Histoire De Melody Nelson

Arrangements are ahead of its time. Sound so up to date in 2026

Helt sinnsykt bra! Hører mange har hentet inspirasjon herifra! Dette treffer 10/10! Dødsfett! Veldig forut sin tid også!

70’s Rock ⭐️Cargo Culte

I kind of hate how much I like this album.

There was this old Tom Green bit where he stuck dog shit on a microphone and went around interviewing people. And interviewees were torn between their desire to be on camera and their disgust at the dog shit. That's basically the career of Serge Gainsbourg. He gives you so much incredible art, then he covers it in dog shit and lets you decide if you wanna indulge. Case in point: this album. It's a funky, lush, and sultry blend of different styles, and it's all anchored by some of the best bass you'll ever hear. And then there's the lyrics. This album (like all of Serge Gainsbourg's music) is packed to the gills with insane wordplay, double entendres, allusions, and beautiful poetry ... and it's all in the service of a story about a dude who crashes his car into a 14-year-old girl and rapes her. I love the hell out of this album. No, I don't care for the subject matter, but I love the music, the performances, and the overall vibe. And maybe that makes me a shitty person, I don't know. But I love it. Conversely, I hate Lolita. I hate that book precisely because I can't stand the subject matter. I don't care about the beautiful language. I can't get past the repellent material. But this? I love it. (Maybe if Lolita had had better bass lines, I'd like it more.) Anyway, I love Serge Gainsbourg. People call him a provocateur, but that's being generous. He's basically a 6th-grade boy hell-bent on trolling everyone. (One of his biggest hits was setting the French National anthem to reggae music (it kills, btw) and abbreviating the chorus to just ("To arms, et cetera!"). He got death threats. He wrote huge hits for teen girl artists and packed their songs with blowjob puns. He sang a song called Lemon Incest with his daughter Charlotte, and he told Whitney Houston, on live TV, that he wanted to fuck her.) If he weren't such a musical and lyrical genius, no one would care. But damn. The dude is insanely talented. His work is messy. He never did the same thing twice. (If you love this album ... well, too bad. He never did anything like it again.) But it's never dull. Anyway, this album is just incredible. I totally get the one-star reviews from people, but me? Hand me that shitty microphone, Mr. Green.

I swear to god that french people are so shitty but when it comes to art is the coolest shit u ever see/heard

The vibiest vibe record ever to vibe. I'm glad I don't understand French because I suspect it might break the spell.

A fave

Fuck this is good. I left this a long time listen to and wasn't enthusiastic at all, but it's brilliant. Sounds incredible, the guitar and rhythm section is so influential on lots of other great music too.

Not on the Epstein files

Massively cool. Need more time with it but yes

I didn’t understand anything but i didn’t need to, it spoke for itself 🥹

Great!

Amazing. Also melody is from Sunderland which is a great fact. One of my favourite albums

Let's address the elephant in the room. First, the 1944 novel Gigi, turned into a highly celebrated movie, won a record breaking 9 Academy Awards including best picture. An even more risqué novel, the 1955 Lolita, is a controversial story that is considered a masterpiece by many in the literary community. The 1962 adaptation currently has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Point being, this was a different time in our culture, and neither story celebrates pedophilia. They are revered because of their ability to examine the complexity of the human condition. That brings us to Melody. While it is a cringe worthy storyline with a graphic and unnecessary hotel scene, the style of storytelling, with the musical backdrop, is undeniably captivating and creative.

Having never heard this record before, imagine my surprise when I'm hearing its influences on Pulp, Portishead, Beck, and beyond. It's a spectacular album and this is exactly why I am doing this challenge.

5/5 - amazingly orchestrated

DUDE! This is a must listen. Trip-hop before trip-hop was cool. The basslines creep into your spine and force your head to bob. Serge Gainsbourg's voice is DRIPPY. So smooth over the bassline, enhancing it, just slipping in there, delivering the lines. This is an album you'll want to keep in your back pocket. It's all in French, and one day I hope to become fluent enough to understand all of it. My Rating: 5/5. I'd give it 10, but I can't.

I’ve known about Serge Gainsbourg for about 25 years now, but this is my first time listening to one of his albums from start to finish. He’s truly incredible. This album has such a strong mellotron presence, giving it lush orchestral arrangements that bring out that baroque and chamber pop vibe. You also get some psychedelic rock touches and these raw, gritty guitar riffs that even flirt with a proto punk sound. The entire album is sung in French, and all those musical elements I mentioned are layered on a French pop foundation. The production is fantastic, with the bass especially standing out. This is definitely one of those albums you want to listen to with headphones to really appreciate all the sound layers. If the rest of his catalog is as solid as this, Serge Gainsbourg might just work his way into being one of my favoritesi. 5/5

When I saw French pop I immediately assumed there would be some scratchy voiced Frenchman sounding French and there was and it was great and so was the rest of it.

Beautiful, esoteric and oh so French.

fantastic 100%

Soft strings, jazzy percussion, and French pillow talk? Hell yeah.

I was surprised to see this remarkable record rated so lowly. Then I read the reviews and realised that people were rating the subject matter, not the music. If you're capable of getting past the fact that sometimes art deals with uncomfortable topics, this is an amazing album. Sounds fantastic, and it's influence on others is immediately apparent - Beck, Pulp, Portishead etc. Glad to have had it brought to my attention, which is exactly what this list is all about for me.

First heard about this album because I was told Beck’s Paper Tiger was inspired by its sound. Which is totally correct. To be honest, I’m not sure anything else quite sounds like this. You don’t need to speak French to get the gist of Gainsbourg’s spoken vocals around love, lust and loss. And the way the first and last tracks bookend the album, building from quiet bass lines to full orchestrated arrangements is near perfect.

So much here to recommend this - the influence, the great opening bassline sample, the arrangements, and the general bonkers-ness of it all. Top drawer, and definitely my favourite Beck album, by far.

1001 Albums Challenge (12/1001) 1. Melody (4/5) 2. Ballade De Melody Nelson (5/5) 3. Valse De Melody (5/5) 4. Ah ! Melody (5/5) 5. L'Hotel Particulier (4/5) 6. En Melody (5/5) 7. Cargo Culte (4/5) Total (5/5)

5 étoiles juste pour le monde dans les reviews qui continue de se faire troller par Gainsbourg.

