Customer Reviews

Avant Que L'Ombre

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mylene Farmer is known for her evolving musical style, her incredible vocabulary and complex cultural references. Her word play and her complexity of composition make the reasons she refuses to put together an English album very evident: you can't perform the same 'jeux de mots' using English.

Always unafraid of broaching the subjects of religion, politics, death, sex, love, and pain - this album defies her usual 'poppiness' by propelling into darker electronica. You get the feeling Mylene Farmer has moved from what had become predictable melancholy into...a, well melancholy version 2.0. She's in love, now...and the melancholy that is present on the album is more like wistful remembrance.

I'll give you a critique of the tracks...

(1) Avant Que L'Ombre (Before the Shadows...): the title track to the album - it has to be one of her strongest ballads to date. The song takes on the form of a prayer to God about fear and risk and love. Amazing high note at the end. Hauntingly beautiful.

(2) F*** Them All: the first single released - you get the feeling she used the expletive in the title to garner a bit of attention to her new album (though this was unnecessary as it was a number one pre-seller for months before its release). The video is beautiful and the themes of the song cover chauvinism, anti-war sentiment, and a commentary on shallowness. An interesting juxtaposition of themes with a somewhat bizarre arrangement.

(3)Dans Les Rues de Londres (In the Streets of London): inspired by 2003's "The Hours," this song traces sentiments and possible feelings of the tragic author Virginia Woolf. It is a really beautiful song reminiscent of "Hey Amigo" on Alizee's album "Mes Courants Electriques" (also penned by Farmer).

(4)QI (I.Q.): a play of words between "cul" in french and the letter "Q" (they both have the same pronunciation...save for "cul" means ass). A flirty song in that she says that although her boyfriend has a nice 'ass,' it was his I-Q that drew her to him. References to Rodin's sculptures and the identification with those sappy feelings of loving every little thing about someone save this song from being a bit cheesy.

(5)Redonne-moi (Give back to me): A beautiful ballad (read: typical Boutonnat-Farmer partnership) about trust and disappointment. A bit slow, melodically.

(6)Porno Graphique (Graphic Porno): One of the gems of the album. With zingers like: "je te dis qu'il n'y a pas d'porno chic" (there's no such thing as chic porn)...word play abounds, including rather naughty references to oral fixations. Really dark electronic arrangement...minor key...phenomenal song. A truly sexy, interesting song.

(7)Derriere Les Fenetres (Behind the Windows): Another slower ballad with beautiful lyrics - follows Farmer's musings on what might go on behind the windows of peoples' homes.

(8)Aime (Love): Another cute, up-tempo flirty song reinforcing the idea that the songstress is finally in love and has dropped a bit of the melancholy. This is very much a 'throwback' to Innamoramento - a very remixed album. Upbeat electro-arrangement. If it's released as a single, expect Innamoramento-era remixes with the digi-pack.

(9)Tous ces combats (All of those fights): A slower Boutonnat-Farmer ballad about lover's quarrels. A bit unimaginative, melodically.

(10)Ange, parle-moi (Angel, Speak to Me): A really beautiful song about love, trust, doubting God, prayer, and looking for divine intervention. Reminiscent of Jewel's "Angel Standing By" and Nathalie Cardone's "Mon Ange" (which, ironically was penned by Laurent Boutonnat...Mylene's composer).

(11)L'amour n'est rien (Love is nothing): A very flirty song implying you have to take risks to make your love something out of the ordinary. Arguably the most chipper song on the album.

(12)J'attends (I'm waiting): Another ballad

(13)Peut-etre toi (Maybe you): Another up-tempo dance track that remixers will have a field day with...lyrically not as complex as most of Farmer's songs, it is a very enjoyable song dealing with the same themes as many of the other more upbeat songs: Mylene's in love and is going to sing about it.

(14)Et pourtant (And However...)/Nobody Knows (a hidden track): a striking ballad that ends the album...and then a phenomenal hidden track "Nobody Knows." Mylene's played a lot more with English on this album...and it pays off with this haunting, darkly electronic track.

