The French Album

by

Céline Dion

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A marvelous 1995 collaboration between Celine and Jean-Jaques Goldman, this CD is treasure. Goldman wrote all the songs, except for "Cherche encore" ("Search Again"), which was written by Erick Benzi. Goldman and Benzi did all but one of the superb arrangements and musical direction; the final track, the sweet, beautiful "Vole" ("Fly"), is very simple, and by pianist Roland Romanelli. Goldman joins Celine in a terrific duo, the energetic "J'irai ou tu iras" ("I'll Go Where You Go").

Highlights for me are: Three gentle, melodic ballads that are sung with a depth of emotion that goes straight to the heart: "Je sais pas" (I Don't Know"), "La memoire d'Abraham", and "J'attends" ("I Was Waiting") are exquisite, and the funky, smooth and easy "Le Ballet" is irresistible.

Celine's agile voice is like an instrument with extraordinary precision; in "Prie`re paienne" ("Pagan Prayer"), which is a vibrant up-tempo number with a flurry of horns, she uses her voice like a trumpet, to remarkable effect. What appeals to me the most are the many colors of her sound; she can go from a luminous whisper to a rich, dark resonance, and her phrasing is exceptional.

The booklet insert has lovely photographs and some recording information. No lyrics are supplied, and it would have been nice to have them, with English translations, for those who do not speak French, especially since these lyrics are poetic and very moving. The music alone however, and Celine's heartfelt renditions, are more than enough to satisfy the listener. Total time: 47'12.

I purchased this album under the name D'eux, not the French Album, but the titles and visuals are the same.

It's a good album if, like me, you like the french language sung well (even if you don't understand all the lyrics !). There are a few excellent songs on here where, in my opinion Celine at her VERY best. Check out Pour que tu m'aime encore and Cherche encore, they are pure emotion. Unfortunately the rest of the album is a list of also rans, but good background music when you are in the mood.

We all know that she is capable of much more. She has a voice like a well tuned formula 1 car, she just needs the right circuit.

All comments welcome, especially English translations !