I liked this a lot and listened to it twice, you can hear all types of music that was likely influenced by it later

Totally essential hipster listening here. After reading the brief wiki blurb, happy not to be able to understand the actual text of the songs. But sonically it’s excellent. Serge may be the best thing that comes out of this project for me.

I understand Birkin Bags now

Near-perfect if you just ignore the lyrics.

Grimy

brilliant

Phenomenal compositionally no notes

10/10…chanson / französischer rock-pop

cool!

I really liked this album.

"Historie de Melody Nelson" is a concept album by French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. It was arranged and co-written by Jean-Claude Vannier and produced by Jean-Claude Desmarty. The album concept follows an illicit romance which develops between the middle-aged narrator (Serge) and a 14 year-old girl Melody Nelson (portrayed by British-French actress, singer and Serge's then-partner Jane Birkin). The music and vocals are a mix of funk-style electric guitar and bass, spoken word and Sprechgesang (talking and singing) vocal styles and lush strings and choral arrangements. Many critics consider this album as one of the greatest French-language albums in popular music history. The seven-minute "Melody" opens the album. Serge's deep, cigarette-soaked voice talking softly. The guitar, bass and drums eventually get louder. Strings are added and there's an air of suspense as the narrator collides his rolls royce into a girl, Melody, on a bike. They exchange information. A pyschedelic guitar gives this a spy movie sound. Jane Birkin vocals appear in "Ballade de Melody Nelson" as she and the narrator talk and the narrator falls in love. A thumping bass and guitar at the start with strings coming in later to accentuate the emotion. Serge is whispering throughout "L'Hôtel particulier" as he meets Melody at a secretive hotel to have sex. Lush and prancing strings. The funk and 60's style guitar really gets going in "En Melody." There's laughter of a girl and then just silence with the wind blowing as an airplane crashes with Melody in it as she is returning home to Sunderland. The narrator laments Melody's death in the closer "Cargo culte." Soft music initially that builds. A vocal choir in the background. Some nice garage, pyschedelic guitar. The narrator compares his misguided hope of Melody returning to the Cargo cults of Melanesia. Now this is a compelling album , notwithstanding the age of the female involved. Suspense, drama, romance, sadness. The string and horn arrangements and core band perfectly fit the story moments are they are told. Excellent arrangements. The band is great...pyschedelic and funky bass and guitar. Serge talks, whispering and sings. This is a great album and I see why it has influenced many and is held in such high esteem.

For a few decades, Serge Gainsbourg was likely the most famous rock star that France had ever produced. It wouldn't be until the 90s and early 2000s that we got the likes of Daft Punk, Air, and Phoenix, and they all had to performe in English to achieve their fame. Before then Gainsbourg was it. His influence would end up being huge by the 90s, finding new life among some indie artists, and especially the emerging trip hop scene. Famous fans included Beck, Air, Portishead, R.E.M., Stereolab, and countless others. Mike Patton of Faith No More would later join Lovage, which was practically a Serge Gainsbourg tribute band. Less flattering, but the idea of a short, sort of ugly man being a 60s sex symbol would be an a model for the character of Austin Powers. "Melody Nelson" was Gainsbourg's masterpiece and his only really fully formed album. The plot concerns a very seedy narrator (who uncomfortably resembles Gainsbourg himself) hitting an underage girl with his car before trying to seduce her. The idea is repulsive but the story is vivid. Not all main characters need to be likeable and this one certainly isn't. Musically, the album is built around themes and expertly blends rock with orchestral arrangements. He certainly wasn't the first to do this but the style is something different here. Whereas other artists might inject an element of classical music to elevate the sound, here the orchestra feels dragged down by the overall seediness of it all. "Melody Nelson" set a template for all kinds of chill, sexy, and carefree music that would eventually converge with 80s hip hop and 90s indie rock for some amazing music. Sleazy as the content may be, this album is certainly noteworthy

I loved this album for years, and really feel like it continues to stand out as a unique and beautiful piece of work. I don't know any French so had no idea about the Lolita-esque "ick" factors with the concept. Unfortunately this initially soured my previous appreciation of the album and I have had a tough time listening through and connecting with the vocalists as much as I used to. At the end of the day, I remind myself that these are characters in a story created by an artist who prides himself in being controversial. No children were harmed in the making of this album and the goal does not seem to be an "advocation" of the narrators egregious acts (though again I don't know French so can only read synopses and do not understand the nuisances of the language). Reflecting on what initially drew me to the album: his voice is amazing, there is so much musical variation and depth across it's short runtime, it was and continues to be cutting edge, it's funky and expressive, and it all comes full circle through masterful sequencing. For a non-french speaker like me, what is there not to love? 5/5

<sigh>

Somewhere within my last 100 albums, I had Let's Get Killed by David Holmes, which underwhelmed me except for one song - Don't Die Just Yet. That song stood out so much I had to figure out why, and I discovered it samples this album. So after that I listened to this Serge Gainsbourg album. I really enjoyed it and have listened to it a couple times since then before generating it today. (And now I know why it already sounded familiar because I listen to a lot of Beck as well.) Anyway, I'm going to rate this a 5 because that's how I felt about the music - which is fantastic - before learning the content of the lyrics just now. I genuinely hope the point is to be disturbed by the character on this album, but...to what end? I've given low ratings to several albums because of creepy or downright misogynistic lyrics. But was that easier because I didn't really like the music that much either? Why should this album get a pass? I can't answer that right now. I will reflect and read some think pieces. Maybe I will change my rating.

A fascinating piece of work. As soon as it started I recognised the trip hop influences. Really enjoyed this, will definitely listen again. Hey, it's not the most modern storyline but lots of people here don't realise France didn't have an age of consent "at all" until recently and only then set it at 15 in 2001.

Beautiful album, somewhat haunting at times too. Love the orchestra that plays throughout the album and the really funky guitar playing on En Melody. Gainsbourgs voice is beautiful too.