Overall, this album is a bit of a change for Farmer. The common thread running through the songs is her recent successful relationship with one of the artists she collaborated with on the video clip for "C'est une belle journee." The sadness, death, religion, sex commentary is still there - but the hopefulness that rises from the minor key arrangements is something rather remarkable. Anamorphosee was Farmer's rock-pop ticket to change for the 90's. Innamoramento was her pensive life-questioning album that blended ballad with power-house electronic arrangements. Avant Que L'Ombre is the culmination of an extremely successful 20-year career (she is, in fact, the most successful French artist of all time...and no wonder). It's an evolution and a finesse that mark this album as something different from the pack. I'd challenge anyone to find any other artist in the WORLD who had such profound lyrics and such layered, complex musical arrangements. And of course, the intricate packaging is amazing. I even purchased a collector's edition (from France) that was an oversized (18"x18") velvet box with a giant coffee table book verstion of the album. She's the queen of marketing, the queen of lyrics, the queen of arrangements. And whether you love her or hate her...you have to admit you admire her.

Darkly sensual, hypnotic, trippy, and always so super sexy is this latest masterpiece, Avant Que l'Ombre, from the incredible Farmer. It's amazing to listen to her brilliant body of work in chronological order - she still retains that (for me anyway!) essentially important Euro-Dance-Electronique element that I so fell in love with the first time hearing her, but she has so vastly matured as an artist, her recordings becoming more complex, layered, and hypnotic. I really do not hear a weak song on this new album, with high moments for me, at this early stage of listening, being Avant Que L'ombre, Q,I, and Porno Graphique. "Avant Que l'Ombre", along with "L' Autre..." and "Innamoramento", form a kind of triptych and contain the essence of Farmer's art. It's depressing how many people in the States are still unaware of who Mylene is - What is the problem with people who listen to popular music in the USA that they simply cannot tolerate or deal with any other language excepting English (and is it REALLY English that we hear in all that Hip-Hop/Rap crap flooding and drowning the popular music market?). Anyone of these three albums, along with "Les Mots", would make a perfect introduction to people still ignorant of Farmer and her music.

~ Luigi NYC ~

I bought this CD on the day it came out in Montreal...(April 12th). It's certainly worth the wait, considering it's been nearly 7 years since Mylene released the "Innamoramento" album. It's nice to see & hear something so nice from her after such a huge gap between albums.

Regarding the packaging and the photos...I love it all! Henry Neu's creative design concept pleases me once again. I prefer digipack CDs over the standard "Jewelcase" editions. They've got more character. Once again, he created a unique, exclusive design for Mylene's music. What I like about this package, is that it's less bulky and very lightweight for its size. In the photos, whether black & white or colored, Mylene is stunning as ever. The black & white photos are timeless. If you'll notice, the front cover of the CD pictures Mylene on her back in a black satin gown with a matchstick crucifix. Unique & very clever idea! What a gorgeous cover! It's really eye-catching for the customer. I was able to find the CD right away on the day of release in the store. It's pretty hard not to miss such a sexy, tempting picture as Mylene, am I right?

In comparison of Mylene's previous material, the songs on "Avant Que L'ombre" are less dancy and upbeat. Instead, the material is darker, slow & sometimes depressing (depending on the mood the listener is in). I've heard some good reviews from particular friends and some negative reviews. So...it's all a matter of taste. Personally, I do not think this is Mylene's best album to date. But I do LOVE track #2 "F**k Them All". It's by far, Mylene's best single to date. Everything about this song makes me happy...especially the dramatic chorus line and the end of the song where it ends with Mylene's voice and no music. I hope the single will be great, because I want to buy it as well.

Having watched the DVD a couple of times, I must say that I'm happy to have seen part of the time-taking, costly and very effective "Behind the Scenes (Making Of F**k Them All) Video. Wow, what a lot of work & time that went into it!

And the scenery...amazing! I was totally blown away and intrigued by Mylene's enthusiasm and tireless efforts with that horseback riding. I would never be able to do what she did in that video. Regarding the makeup on Mylene's face in the particular "dead" part of the video...it's macabre but very convincing.

Disc One:

01= Avant Que L'ombre - 5:55

02= F**k Them All - 4:32

03= Dans Les Rues de Londres - 3:50

04= Q.I. - 5:20

05= Redonne-Moi - 4:22

06= Porno Graphique - 4:16

07= Derriere Les Fenetres - 4:02

08= Aime - 4:10

09= Tous Ces Combats - 4:00

10= Ange, Parle-Moi - 3:40

11= L'Amour N'est Rien - 5:03

12= J'attends - 5:20

13= Peut-Etre Toi - 4:45

14= Et Pourtant... - 4:35 (includes a hidden bonus track)

Disc Two:

01= Video Clip of "F**k Them All"

02= Making of the Video of "F**k Them All"

Photos: Dominique Issermann

Design Concept: Henry Neu for Com 'NB

My Additional Comments......

There is no better duo than Laurent Boutonnat and Mylene Farmer.

