Comme ils disent: Charles Aznavour, a classic French singer, performs one of his hits live
- Il n'y a pas d'amour heureux: Georges Brassens, another classic French singer
- Caroline: MC Solaar is a French rapper bringing the art of French music into the 21st century.
North America:
The first and third clips are of love songs; the second one is a Christmas song:
- Gens du pays: Gilles Vigneault's anthem to his 'country': Québec
- Petit papa Noël: Roch Voisine's version of one of the most famous French songs for Christmas
- Parle-moi: Isabelle Boulay singing one of her greatest hits live
Bridging Continents
The following clip features a famous song performed by five of the greatest French singers (three French and two from Québec) performing live together: Au Bout de mes rêves.
French Music Culture
Some of the clips seen above are obviously dated; however, there is a lively music culture in France. The French desire to keep their language alive and preserved has served popular culture well and their are new artists coming onto the music scene all the time. While English music is played in several other European countries, many complain that the local culture is dying; there seems to be no danger of that happening in France.
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