## In-Depth Review of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* by Serge Gainsbourg Serge Gainsbourg's *Histoire De Melody Nelson*, released in 1971, stands as a seminal work in the landscape of French music. This concept album is a daring exploration of themes such as desire, obsession, and the complexities of illicit love, all wrapped in a lush musical tapestry. The album's narrative follows a middle-aged man's infatuation with a young girl named Melody Nelson, echoing the controversial themes found in Nabokov's *Lolita*. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its lasting influence while also weighing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* are both provocative and poetic, showcasing Gainsbourg's mastery of language. The narrative unfolds through a series of vignettes that depict the narrator's obsession with Melody. The opening track, "Melody," introduces her character with an almost dreamlike quality: > "A little animal / That Melody Nelson / An adorable tomboy / And such a delightful child / Who I only knew for a moment." These lines set the tone for the album’s exploration of fleeting beauty and tragic desire. Gainsbourg's use of imagery is striking; he paints vivid scenes that oscillate between romantic and unsettling. In "L’hôtel Particulier," he describes a sordid hotel room where their relationship unfolds: > "If it’s available, say that you want room forty-four / They call it here the Cleopatra room..." This juxtaposition of lush descriptions against morally ambiguous actions creates a tension that permeates the entire album. Gainsbourg’s delivery—part spoken word, part singing—adds to the raw intimacy of the lyrics, allowing listeners to feel the weight of his words even if they do not understand French. ### Music Musically, *Histoire De Melody Nelson* is groundbreaking. The album features a blend of rock, funk, and orchestral arrangements that was innovative for its time. Collaborating with composer Jean-Claude Vannier, Gainsbourg crafted a sound that is both lush and minimalist. The prominent use of bass guitar by Herbie Flowers drives many tracks, providing a sensual groove that complements the lyrical content. The opening track "Melody" features a hypnotic bassline and sparse instrumentation that gradually builds tension. This is contrasted by "Cargo Culte," which closes the album with sweeping orchestral arrangements that evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection. The production is meticulous; every element—from the strings to the background vocals—serves to enhance the narrative and emotional depth of the songs. ### Production The production quality of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* is exceptional. Jean-Claude Vannier's arrangements are integral to the album’s success, blending elements from various genres to create a cohesive soundscape. Vannier’s orchestration elevates Gainsbourg’s provocative lyrics into something resembling high art rather than mere pop music. The album's short runtime (approximately 28 minutes) is another notable aspect; it delivers its narrative efficiently without overstaying its welcome. This brevity contributes to its impact, leaving listeners wanting more while also providing a complete story arc. ### Themes Thematically, *Histoire De Melody Nelson* grapples with complex issues surrounding desire and morality. The relationship between the narrator and Melody raises uncomfortable questions about age, consent, and obsession. Critics have noted that while Gainsbourg's portrayal can be seen as an exploration of forbidden love, it also risks romanticizing predatory behavior. The album’s exploration of innocence lost is poignant; it reflects on fleeting moments of beauty and desire against a backdrop of societal taboos. Gainsbourg himself described his work as surrealistic and fantastical, distancing it from reality while simultaneously engaging deeply with human emotions. ### Influence The influence of *Histoire De Melody Nelson* extends far beyond its initial release. It has been cited as an inspiration by numerous artists across genres—from Beck to Portishead—who have drawn on its innovative blend of orchestration and lyrical boldness. The album has been credited with laying groundwork for genres such as trip-hop and has influenced modern cinematic scoring. Critics have hailed it as one of the greatest French-language albums in history, often placing it alongside other masterpieces in popular music. Its unique sound continues to resonate with contemporary musicians who admire Gainsbourg’s fearless approach to songwriting. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Innovative Sound:** The combination of rock, funk, and orchestral elements creates a unique listening experience. - **Lyrical Depth:** Gainsbourg’s lyrics are rich in imagery and emotion, prompting deep reflection on complex themes. - **Cultural Impact:** The album has influenced countless artists and remains relevant in discussions about music history. **Cons:** - **Controversial Themes:** The subject matter may alienate some listeners due to its portrayal of an inappropriate relationship. - **Accessibility:** Non-French speakers may miss nuances in the lyrics without translations. - **Short Runtime:** While some appreciate its brevity, others may feel that it leaves too much unsaid. ### Conclusion Serge Gainsbourg's *Histoire De Melody Nelson* is an audacious work that challenges listeners both musically and thematically. Its blend of provocative lyrics and innovative sound has solidified its place in music history as a landmark album that continues to inspire artists today. While its controversial subject matter may provoke discomfort or criticism, there is no denying its artistic merit and lasting influence on popular music. This masterpiece invites listeners into a world where beauty and darkness coexist—a testament to Gainsbourg's genius as both a songwriter and provocateur.

I listened to this on my work computer am I going to get fired? But also, "Melody" is incredible in its squirminess; song that goes just about everywhere and soars and evolves dramatically. And I never realised just how directly David Holmes ripped it off for "Don't Die Just Yet."

From the opening bass-bending strings, this is a real classic. Obviously you can blame this for that period in the late 90s where all rock music had an orchestra sloshed all over it. But the use is far more subtle here. I have no idea what Serge is perving on about underneath the music, and I don't want to know. Actually, no, I do. And well obviously the lyrics are extremely evocative. Also he talks about Sunderland. Yes. In that one where Jane Birkin is being tickled. It's so funky. And the final return to the theme of the opener but this time about cargo cults and Serge wishing for crashing planes to bring back his lost paedo desire. It's brilliant. Obviously it's ick. But it's still quite clearly brilliant. It's also, you know, fictional. Also shout out to the concept album over and done in half an hour. A few could learn from that.

The influence of this record is everywhere. 5/5

I’ve known about Serge Gainsbourg for about 25 years now, but this is my first time listening to one of his albums from start to finish. He’s truly incredible. This album has such a strong mellotron presence, giving it lush orchestral arrangements that bring out that baroque and chamber pop vibe. You also get some psychedelic rock touches and these raw, gritty guitar riffs that even flirt with a proto punk sound. The entire album is sung in French, and all those musical elements I mentioned are layered on a French pop foundation. The production is fantastic, with the bass especially standing out. This is definitely one of those albums you want to listen to with headphones to really appreciate all the sound layers. If the rest of his catalog is as solid as this, Serge Gainsbourg might just work his way into being one of my favoritesi.