Together, they continue making great music. Mylene's music keeps getting more interesting, whether or not it has an upbeat sound. Her sweet, emotional vocals and melodramatic lyrics caught my ear right away. The reason why I did not give the album 5 stars, is because it left me wanting more. I did not feel the same about this album, compared to "Innamoramento" or "L'Autre". Those albums were more rock and upbeat. "Avant Que L'ombre" is much darker and sensual.

The CD is on the left-hand side panel, resembling a 45" vinyl with a small version of the Medieval Cross.

The DVD is on the right-side panel with the large, striking medieval cross in red on a burnished red & black background. Very stunning! The booklet sits under the 2 fold-over inner panels and has the same lovely photo of Mylene as seen on the inside of the 4-fold digipack. From this camera angle, Mylene is captured in a whole new way. I've come to appreciate her striking beauty even more now.

I can't really say which are my least favorite songs, because there are none. But like I said before, my favorite is "F**k Them All". I guess my 2nd favorite would be the title track. Then the 3rd fav would be the hidden track after track 14.

I was kind of expecting the album to end after "Et Pourtant", but it kept going until the wonderful hidden-track appeared unannounced. What a surprise!

With an album like this, I wonder what kind of tour they will have. I can imagine it will be a big one, considering the wait we've had between tours. I just hope Mylene will do some material from her "Les Mots" compilation......such as "Pardonne-Moi" and "C'est Une Belle Journée" and "L'Histoire D'une Fee, C'est". Those 3 songs should fit in very well with the setlist!

I bought this CD on the day it came out in Montreal...(April 12th). It's certainly worth the wait, considering it's been nearly 7 years since Mylene released the "Innamoramento" album. It's nice to see & hear something so nice from her after such a huge gap between albums.

Regarding the packaging and the photos...I love it all! Henry Neu left nothing out when he designed the booklet and digipack. Once again, he created a unique, exclusive design that only Mylene has used. What I like about this package, is that it's less bulky and very lightweight for its size. In the photos, whether black & white or colored, Mylene is stunning as ever. The black & white photos are timeless. If you'll notice, the front cover of the CD pictures Mylene on her back in a black satin gown with a cross around her neck, made of matchsticks. What a gorgeous cover! It's really eye-catching for the customer. Right away, I was able to find the CD in the store when I went in to purchase it.

In comparison of Myelene's previous material, the songs on "Avant Que L'ombre" are less dancy and upbeat. Instead, the material is darker, slow & sometimes depressing (depending on the mood the listener is in). I've heard some good reviews from particular friends and some negative reviews. So...it's all a matter of taste. Personally, I do not think this is Mylene's best album to date. But I do LOVE track #2 "F**k Them All". It's by far, Mylene's best single to date. Everything about this song makes me happy...especially the dramatic chorus line and the end of the song where it ends with Mylene's voice and no music. I hope the single will be great, because I want to buy it as well.

Tracklist:

01= Avant Que L'ombre - 5:55

02= F**k Them All - 4:32

03= Dans Les Rues de Londres - 3:50

04= Q.I. - 5:20

05= Redonne-Moi - 4:22

06= Porno Graphique - 4:16

07= Derriere Les Fenetres - 4:02

08= Aime - 4:10

09= Tous Ces Combats - 4:00

10= Ange, Parle-Moi - 3:40

11= L'Amour N'est Rien - 5:03

12= J'attends - 5:20

13= Peut-Etre Toi - 4:45

14= Et Pourtant - 4:35

14b=Bonus Hidden Track "Nobody Knows"

Photos: Dominique Issermann

Design Concept: Henry Neu for Com 'NB

My Additional Comments......

There is no better duo than Laurent Boutonnat and Mylene Farmer.

Together, they continue making great music. Mylene's music keeps getting more interesting, whether or not it has an upbeat sound. Her sweet, emotional vocals and melodramatic lyrics caught my ear right away. The reason why I did not give the album 5 stars, is because it left me wanting more. I did not feel the same about this album, compared to "Innamoramento" or "L'Autre". Those albums were more rock and upbeat. "Avant Que L'ombre" is much darker and sensual.

The disc itself resembles a 45" vinyl with a Medieval Cross in burnished red & black with her name in white. Very stunning! The booklet cover captures Mylene in a whole new way. I've come to appreciate her striking beauty even more now.

I can't really say which are my least favorite songs, because there are none. But like I said before, my favorite is "F**k Them All". I guess my 2nd favorite would be the title track. Then the 3rd fav would be the hidden track after track 14.

