Dancing 1The earliest known sound recording device, the phonautograph, was patented in France in 1857, so it’s no wonder the country has a rich musical background. From iconic Musette, a style of music which uses the accordion as the main instrument (look into the music of Émile Vacher for a taste of French atmosphere the way it was depicted during the golden age of cinema) to Chanson Française (literally means “song,” and refers to a lyric driven genre of music), France has had a very diverse array of musical styles. Today, let’s take a look at contemporary French music.

Nouvelle Chanson

Nouvelle Chanson, whilst influenced by the forefathers of Chanson—Serge Gainsbourg being one of them—has developed through modern influences such as rock and electronica. Amélie-les-crayons, Camille, and Emilie Simon are good examples of the Nouvelle Chanson genre. While those hoping to sample the flavor of the music without needing an English to French dictionary might try the likes of Feist (remember her song “1234” from the iPod nano comercials?), or Cynthia Alexander.

Pop

The more commercial and pop part of the Chanson genre is called Variété . For this type of music, give a listen to Alizée , Florent Pagny, Marc Lavoine, or the pop-rock group Indochine.

Rock

I am reminded of an episode of The Simpsons that satirizes book-turned-movie The Devil Wears Prada. In the episode a comment is made by Carl about how he loves everything about France except their “lame-o version of rock and roll.” He must have been listening to something else, because Téléphone (who have opened for the Rolling Stones) and Superbus are nothing but awesome.

Electronic and Dance Musicmusic1

Did you watch that movie Tron: Legacy? Remember the great score? That was composed by the French electronic music duo known as Daft Punk. They released a new album this year, and only one word can describe how I feel about it: love. You know what? I’m going to put it on right now, hold on a second. Ahh, that’s better. Ok, moving on.

Hip-Hop and Rap

Hip-hop music was exported to France in the 1980s, and has since flourished to the point that France is now the world’s second largest hip-hop market. Care to listen to some artist “spitting rhyme” (it’s a slang term used in the US to refer to rapping or reciting poetry)? Give La Rumeur, TTC, or Kenza Farah a try.

Music and Language Learning

You’re probably asking yourself why you should care about French music if you can’t even understand most—if any—of it yet. The answer is simple. Studies have shown that music can help you learn a second language faster. Music is compelling and memorable and, unlike flashcards, it doesn’t get tedious (assuming it’s in a genre you enjoy). Have you ever seen anyone dance around to a vocabulary list? I think not.

So try out a couple of the artists mentioned, or dust off your old Edith Piaf records, and let’s take a look at La Vie en Rose. Have you tried listening to any French music? Did you find it educational, “lame-o” or just plain fun?