My only interaction with this man before now was seeing footage of a room full of children dressed up to look like him with fake beards, whisky, and cigarettes, all singing to him as he wept. One of the funniest things I've ever watched and also this album was pretty good

utterly french, in every aspect. and absolutely brilliant

Il y a des disques qui sont bons, il y a des disques qui sont importants et puis il y a des disques qui sont des putains de miracles. Des anomalies, des ovnis sonores qui atterrissent sans crier gare et qui redéfinissent les règles du jeu pour les décennies à suivre. "Histoire de Melody Nelson" est de ceux-là, c'est plus qu'un album, c'est une oeuvre d'art totale, un film pour les oreilles, un poème symphonique de 28 minutes qui vous attrape à la gorge et ne vous lâche plus. Je vais être franc avec vous, essayer de faire preuve d'objectivité avec ce disque est une mission impossible. C'est un de mes albums de chevet depuis l'adolescence. Je l'ai écouté des centaines de fois, dans toutes les situations possibles, et à chaque fois, la magie opère. Alors, pour cette chronique, on va laisser l'analyse froide au vestiaire et parler avec les tripes. En 1971, la France musicale, c'est encore le yé-yé qui agonise gentiment et la variété qui s'installe confortablement. Et au milieu de tout ça, Serge Gainsbourg, notre génie national, le parrain de tous les branleurs magnifiques, décide de tout dynamiter. Il part à Londres, s'entoure de la crème des musiciens de studio anglais (ceux qui jouaient avec les plus grands, de Shirley Bassey à James Bond), et ramène un son d'une modernité absolument ahurissante pour l'époque. Un son où les basses sont lourdes, profondes, presque menaçantes, la batterie est sèche, précise, implacable, les guitares sont discrètes mais venimeuses. Et par-dessus tout ça, les arrangements orchestraux de Jean-Claude Vannier, absolument somptueux - classieux comme aurait dit Gainsbourg - qui viennent draper le tout d'une mélancolie cinématographique. Et puis il y a l'histoire, une histoire sulfureuse, évidemment. On est chez Gainsbourg, merde ! Une histoire d'amour impossible et tragique entre un homme mûr et une "petite Anglaise aux cheveux roux", Melody Nelson. Une Lolita de Nabokov qui aurait troqué sa sucette pour une bicyclette. C'est un album-concept, un vrai, qui raconte une histoire du début à la fin. De la rencontre accidentelle ("Ballade de Melody Nelson") à la fin tragique ("Cargo Culte"), chaque morceau est un chapitre. Le génie de Gainsbourg, c'est de raconter cette histoire avec une économie de mots incroyable. Il ne chante pas, il parle. Son fameux "talk-over", ce phrasé nonchalant et sensuel, est ici à son apogée. Il pose ses mots sur la musique comme un peintre poserait des touches de couleur sur une toile. Chaque mot est pesé, chaque silence est assourdissant. Et c'est scandaleux, bien sûr. Pour l'époque, c'était une provocation car parler de cette relation avec une quasi-mineure, avec cette sensualité à la fois frontale et poétique, il fallait oser. Et il a osé et il a pris tout le monde à rebrousse-poil. Le public, la critique... Personne n'a rien compris. L'album a été un flop commercial monumental et il faudra attendre plus d'une décennie pour qu'il soit enfin reconnu et certifié disque d'or. C'est le destin des oeuvres d'avant-garde : être trop en avance sur leur temps. Mais aujourd'hui, quelle claque ! L'album n'a pas pris une ride, il est d'une modernité insolente. Des artistes comme Beck, Portishead, Air, toute la scène trip-hop et électro des années 90 et 2000, ont pillé ce disque jusqu'à la moelle. Cette façon de mélanger rock, funk, arrangements de cordes et spoken word, c'est lui qui l'a inventée. "Histoire de Melody Nelson" est un album culte, un album mythique. C'est un monolithe noir au milieu de la discographie française, un chef-d'oeuvre absolu dans le parcours quasi-parfait d'un des plus grands artistes du XXe siècle. C'est un disque qui se vit plus qu'il ne s'écoute, c'est une expérience. Alors oui, ma note est de 5/5. Et elle est tout sauf objective. C'est une note de fan, une déclaration d'amour à un artiste et à une oeuvre qui m'ont façonné. Si vous ne l'avez jamais écouté, arrêtez tout ce que vous êtes en train de faire, mettez un casque sur vos oreilles, et laissez-vous emporter. C'est 28 minutes de votre vie, mais je vous promets que vous en sortirez changé. C'est le son d'un génie au sommet de son art et rien que pour ça, il mérite la note maximale. Sans discussion possible.

I listened to this while making a quiche and it made the entire activity seem like such a sexy endeavour.

Firstly, this is a tight half hour. No filler, no need to stretch the album out to 40-60 minutes. While this isn't what I'd consider driving music and I can't really see myself sitting down to jam with this, it's very good. It's evocative of its time without falling into a caricature of its time. And it's sexy, man. I mean, wow. I don't know anything about Serge but I'm guessing this is a time in his life where we never had to suffer a full day without someone offering him sexual favors. I have no trouble believing that this album was the soundtrack to many an intimate evening.

That was brilliant!

Very nice.

Can't believe it took this long to get to a Gainsbourg album. It's short and sweet and there should probably be about three more of his albums on this list. Perfectment

I don’t know what he’s saying, but it sounds sexy. Great drums, heavy basslines, and generally just a cool album.

Sensational album, first track is where Portishead got its sound from, the Jane Birkin lolita-like singing, beautiful and werird and big variety in type of music, 9 out of 10 French albums I find at best "okay", this is the 10th

Narratively, this album is a strange, transgressive Lolita-esque tragedy. It is purposefully repulsive and obsessive. Musically, it is phenomenal. It is delivered via spoken word and sung portions. The music features lush orchestration and great funk guitar work. It sounds very much ahead of its time and I feel like Serge Gainsbourg’s discography could be a rabbit hole for me. This album has also been incredibly influential among Beck, Portishead and others.

This one is for the pervs and the rhythm section! Gorgeous and lush, the production of this record has been imitated many times, but this is kind of singular. My only complaint is that the record is a little short.