I was kind of expecting the album to end after "Et Pourtant", but it kept going until the wonderful hidden-track appeared unannounced. What a surprise!

Ever since Cendres Des Lunes, her very first album, Mylene has invited us to take a musical trip through the most eclectic and intriguing kind of music, hand-on-hand with producer Laurent Boutonant, the most compelling lyrics, musical arrangements, and visual work (if you have ever seen any of her videos or concerts) is presented before us, and Avant L'Ombre is no different. A more logical suite from Innamoramento, this is one of her most mature albums to date, but again, after 20 years of hits we couldn't expect any less. Even the hidden track after Et Pourtant, is haunting. I invite anybody that is hungry for 'different' to give Mylene a chance to take you in more than an enjoyable experience...it will be an unbelivable trip through sorrow, joy, and hope.

For those of you that thought Mylène was running out of steam, think again. It has been six years since Innamoramento and her music has done nothing but improved. Avant que L'ombre is her most somber and mature ablum thus far. Every song is filled with emotion and her stunning vocals. The title track, J'attends, Tous les combats, Aime, Dans les rues de londres, QI, Ange parle-moi and Et pourtant are my personal favorites. This is an album that gets better every time you listen to it. For those new to Mylène, I would still reccomend Anamorphosée or Innamoramento first, but for those of you that know her music then this is a must have.

Darkly sensual, hypnotic, trippy, and always so super sexy is this latest masterpiece, Avant Que l'Ombre, from the incredible Farmer. It's amazing to listen to her brilliant body of work in chronological order - she still retains that (for me anyway!) essentially important Euro-Dance-Electronique element that I so fell in love with the first time hearing her, but she has so vastly matured as an artist, her recordings becoming more complex, layered, and hypnotic. I really do not hear a weak song on this new album, with high moments for me, at this early stage of listening, being Avant Que L'ombre, Q, I, and Porno Graphique. "Avant Que l'Ombre", along with "L' Autre..." and "Innamoramento", form a kind of triptych and contain the essence of Farmer's art. It's depressing how many people in the States are still unaware of who Mylene is - What is the problem with people who listen to popular music in the USA that they simply cannot tolerate or deal with any other language excepting English (and is it REALLY English that we hear in all that Hip-Hop/Rap crap flooding and drowning the popular music market?). Anyone of these three albums, along with "Les Mots", would make a perfect introduction to people still ignorant of Farmer and her music.

~ Luigi NYC ~

Mylene Farmer is often referred to as 'The French Madonna,' meaning, I guess that she has been around about as long as Madge, her live performances are huge spectacles, and she goes out of her way to be controversial and sensational.

But Madonna's music isn't as remarkable as her public image. In fact if she wasn't Madonna, her CDs would probably be roundly ignored. In my opinion. Mylene Farmer, on the other hand, is no musical lightweight. 'Avant Que l'Ombre' is a CD full of Farmers new model of French Pop -- frothy, cooing pop (Amour N'est Rien), sexy, insinuating electronica (Pornographique), and lush ballads (Ange Parle Moi).

The overall sound is lush, intricately produced, and shiny. In music production, the art of polishing inconsequential music is known as 'buffing a turd,' and like the best music by Janet Jackson, it's refreshing to hear all the tricks of the commercial studio used to polish up music of real consequence.

Since I don't really speak French, my appreciation for her lyrics is limited but I know enough to see some of the subtlety and sly allusions that are there. The best of Farmer's lyrics would not survive translation to English, as they are full of the insinuation and indirection that is uniquely French.

So I'd recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates the best in commercial pop music. It is quite accessible to non-francophones, yet it is different from the common sort of empty contemporary pop. There's simply more here for the listener. And it's worthwhile searching Youtube for her music videos, especially the sly striptease Mylene does in the video for "Amour N'est Rien."

That is if you are fan of artists like Kate Bush, Goldfrapp, Brork or Madonna, I have little doubt that this masterpiece of sophistcated adult pop will appeal to you. The best album of 2005 - with Goldfrapp and Madonna a close second and third (and Rachel Stevens fourth!)

I came across this CD at a music store in my home town

San Diego. I was looking in the french section and came across Ms. Mylene. I had never heard of her, but I feel in love with the cover and bought the cd. Not knowing what to expect, I played it. Track after track I must say was great. Ever SOOOOOOOO Sexy. Her lyrics are very complex but easy to understand. Anyone who is looking for that one cd that brings darkness, intelect and sex together, this is that cd. Make sure that you buy the Digipack, the dvd adds to the Mylene experience.