Customer Reviews

Essence Ordinaire

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Essence Ordinaire" is a very beautiful example of what (and how much!) contemporary French music can deliver. Bands like Mano Negra and Les Negresses Vertes in the late eighties opened the way for groups like Zebda in the nineties by bringing new blends of sounds to the public that reflect very much French society today. The music is a canvas of rap, reggae, rock, funk, ska and rai, creating a harmonious mix of influences from several geographic areas, and in particular North Africa. Before all, the beats are joyful and dynamic. But there is much more to Zebda than their great "hip shaking" beats and obvious musical talents, and that you can discover in their lyrics. If the music tells in many ways about their mixed culture of French-of-Arabic-descent-living-in-Toulouse, the words tell a lot about what the band stands for: equality, the fight against social and cultural gaps, integration and identity, self-reliance, positivism, political engagement against the infamous "extreme droite francaise", among other things... The band's writer and representative, Magyd Cherfi, has a quiet sense of humor and irony. The lyrics are fun and serious at the same time and, even when the reality that he talks about seems dark and unfair, it is always told with lightness and sharpness. Zebda is a band of well-grounded, intelligent individuals with cold heads and warm hearts, a lot of enthusiasm, strength and perspective. Tout un programme!
I personally don't care for keg-party songs like "Tomber la Chemise", and I would not recommend that one (but it is good in its own style), even if it is the most famous Zebda hit so far. Listen to "Ca va pas etre possible", "Tout semble si..." (my favourite) and "Le Petit Robert", and enjoy!

I saw the video of "Y'a Pas D'Arrangement" on Air France; it was No. 2 on the Hit Parade (behind some Jamiroquai song.) To call them French rap would diminish their heavy north African musical influences.

Rather, their music has an exotic, sinewy feeling over a danceable beat. I'm not familiar with the pop music scene in Europe, but I know there aren't too many bands like this in the U.S. Most of them would just get thrown in the "World Beat" section and left. That's too bad, because this sound is too good to be left hidden.

After reading the other reviews, I was a bit hesitant to buy this CD because I don't particularly like rap music. When I found it in a shop I couldn't resist the temptation (I knew track 2 was a big hit in France) and I'm very glad about this. I don't have any favourite song because the whole CD is great! It reminded me vaguely of Les Negresses Vertes, with the typical French sound combined with a subtle and very pleasant Arabic feel to it. These guys not only rap, but they can also sing. Excellent music to dance to, and a shame Amazon doesn't offer the chance to listen to tracks (but don't let that stop you from buying it).

The first time I listened to 'Tomber La Chemise' was during a french class. It was terrific, we sang it over and over. Most of the songs are positive, humorous and energetic, with a danceable beat. Yet Zebda's messages focus on issues like immigration and racism. The rhythm of the songs is a mix of ska, rap, rock, Arab, Latin and French accordion music. This recording represents the cultural fusion of France. It's great. Buy it!

I first heard of Zebda cuz at french camp we listened to the song "Tomber La Chemise" for the whole two weeks I was there, I surprisingly didn't get sick of it! Plus my counselors made up a dance to it and when it came on we'd all do the dance and it was a lot of fun. I'll check out some of their other songs plus brush up on my french! Tombez la tombez ooo tomber la chemise tombez la!!!!!

Hier, nous avons écouté la chanson "Tomber la Chemise" dans notre cours de français et tout le monde l'a adorée. La chanson est un bon mélange du reggae, du rai, du rock, et du rap. La chanson a un bon rhythme et la section de batterie est vachement cool. Zebda est plus cool qu'IAM (que nous avons écouté l'année dernière.) Achetez ce c.d!

Had the great fortune to see them live in Montreal this summer uring the jazz fest. Live, they are a storm of rhythm and dance. Undoubtedly the best live act I've ever seen. If only more of us insular Americans could understand French! Zebda is "butter" in Algerian Arabic, a pun on the French slang for "Algerian immigre" ("beur"). Music with such soul and energy is indeed rare to find. Unlike other political bands, the music is in the driver's seat, the message comes after they take you on a good long ride. Lyrics about discrimination, street life, illegal immigrant existence. With the possible exception of Assassin, I can't think of another French act that has been able to achieve what Public Enemy did.

For all of you trying to decide whether or not to purchase this CD, the answer is DO IT! I went to France this past summer with some friends, and as bad as this sounds, it's like our theme song. All of these songs have such a good beat, and they're completely different than most of the music you find here. I would recoment it to anyone, it always puts me in the best of moods. I hope you grow to love it as much as I do!

I met Zebda through a cassette that a french friend had made me and then I picked up Essence Ordinaire in Canada on a whim. Finally, I went to study in France and made it there in time to catch their tour!!! Tomber La Chemise turned out to be their hit single off of this album, although I think many of their songs are of equal quality. There's a touch of rai to the music from these boys from Toulouse and some of my friends call it my "french rap cd", although I refuse to call it rap myself. J'adore Zebda...oulalaradime!

J'ai découvert Zebda grace a leur dernier album "essence ordinaire". C'est un disque qui allie bonne humeur et sérieux, et qui brasse à merveille tous les styles de musiques. Je le conseille a tout le monde ! Ecoutez egalement les autres albums de Zebda, vous ne le regretterez pas, croyez moi ! Il me tarde d'aller voir en concert ces toulousains déchainés qui mettent le feu à la France ! Vivenement le 02 octobre prochain à Montpellier !