Из уважения к французскому шансону. Но очень странно, что ничего больше (почти) нам не включили. А зря, я бы может и послушал что-то вместо очередного альбома Боба Дилана. Альбом ультракороток, и это... наверное, не entry-level альбом для понимания, кто такой Серж Генсбур. Это одна из первых его экспериментальных работ, более того - это первый концептуальный альбом на французском языке. Новатор, экспериментатор... и совершенно неуспешен в продажах. Хулиган, чё сказать)

5/5

I have the joy of appreciating both the lyrics and the music. The orchestration is great, he's a master lyricist, and has a masterful delivery

Getting mad at the story presented here is a bit like getting upset over Nabakov’s Lolita. By dismissing it totally, you kind of miss the point. It is a work of art, from the viewpoint of the bad guy. Nobody likes a pedo. Doesn’t mean you can’t tell a good story about one. And, at the time of its release, the subject of middle aged men having a mid-life crisis and chasing after ridiculously young women, was kind of the zeitgeist. Context helps when it comes to art. Musically, this is really lovely. It’s even better if you don’t understand French. The twanging guitar and rhythmic drums of En Melody can be heard decades later in bands like Stone Roses and Ride. The low driving sound of Cargo Culte could have come from a Soundgarden song. The influence of this record is everywhere.

This album exceeded all my expectations. What a concept album! An album with a theme that could almost no longer be made these days; social media would explode. Now it was also quite provocative in 1971, but 2 years earlier the big hit "je 't aime, .....moi non plus" was released by this Serge Gainsbourg and his muse and partner Jane Birkin, which already caused quite a stir. Now Serge liked provocations and the more reactions that generated, the better. Much later he managed to shock half of France with 'Lemon Incest' sung by him and his very young daughter Charlotte, accompanied by a clip that again caused quite a stir. In any case, the story of 'Histoire de Melody Nelson' is not complicated. A 40-year-old man drives a Rolls Royce in a somewhat seedy neighborhood and muses about his life. Not paying attention, he runs over a young, doll-like girl on her bicycle. He seduces her and after a short passionate relationship (a cooing Jane Birkin in L'Hotel Particulaire) Melody leaves back for England, but her plane crashes. The record is first and foremost an ode to Serge's muse and long term partner Jane Birkin: Melody is a conjugation of Jane Birkin's middle name and Nelson was a national war hero and also a hero of Jane's father. You will of course also recognize 'Lolita' by Nabakov, a book that immediately appealed to Serge Gainsbourg. The music, especially the first song of 7.5 minutes, is particularly sultry with the languid, lazy bass, the organ and the unruly guitar. It's easy to imagine why this record was such a source of inspiration for the trip hop movement from the 90s (Tricky, Portishead et al). Serge talks sometimes, then sings, and musically it is almost impossible to imagine what comes next. It's a complete musical spectrum of funk, soul, jazz rock, but also strings and a whole choir. The music was not written by Serge, but by his friend Jean Claude Vannier who might've made his best work of a lifetime. Superb

Beautiful

Very unusual, liked it!

Well. What a conflicting album this is. On the one hand, it's brilliant. Musically, lyrically, stylistically it is genuinely one of the most compelling, captivating and consuming albums I think I've ever heard. The production of it is great. On the other - the subject matter is a bit icky. I guess it's meant to be. Brilliant album. And L'hotel Particulier is absolutely stand-out. Can clearly see how it influenced Jarvis Cocker for F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.

A mí en particular me a encantado, un adelantado a su tiempo.

It's rare to get a 5 star album from an artist you've never heard of. The bass playing on this is killer, especially the first track. The music on this album is a pleasant surprise. I don't understand anything that's being said, I almost prefer it. Most lyrics are pretty droll to me.

Listen this at: 05/02/2024

This was a surprise, I love this. That last track really hits. Cinematic, those cellos absolutely ripp

Between a four and a five. Leant the generous side due to its influence on Tranquility Hotel. And to mildly irk Myfanwy.

Un grand grand classique, orchestral, drôle et sensuel.

I don’t like the concept for this concept album, but this is by far the best concept album I’ve heard. Maybe if I was French and understood the nuance of the lyrics I could take a better stance. But musically it’s phenomenal.

beautiful

Musically this is just astonishing, like nothing else really. You can query the narrative, but it's clearly a character - like the musical equivalent of Lolita

Very cool precursor to Lou Reed

With Histoire de Melody Nelson, Gainsbourg creates the first true (and perhaps only) concept album. Precursors first linked tracks thematically, then sonically, then historically, but the tracks were always separable from the whole; the music stood up by itself. Later attempts at concept albums have culminated in epic feats of navel-gazing. Histoire de Melody Nelson is the first album where the music is incidental to the story, and the story is incidental to a deeper philosophy of life. Gainsbourg wields rock music to pose us questions on sex and violence, to challenge us to confront the ideas posed by Nabakov, Ballard and Bataille. And before we know it, the music boils over, leaving us more stranded than we were before.

that was interesting af

French concept album, which was to be expected to be included in the 1001 list. Apart from a (great) compilation album, it is the only Serge Gainsbourg album in my cd collection. The plot is pretty stupid, but I am not able to understand the lyrics anyway, and the music is great, especially the final song, Cargo Culte. Score: 5 stars (9/10)

The mixture of overdrive guitar funk sound with the orchestra/choir, as well as that smooth ass french voice (I have no idea what they're saying). Makes this one of the most unique albums I've listened to.

Who knew French music could be so fascinating? Fun album that holds up remarkably well for 50+ years.

Deeply unsettling

Close to being perfect in my mind. A bizarre mix of rocky riffs, orchestral bites, jazzy interludes and almost spoken word lyricism. It's clearly an inspiration for some of my favourite artists, beck, Alex Turner, and so on, but the overall theme leaves a gross taste in my mouth. It's so incredibly French, the sound of a cigarette and adultery in a bohemian hotel room. 09/07/23

This is what this whole 1001 greatest albums process is all about. Completely left-field choice, something I'd never even heard of before, a concept album in a different language - and it's a real, genuine hidden gem. What an atmosphere this album has. It's quite dark and dangerous and sexy and seductive. The music and production is incredible. I love the violins, the sudden explosion of drums, that deep driving bass. Very very good. I've given it about 3-4 listens now, and it'll definitely be one I go back to a fair bit. There's something really compelling about this. Album 192 and I've finally found my first 5 star album from an artist who was completely unknown to me beforehand - thank you!

