NOTE: I also do free French bilingual short stories (parallel texts), and I've put lots of info + links on my Home Page
Below you will find my SPOTIFY playlist of Modern Era French Music Artists and Songs. You have to be signed up with them to listen to it but it is free and simple to do so.
If you want to follow this playlist in your Spotify account then click HERE (and log in if you need to) and then press the follow button. If you follow them then they will be added to the list of your own playlists and any changes that I make will be automatically updated.
NOTE: I am working on the DEEZER playlist which will be coming soon. My Other French Language Music Playlists on Spotify
BY THE WAY
If you like this page then you may like: If you liked this audio list page then you may like: My Audio List of the Best Spanish Language Songs for Learning Spanish (with Spotify playlist) or My Audio List of the Top 100 French Language Songs of All Time or My Audio List of the Most Interesting French Language Artists Since 2000 FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate-Advanced Brigitte A Bouche Que Veut-Tu (2014) If you were to ask me who I'm mostly listening to these days my honest answer would be Brigitte. This pair of super hipster femmes fatales found success late in the game but there making up for it now. This particular track never fails to hit the sweet spot. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Charles Aznavour La Bohème (1965) If ever I'm feeling down there is always one song guaranteed to sooth my soul. This one. The song so beautifully describes the life of poor Parisian artists scraping a living together and finding comfort in each other and their own art that you'll feel like you are sharing the experience with them. Aznavour himself was born to Armenian immigrants but has attained legendary status to the point that you'll find him written within the DNA of every French man, woman and child alive. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Charles Trenet Douce France (1947) It may be old but despite the age gap many of you will will be familiar with this song, particularly the melody. Hands up, I find many of the songs from this period a bit samey but a few by Charles Trenet stand out from the crowd. The reasons you should get to know this particular song yourselves are two fold. First, this song is almost a national anthem packed with nostalgia enriched images of France at it's most chocolate box period. Second, despite his idiosyncratic singing style, Trenet enunciates well so you'll be able to follow what he's singing with ease. FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Gilbert Bécaud Et Maintenant (1961) Be prepared for pain, passion and anger... and then some. If you watch the clip I chose of Bécaud singing this song live, then you'll find it hard to believe that he hasn't just come straight from a mental asylum. However, when you start to understand the bitter words spat forth you'll come to realize his genius in capturing the feeling of utter rejection that most of us have experienced at least once in our lives. Watch the madness in the eyes... FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level La Godinette OR Gael Lefevere + Nicolas Quemener J'étais Lassée D’être Jeune Fille (????) When Gael Lefevere, the guy responsible for introducing me to the real French music scene, had interpreted this traditional Breton song with fellow musician Nicolas Quemener, I remembered thinking to myself that it was possibly the most moving piece of French language music I had ever come across. Like all songs from this region of France, the lyrics are hard and biting, yet all the more interesting for it, and you'll see just how deep the Celtic roots run in listening to the original version by La Godinette, a version that I have also come to love. Now it's your turn. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Stromea Alors On Danse (2013) This is the song that started it all off for Stromea. I used to flick on the music channels when drinking my bowl of coffee in the mornings and when this song came out, it was on EVERY morning for what felt like a year. It became one of those songs that would play in my head all day long. Be careful, it may have the same effect on you. Ps. In the lesson you'll witness how I trash almost every other translation of this song that exists! FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Edith Piaf Je Ne Regrette Rien (1960) Probably the only French song that the average Joe knows. Well, at least it's a good one. Emotionally charged and yet short and simple song, and hence good for beginners. No extremely metaphorical lyrics, just nice and direct, which helps. FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus (1969) Very very naughty. The controversial French lyrical genius begat a controversial sexy French song. You all know this one so there's not much more for me to add... except, if you thought it was a tad risqué beforehand, just wait until you understand the 'ins and outs' (ha ha!/ lol) of the lyrics. FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Claude François Comme D'habitude (1967) Confession: I hate every song this artist ever did except this one which was truly a chef d'oeuvre. After being seen on TV by a Canadian artist, the song was bought and its lyrics re-written in English once the song had been given totally different theme. The finished product was then sung by Frank Sinatra and thus was born: 'I Did It My Way' FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Indila Dernière Danse (2014) This was on the free to view music channels every morning for the whole of spring 2014. A hit that came out of nowhere which now has 73 million YouTube hits. Vevo wouldn't let me use the official video so I used an excellent remix in place. (burn-Vevo-burn) FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Zaz Je Veux (2010) This was the song that led to Zaz becoming Frances top selling artist abroad in 2010 (or was it another year?) The album from which it came (called Zaz as it happens) ranked high in the charts all over Europe (except, of course, the UK). Simple but potent lyrics whose meaning hit home with me. Plenty of slang phrases within so if you need to work on that then this is your song. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Stromae Papaoutai (2013) Recent hit all over europe and the world (152 million YouTube Hits) by the now established king of electro-urban-geek music. This song is not the easiest of ones but has a very strong lyrical narrative, if not message (as do all his songs). Note that I've put in the phonetics for this lesson using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Benjamin Biolay Ton Héritage (2009) Modern Classic chanson Française. One man, one piano, one haunting tune, and a bunch of stirring lines. This one always gives me goose pimples when I hear it on the radio. The word for word translations are there but I have left it light on the grammar notes. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Jacques Brel Ne Me Quitte Pas (1959) This song is considered by many to be the all time greatest chanson française that has ever existed. Always at the top of meta-critic polls and a personal favorite of my own (I only do songs that I like). It's an oldie (circa 1959) and yet so timeless... P.s. I have done the phonetics for this one FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate-Advanced Level Malicorne Le Luneux (1977?) From the album Almanach, this traditional French folk song reconstructed by the experimental headonism of Malicorne in the late seventies will make you shiver with delight. I'm not sure whether the melody came from another song, but who cares when it's this good. Some oldie style wording but my notes will help you understand it. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate-Advanced Level Olivia Ruiz La Femme Chocolat (2006) Unique voice, unique style of music, unique lyrics and unique looks help this artist stand far out from the often samey nouvelle scene crowd. This particular song demonstrates well her quirkiness with lyrics that are just damnright trippy. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Serge Lama Je Suis Malade (1973) Possibly the most melancholic song in the history of mankind... and I love it. It's all about the words dude and Mr Lama paints such a stark yet poignant picture with them that you can't help putting yourself in his boots. Get a glass of whisky, light up cigarette and think of the lovers that have hurt you... you are now ready for this lesson. |
My Spotify and Deezer Playlists
|
Camille
Stromae Indila Fauve (don't try the Fauve videos unless you're at an advanced level) Olivia Ruiz Shy'm Superbus
Tal Tété Louise Attaque Gaëtan Roussel Calogero
|
Indochine
Abd Al Malik Raphael Sexion D'Assaut 1995 (advanced level lyrics) M
Stanislas Calogero + Stanislas
Anais Zazie
Renan Luce Zaz Féfé BB Brunes Mélanie Pain Coeur de Pirate Tryo |
The ones below are Ex-contestants from French X-facteresque Type Shows (that aren't too bad)
Jenifer
Camélia Jordana Christophe Willem Amel Bent |
Post Scriptum:
Readlangs learn French with music lyrics thing
NOTE: the link above will take you specifically to Stromae's Tous Les Meme music video on Readlang. For others, press the R in the top left hand corner, then press library in the menu bar, then public texts in the second menu bar, and tick songs in the the third bar. All that remains is to scroll down and choose a song. Simple as.
The more I look into Readlang the more I like it. What I want to show you is my favorite bit of it: the music videos with the karaoke words scrolling underneath. What's great about that? Well, if you click on any word it will tell you it's meaning (well, most of the time)
The thing is, it works really well. You don't have to stop the music video if you come across a word that you don't know as pop songs tend to have enough natural pauses and repetition to give you the time to click on the said word and read the translation without losing your place too much. But even if you do, to help you out, there is a dual function to this system which I find flippin fantastic: By changing from the translation to the play function (tabs to the topish left in the kareoke player bit) you can make the video start on the word you press on. This is... well.. like I said: flippin fantastic for language learners.
Critique: There is one draw back: It is only accurate about 80% of the time in the limited phrase translation mode, and only about 50% in the unlimited single word mode.
You see, if every word had it's exact equivalent in another language than bilingual dictionaries would be very slim things indeed. In fact, this is far from the case, giving rise to all sorts of Venn Diagram situations. (the ones with the overlapping circles you fool - NOTE: I belong to the 'always insult your reader' school of thought: just because it's more fun)
To get to the point, Readlang struggles where words have multiple meanings. It is forced to choose just one and there are times that the choice made is unsuitable for the context. Readlang also struggles with some of the more complicated verb conjugations as well as reflexive verbs. It also can have difficulty with expressions but the click and drag phrase translation thing (i.e to translate more than one word together as a whole) helps ease that.
Last note: don't let these small complaints stop you from using this powerful free tool. It really is the bees knees.
The Stromae test:
Errors Readlang makes in Tous Les Meme
This is the end of the article.
The rest is just flagrant self promotion.
(Well, atleast I'm honest)
The more I look into Readlang the more I like it. What I want to show you is my favorite bit of it: the music videos with the karaoke words scrolling underneath. What's great about that? Well, if you click on any word it will tell you it's meaning (well, most of the time)
The thing is, it works really well. You don't have to stop the music video if you come across a word that you don't know as pop songs tend to have enough natural pauses and repetition to give you the time to click on the said word and read the translation without losing your place too much. But even if you do, to help you out, there is a dual function to this system which I find flippin fantastic: By changing from the translation to the play function (tabs to the topish left in the kareoke player bit) you can make the video start on the word you press on. This is... well.. like I said: flippin fantastic for language learners.
