God, this album... it is honestly beyond words. Françoise Hardy was a French singer of the 60s, focusing on pop and fashion. On Comment te dire adieu?, which originally had no title, each song is beautifully written and sung, the lyrics from a variety of sources. Françoise Hardy's voice is unlike anything I've ever heard, especially in the realm of French 60s pop singers. Lacking the deep, seductive qualities of Juliette Gréco, but not as sweet and childlike as the voice of France Gall, Hardy seems to float just in the middle with her pure, heavenly voice. My particular favorites are the softer, acoustic tracks, like "Où va la chance ?" and "A quoi ça sert ?" Listen to these two and you'll know what I'm talking about.
"...Tastefully imaginative orchestration, strong melodies, and sexy vocals. It's perhaps even sadder and more sentimental than was the norm for Françoise - she perpetually seems to be singing as though she's gazing out of a deserted château on a rainy afternoon. She largely forsakes original material here (although a couple cuts bear her writing credit), and offers fine, haunting French interpretations of Leonard Cohen's 'Suzanne,' Phil Ochs' 'There But for Fortune,' and Ricky Nelson's 'Lonesome Town.'"
This is the first album I've heard of hers, and it's amazing, but I really want to hear more. Any suggestions? :3