It's a classic story. Man runs over teenage girl with a Rolls Royce, has an illicit affair with her in a sketchy hotel, and then she dies in a plane crash. I've been a fan of Serge Gainsbourg's songs for a long time, including "Ballade de Melody Nelson," but I'd never listened to this concept album of his. I quite enjoyed the progression of movements, incorporating orchestra and chorus along with sultry bass and funky guitar. It's a unique and compelling sound.

Well, my years of high school French weren’t enough for me to follow the details of this story, but the music was sure groovy. I can very much appreciate its influence. Now reading about the theme creeps me out, so I am going to try to ignore that…

5 stars, and I’m only on the first song.

Gillar Serge. Har lyssnat mycket på honom de senaste 10 åren men inte så mycket på just denna platta. Klart som fan att det är bra.

Serge! You sexy man! Ooo lala. His voice is like liquid chocolate... I'm loving this ganache of sweet tunes, littered with the sweet voice of an angel. Influential and sampled by many and reviled by an army of angry liberals I just yearn for his yellow stained fingers to stroke the nape of my neck.

oh, yeah, smooo-ooth, lush and pure 1970s. Quelle Poesie decontracte, esprit de reves. This is so different & new to me. I do like a concept album from time to time.... (But if I had to guess, the its Francoise Hardy, (but I'm wrong, its Jane Birkin) and yes zeh eenglish weeel be geluwss that a french man can spend an album in admiring contemplation of a single, fascinating woman while sustaining our rapt attention.

fuckig brilliant

Groovy.

Incredible

Banger after banger after banger. The only downside is it is a short album at 30 minutes.

Gainsbourg is the epitome of cool. This album is rocking and sexy and suave, and doesn't outstay its welcome.

I have always wanted to learn French, and after hearing this album for the first time, I enrolled so that I could understand the lyrics on my own. I love this album so much!

This is a great album; you can hear how Jean-Claude Desmarty has inspired producers like Nigel Godrich (check out "Paper Tiger" by Beck to hear what I'm talking about).

This is a really fascinating album and piece of art. It's disturbing, perverted, poetic and sonically unique. I really enjoyed it.

In an alternative, dystopian world, I could have lived and died without ever having heard this 28 minutes of sublime music. Fortunately, I do not live in such a world, so I have heard it, and my life is enhanced by having done so.

Surprisingly delightful!

This was a fascinating album. Loved the ebbed and flow of it.

This was a great listen, and surprising that it was made in 1971.

Tre cool. I've not listened to a lot of French music (outside of rap and whatever they play on Lupin) but this was good.

Clairement un chef d'oeuvre cet album Un peu cringe par le propos et cet éternelle obsession des français pour les filles de 15 ans🙄 mettons ça sur le dos de l'époque ... Cela dit, La bass est juste malade sur cet album ! Le tone, les grooves. Fondateur du trip hop bien évidemment. Les arrangements de cordes sont sublimes

the instrumentals are fucking phenomenal, tho I don’t really care for the vocals feels like i’m in a Ghirardelli commercial with some of these songs still super impressive that an album like this came out in 1971 - 9/10

Loved it, very very french

I really liked this album. I had never heard it before, but I listened to it like 4 times. and I didn't understand a word of the lyrics.

There are flaws, to be sure, but I adore this.

It's like opera... I don't understand it, but it sounds amazing.

I would have never listened to this album if It weren't for this project. This is why I'm doing it. What a vibe this thing has.

Total revelation, never knew of this album’s existence and yet it has influenced so much music that I love!

Absolute surprise - Loved it

Damn. Chicago 2012. Yup

Why do I feel as if he's specifically trying to fuck me. Having read the background of the album and the concept behind it, it makes sense that the singer is a brilliant mix of seductive yet sleazy. I can't say it's bad. I can't say I enjoyed it either.

fav songs: ah melody stylish, cinematic, hypnotic 70/100

Unique sound and it confirms a lot of what we all think about the French

French, yet cool

kind of a good idea. make some cool music and then just talk over it. france rocks man

Geweldige conceptplaat van de goat in de Franse muziek

Most unexpected banger ever. The opening track is so cool. A drummer that needs no more than a kick and a snare, and maybe a hat. Beautiful buzz rolls and ghost notes, and a swing that begs to be sampled (turns out it was - collab between Massive Attack, Nellee Hooper, Portishead - how cool is that?) The rest of the album is a mix of slow French sophistry and the more upbeat stuff. Adding to my playlist

Thankfully I don’t understand the lyrics - so I was just left with the songs which are great

Lyrically Serge Gainsbourg is deliberately sparking controversy. He is a man in his mid-40s singing a series of love songs about a fictional 14 year old girl from Sunderland. Comparisons to Lolita spring to mind but the direct inspiration was his 24 year old wife Jane Birkin who is pictured on the album artwork holding a teddy bear. Presenting fictionalised versions of Jane and himself with a heightened age gap is there to (in my opinion) give a sensationalist edge to a series of poetic love songs directed towards someone from a different generation. I’m kind of indifferent to this device but can see why it would wind some people up, as that was the intention. I can’t speak French though, so none of this had any bearing on my enjoyment of the album which can be summed up like this: the way Serge’s vibey rock instrumentals mix with the luscious, cinematic strings and his softly spoken, narrative heavy, mostly spoken vocals totally works on me.

Today’s album has confounded me a little. I can’t speak French so can’t tell if this is a satirical “Lolita” tale or something much more uncomfortable (the internet suggests the latter). What I do know though is that the music sounds very modern for 1971, has influenced a lot of things I love, and is seductive instrumentally. Going with a dodgy 4 for this one.