Critique: There is one draw back: It is only accurate about 80% of the time in the limited phrase translation mode, and only about 50% in the unlimited single word mode.
You see, if every word had it's exact equivalent in another language than bilingual dictionaries would be very slim things indeed. In fact, this is far from the case, giving rise to all sorts of Venn Diagram situations. (the ones with the overlapping circles you fool - NOTE: I belong to the 'always insult your reader' school of thought: just because it's more fun)
To get to the point, Readlang struggles where words have multiple meanings. It is forced to choose just one and there are times that the choice made is unsuitable for the context. Readlang also struggles with some of the more complicated verb conjugations as well as reflexive verbs. It also can have difficulty with expressions but the click and drag phrase translation thing (i.e to translate more than one word together as a whole) helps ease that.
Last note: don't let these small complaints stop you from using this powerful free tool. It really is the bees knees.
The Stromae test:
Errors Readlang makes in Tous Les Meme
- Rendez vous: Readlang = Appointment, Stromae = be there! (though does correct this when the rest of the sentence is added
- Bete: RL = beast, ST = stupid
- Plus: RL = more ST = anymore
- l'merite: RL = the merit, ST = merit it
- C'est qu'une crise: RL = it's a crisis, ST = it's only a hissy-fit (for a want of a better word)
- Diras: RL = say, ST = will say
- Meme: RL = same, ST = even
- It got gnangnan which surprised me but blocked on ragnagnas (mensturation period again - it's the sound some women make when they are feeling tetchy)
This is the end of the article.
The rest is just flagrant self promotion.
(Well, atleast I'm honest)
MY SPOTIFY AND DEEZER PLAYLISTS OF
The 100 All Time Best French Language Songs (Chansons Françaises) Ever
See my list of what I think are the best French language songs ever (with learning the the French Language and Culture in mind) but that are specifically chosen to suite anglophone tastes. I have linked all the songs to YouTube videos, most with lyrics on them or underneath. Slowly doing write-ups for each.
And you can listen to them all on the above page if you sign-up to Spotify
THE WHY AND HOW:
Using
Les Chansons Francaises
(French language songs)
to Learn French.
Read my article explaining why and how... oh... I've just said that. I may go off on a folly with this article but what I say within (when I eventually get to the point) could change your current methods of learning French for the better.
Also: detailed look at Irony vs atlantic drift.
ONE-STOP LINKS AND REVIEWS FOR
The Best French Music Only Radio Stations
Want to listen to French Radio Stations for French Language Songs but finding every two out of three songs are in English (and 3rd rate ones at that). Well, you've found the one link to rule them all, the one link to find them, the one link to link them all, and in cyberspace bind them.
Now that's what I call kick-ass poetry!
(Suck on that one keats)
HOW TO WATCH
Live 'Free to View' French TV Channels Online from Abroad
In the 21st Century, language, culture and television are very closely associated. If you can't be there then the next best thing is to see and hear what those that are are watching. Your ability to understand oral French will undergo a paradigm shift within just a few hundred hours of french tv watching. Yes, I know that sounds like Chinese water torture but there are a few gems to look out for so..
let me be your guide young padawan.
ALL - BY - MY - SEEELLLF... DON'T WANNA BE...
Hints & Tips for Learning French as a
Self Study Topic
Going it alone can be a daunting challenge so why not take a little advice from those that have already crossed that bridge. Stand on the shoulders of vertically challenged people, that's what I say
(No dwarfs were harmed during the writing of this article)
CONJUGATE THIS FOTHER MUCKER
Rundown of the French Verb Tenses and Moods
I noticed that there was very little on the web giving a brief yet comprehensive rundown of these French verb tense-moods as I like to call them. Even less showing the use of them with examples.
Shall we consider this lacune filled now?
THE SLIPPERY FISH OF CONJUGATION RIVER
The French Imperfect Tense (l'imparfait)
There is one barrier left between you and near comprehension of French texts: L'Imparfait. ...and so welcome to my rule of thumb rule on how to translate this tense when you come across it in your readings.
Examples given will help you understand... hopefully.
FREE ONLINE PARALLEL TEXT
Arthur Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes:
Un Scandale en Bohème
[A Scandal in Bohemia]
Short story, sentance under sentance alignment, word for word translations, grammar notes... ideal for a beginner with very little knowledge of French.
Parallel Text Languages: English, French
Original Text: English
Word Count: 9,248 (English version)
First Published: 1892
Arthur Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes:
Un Scandale en Bohème
[A Scandal in Bohemia]
Short story, sentance under sentance alignment, word for word translations, grammar notes... ideal for a beginner with very little knowledge of French.
Parallel Text Languages: English, French
Original Text: English
Word Count: 9,248 (English version)
First Published: 1892