Customer Reviews

Paris Ailleurs

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

 

 

I first heard Daho on the radio while traveling in France in 1991. I bought the album before I returned to the States thinking this guy could be huge in the US if Americans would just be more respeptive to hearing music sung in another language. Unfortunately Americans aren't, and they miss out on some fantastic music such as this Album. Recorded in New York using the latest in technology and excellent musicians, this album has legs. Eight years later it still sounds fresh and current. He is the only French musical artist I know who makes the French language sound natural or even appropriate in the rock or pop venue. Good Stuff.

I first heard Etienne Daho's music while living in Europe in the early 1990s. "Paris Ailleurs" had just been released, and I snapped it up after hearing songs from it on the radio and seeing videos on MTV Europe. I have since accumulated all of Daho's CDs, and am a big fan, but this one is his best album by far. The songs are tightly constructed and yet moody and hypnotic. He went for a very bright sound, but with some funk thrown in.

Daho continues the tradition of French pop music by integrating moving poetic images with satisfying rhythms and harmonising of very competent backing vocals from his Senegalese (?) accompaniment.

He lived in London before releasing this album and it is reflected in both the innovative musical arrangement as well as the playful bilingual lyrics and cross-the-Channel imagery.

An excellent introduction to contemporary French music, showing it at its best while avoiding some of the usual cliches.

A wonderful record. Moving, melodic... and you can dance to it! Daho spins enchanting images out of wittily poetic lyrics. Even if your French is not your strong point, the music and the rhythm of the delivery are potent in their own right. Definitely the place to start for Etienne Daho, who I'd place alongside artists such as Jacques Brel and M (Mathieu Chédid).

What can I say -- Wow! I bought this on a whim after hearing other albums by Etienne Daho. This one blows them all away. Fun, powerful, lyrical, poetic, romantic -- and that voice! I plan to share this with as many others (francophile or not) as possible.

Back in 1991, when Etienne had just released this album, I happened to start dating a french businessman on job here in the USA. He gave this CD to me as a token of fabulous affection. The relationship didn't last, but the need for the album has always been with me. I adore Etienne Daho -he's cute,too- and I truly LOVE this album, the songs are so precious and real. Not to mention the fact that it helped improve my 'francais' greatly. Try him, you'll love him too!