I like the instrumentation, esp the guitars and bass. The addition of an orchestra was fun. Is this a rock opera? The story of Melody Nelson It threw me off how short some of the songs were It was a very cool album. The subject matter however is very cringe. Low key glad I only understand basic French

incredibly cool how this album's sweaty, nicotine-stained fingerprints are all over so much music i live - trip-hop, post-rock, Tindersticks, Pulp, things which feel so genuinely sui generis, can be traced back so cleanly to one French pervert. there's a real balance here between things loose and jammy and very exacting arrangements that keep the orchestrated moments feeling like they could fall out from under you at any moment do not begrudge anyone wanting to keep away from this due to its lyrical content, but i do think that feeling of vertigo, and the lecherousness that people seem to think is an accident or just French - those are intentional! that's not to say Gainsbourg can't find something romantic in all this, conceived as it was in partial tribute to his young wife, but it's certainly provocative and uncomfortable-making by design. mileage will vary, as it will with anything. personally, i think this is far too musically electrifying and morally muddy to write off. if you want to listen to something truly disgusting that hates women and lusts after young girls over music of absolutely no consequence, there are three new Drake records that just came out waiting for you!

I'm bringing sexy Frenchie back. Serge for whatever reason deciding to have Melody Nelson be fourteen...when album cover image and voice of Melody, Jane Birkin, was 25 at the time. "Fucking Gainsbourg, that creep can roll, man." "Yeah, but he's a pervert, Dude. No, he's a sex offender. With a record. He served 6 months in Chino for exposing himself to a fourteen year old."

Mkay a deep sexy french voice doing its thing with a solid instrumental including an orchestra, no idea what he’s saying but i heard ecstacy so maybe its meant to actually be sexy? Seems to be a love story revolving around the titular Melody Nelson. Can’t give it full points due to the language barrier but i was surprised how much i liked this. Standouts are Melody, Ballade de Melody Nelson, en Melody and Cargo Culte.

Pleasant but slight, lots of cool jazzy jams while Serge mutters "Melodee Nelsohn" over and over

Difficult one this, as the music is excellent but the subject matter is loathsome. I don't think it should be entirely off-limits, but for me the question is: do I trust Gainsbourg with the subject matter? And the answer has to be no. I don't think he is condoning the narrator as the narrator is clearly a fool, even before he meets Melody - foolish enough to be dangerously distracted by the statuette on his own car. But Gainsbourg enjoyed being provocative. He seemed to think it is OK to offer this underage sleaze as a tease. I'm going to dock it a star for that. Some people will deduct a lot more than one star, and some people will have more reason to. I absolutely understand that. Is it one of the 1001 best albums ever made? Yes, I'm pretty sure it is. Should everyone be expected to listen to it? No

I actually really enjoyed this album. I enjoyed the laid-back feel to it and that tight 70's production.

This was great. I don’t think it’s possible for Serge Gainsbourg to make an album that doesn’t sound a little bit dirty. Real grimy bass lines and his great nonchalant delivery. Just a really fun record.

Alright man

i'm really torn over this one. the sound is great, the spoken word approach fits perfectly over these instrumentals and i especially enjoyed the first and last tracks, both of which feel almost like proto-trip hop? but like, after reading up on what the concept of the album is....... hmm. it's probably a good thing i don't speak french? i'm giving it a 4 on the strength of everything else, but i feel like i need to take a shower now.

So French

81/100. The central narrative of this album is undeniably uncomfortable. Serge Gainsbourg builds the record around the story of a middle aged man pursuing a fifteen year old girl, and when that is paired with his real life reputation for provocative and often troubling behavior, it makes the listening experience difficult. At the same time, the musical execution is incredible, which is what makes the album so frustrating and complicated. The arrangements are rich and cinematic, full of orchestral pop, funk and psychedelic influences. I have honestly been conflicted about giving the record such a high rating because of those themes. I honestly cannot see myself revisiting it again.

This is kinda sick. Often sounds so ahead of its time. So effortlessly cool. Sounds like the Nouvelle Vague. Was this a film soundtrack or something? I don't really care it was fun. Fave Tracks: Melody, Ballad de Melody Nelson, L'hotel particulier (BOF "Melody Nelson") 4.4/5

Very cool and cool French pop

Well... this album is, the least to say, interesting. And I have enjoyed some parts. I don't find very appealing the strong sexual components on Gainsbourg's music, which have become a part of his persona, but surely the way this album dives between a storytelling and cinematic experience is quite a risk that is pretty well delivered in the record. His voice in contrast with Jane Birkin's in this album really fits quite well and accompanies the story which, aside from being scandalous, I just find it as a provocation, so I don't care much about this aspect of the album. The songs are pretty well delivered and the different sections give this album a very fluid sound. Is it something magnificent? I wouldn't say so, but surely it is a very interesting album, mainly in the way it feels like a whole in a very literary sense. So, surprisingly, I've liked this one.

As it is, standing on it's own and not knowing any French, it's a pretty groovy and chill 4 star album. I recognized something in here from Beck's Sea Change album which I did enjoy and saw that Beck and many others were inspired by this. Yeah the story behind it from what I read in wikipedia is creepy for sure but I enjoyed the sound of this album not knowing any of that ahead of time.

My favorite Gainsbourg album. Due mainly to the fact that I’m a sucker for a concept pieces but also because of that simple bass line you hear throughout. That compared with the noodling of an overdriven guitar creates a sexy backdrop to a story I can only make inferences about due to my limited understanding of the French language. Even though he gets freaky throughout Serge sticks to his 60s crooner style which I appreciate. To top it all off, it has a fantastic crescendo to finish. Good shit! Edit: I didn’t realize the concept was a romance between Gainsbourg and a 15 year old. I was thinking the woman with the doll was a bit strange but didn’t read into it until after my listen/rating. Dammit Serge!!!

Extremely problematic theme aside, the music and flow of this album was great. Not something I'd be all over, but very listenable. Clearly artistic, but jesus, what the fuck.

