Customer Reviews

Juste Avant

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Having reached nationwide stardom with his second album "alors regarde" in '89, Patrick Bruel has ever been since regarded contemptuously as a 'teenage-girl idol' by critics, because of his angst-filled texts and mellow melodies.

For his next record in '95, he decided to use a lighter mood and more rock-oriented music. "Bruel" did not work as well, though it nevertheless sold one million copies (which is a lot for a french artist)

Five more years, and Patrick Bruel feels now more melancholy-driven that rebellious. His texts are seen as more mature, the music is more diverse, showing his jewish roots, incorporating some latin rythms.

I liked "Alors Regarde" but I wouldn't have given it more than four stars. "Juste Avant", though, well deserves five. All the songs appeal to me, but "Tout s'efface" (#4, also his last single) has something magical about it: the guitar wails. You have to hear it for yourself it can't be described.

Bottom line: his best so far and one of the records of this year.

There's a certain kindness & restraint to Patrick Bruel's voice that carries songs that might sound overblown with lesser singers. He knows exactly which intonation to give each song--be it melancholy, hopeful or happy.

The production is spot-on, from the luscious Arabic flair of "Au Café des Délices", the Spanish touches of "Nunca Mas" or the country-pop of "Au Bout de la Marelle", which just carries me along every time--the line "here we go!" says it all. Those three, plus the song about a man finally letting go of a woman who doesn't love him enough ("Tout s'efface") make this CD worth buying--but the other songs are certainly not fillers.

A definite for lovers of French music--and a great place to start for others.

This album, my first by this artist, is a very nice mixture of music genres -- French Pop, Latin, even Country ("Trois Ans et Demi D'Amour")! I totally love, and keep playing, "Elle Voulet Tout" because of its Brazilian-type beat. It rocks with class!

In "Nunca Mas", we have a duo in two lovely languages blended in one great song. (The duo sung beautifully by Patrick and Nilda Fernandez.) I played it at a dinner party and it was very well enjoyed.

As for the rest of the songs, they're sung with the emotion the French are known for. What else can I say, I'm Glad I Found Him!

This is the most amazing thing I ahve ever heard. Patrick Bruel is my favourite singer. Those who would like to know more about French music, should definitely listen to Partick Bruel's songs.

Wow! Seven years ago I bought Bruel's album "Alors regarde" and thought it was great. Now I bought Juste avant and it is even better. This is modern French chanson at its best! Especially tracks 4, 7, 8, and 10 are top. Melancholy drips of almost every song. An intimate album from a French superstar.

Listened to it over and over! REally spectacular - great for a Yoga workout too! Even better when you totally understand the French. A real fan of Patrick Bruel after this album and buying more!

Bravo Patrick! Seldomly does one come across a CD whose tracks are all great! I bought his latest CD on my last trip to France where he enjoys big popularity. Listen especially to tracks #1, #10, #3, #7, #8 etc. I am convinced that you'll also find it hard to pick one favourite only, after listening to this CD. Take a good book, kick back, relax -- and listen to Patrick Bruel's new CD (1999). I also very much liked the included (French) lyrics to the songs - for all of those among you who love to 'sing-along' as much as I do :-) An exquisite mix of various influences: Spanish, Arabic, Jewish - and of course French Chanson...

Different from everything Patrick has done so far. The song "Elle voulait tout" reminds me of Nicolas Peyrac's lyrics and music. "Juste avant" offers romantic songs, with nevertheless a certain beat; lyrics that make sense. "Au Café des Délices," "Au bout de la marelle," "Pour La Vie," and "Trois Ans et Demi" are splendid; and what can one say of "Nunca mas" in duet with the great Nilda Fernandez. Un album à écouter avec... délice.

Ugh, this is just so cheesy! I bought it in France and I wish I could sell it back. Hélas, there are no used CD stores near me.

This album is different from other previous ones, it is matured, a little sad, and so beautiful...