80

Never listened to Serge before and really drawn in by it

Ik kan geen frans maar zat gelijk in het album. De orkestrale arrangementen van Jean-Claude Vannier trekken je er gelijk in. De bas is heeft geeft een fijne gekke groovy basis en gitaar is ook wel aardig. Productioneel is het er goed een goed gemixt wat voelt als een cinematisch album op deze manier. Na wat research lees je waar het album over gaat en dat maakt het toch een beetje lastig. Omdat je geen frans begrijpt is het ook moeilijk om de intonaties van bepaalde vertellingen te horen. Maar een ontmaagding van een 14 jarig meisjes in een hotel door een man van middelbare leeftijd is wel moeilijk te verteren in welke (literaire)context dan ook. Los van de inhoud van het verhaal hoor je wel dat de muziek meebeweegt met een dramatisch slot akkoord waar het einde muzikaal goed samenkomt. Muziekaal en qua verhaal structuur denk ik wel dat het 5 sterren is maar ik voel toch een ongemak tijdens het luisteren en niet op een poëtische manier dat het schuurt maar dat ik er liever niet naar luister. Ook het gebrek aan franse taalkennis kan ik heet moeilijk in ene bepaalt perspectief zien. Ik snap wel dat album op veel muziekanten een grote invloed heeft gehad.

Музично це просто сууууупер стиль. Я дуже кайфонув від альбому. А потім пішов почитати, про що співали/розповідали, і тут дізлайк. Я дуже не люблю всі ці заборонені кріпові лав-сторі чоловіків до дівчат-підлітків ні в літературі, ні в фільмах, ні в музиці. Виходить, що менше знаєш - ставиш вищу оцінку. Поставлю 4 виключно через дуже гарну, можливо, навіть видатну, музичну частину.

Класний і дуже стильний альбом. Тверда четвірка. Взагалі дискографія Гензбурга доволі цікава, а ще він вплинув на створення мого улюбленого альбому АМ tranquility based hotel and casino.

Mel-uh-dee: a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, a bike, the spirit of ecstasy. Mel. Uh. Dee. The night is plain, easily hiding those wishing to be hidden. They travel far, thundering down quiet roads. I feel I know her, but sometimes my arms bend back. Pure colours, melting clouds. It has stopped raining.

De uitdrukking 'Enfant terrible' lijkt voor Serge Gainsbourg uitgevonden. Provocateur, etterbak, kettingroker, clown, perverseling, vies mannetje, charmeur, versierder. En altijd onvoorspelbaar. De man die Frankrijk op stang joeg met een hilarische reggae-versie van het volkslied ('Aux armes et caetera'), en internationaal moraalridders shockeerde met het best wel obscene hijgnummer 'Je t'aime moi non plus'. Zijn partner-in-crime Jane Birkin geeft ook hier acte de présence, als de Melody Nelson uit de titel. Als we de nogal vage teksten mogen geloven is zij een vroegrijpe roodharige deerne van 14 à 15 jaar, een ideaal onderwerp voor beroepsviezerik Gainsbourg. Waarna ze met een vrachtvliegtuig neerstort in Nieuw-Guinea, of zoiets. Het gaat allemaal weer nergens over, Gainsbourg zingzegt met zijn vertrouwde luie toontje over best aardig gecomponeerde en gearrangeerde nummers, waarop zelfs James Bond-gitarist Vic Flick meespeelt(!). Fransen vinden zo'n klier als Gainsbourg geweldig, ik houd wat reserves, maar al met al is dit mafklap-album toch best goed uitgevoerd. De muziek beklijft, de sfeer is uniek en het krijgt dus allemaal het voordeel van de twijfel deze keer.

Een Nabokov/Lolita-achtig verhaal van een vies mannetje in het Frans gesproken/gezongen/gefluisterd door een vies mannetje. Althans zo klinkt Serge, die we natuurlijk beter kennen van het hijgnummer "je t'aime moi non plus". Ik luister het met extra interesse omdat ik probeer wat Frans te verstaan. Verder vind ik Lolita een aanrader qua boek, dus dat zijn allemaal van die kleine dingetjes die meehelpen in het eindoordeel. Qua muziek gaan we duidelijk terug naar de 70s. Het mag een beetje zweven of psychedelisch rocken, heeft regelmatig een funky basslijntje. Wat strijkers voor de sfeer erbij. Ik kan dit erg goed aanhoren. Om mijn Frans te oefenen zou ik het nog een keer willen luisteren, maar gewoon voor de muziek zou ik het ook prima nog een keer op kunnen zetten. Geinig plaatje, quatre étoiles!

Serge Gainsbourg is one of France's biggest music exports, although I think by now Daft Punk might have crossed that threshold for future generations because the subject matter would be canceled today !!!!!!!!! Putting the obvious aside, Histoire de Melody Nelson is considered Gainsbourg's magnum opus. It's such a short record at around 28 minutes and yet I feel like I can't fully speak about the story or songwriting because it's French and I don't speak it, but the instrumentation (and especially) the bass drive the motion of the album incredibly well. Like, the bass is fantastic. It feels so loose, and at times feels like a car crash is about to happen and you just have to take it in. For a pop record (kind of hard to boil this down to one genre but I mean, he IS the popular french musician guy of the mid 20th century), this is pretty well done. The worst parts of the album are coincidentally, the two icky songs that aren't pretty good to begin with. Not like I can understand what it was about when I was listening to it, but I also though it was instrumentally the weaker parts of the album clocking in at like 3 minutes of a 28 minute record. 10%! Yeah that's math bet you didn't expect that you wanker.

So French it should come with a garlic necklace, a cigarette, questionable morals and a shrug. The music and production are fantastic. However, I didn't need to look up the lyrics to know it's definitely questionable - especially knowing about Gainsbourg (hint: it's pedobait). Anyway, luckily I can't speak French so I can just jam along to the music. Best Tracks: Melody; L'hotel particulier; En Melody

Just love the irreverence of Gainsbourg. The mix of cinematic jazz stylings and loungey singer songwriter works great on this record. 4 stars

Sex på et album

Cool, definitively cool, even if you let it go on for a good minute. Just keeps coming. Should be a James Bond movie. A genre unto itself.

My dad loved Serge Gainsbourg so I’ve always given him respect and appreciation for the talent and provocative attitude. He keeps on poking the stick with no let-up. It’s an insane and difficult concept album but I was on board and would listen again.

I wish I understood French because I really like Serge Gainsbourg's vibe. However, if I did understand this beyond the pedophile description of the album, I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it as much. It's complicated.

What a character. Personally I greatly prefer his reggae/dub record aux armes et cetera.

Reminds me a little of the Marvin Gaye divorce album we recently reviewed in that it mines similarly sketchy, cringeworthy territory; suffice it to say, there’s probably no way this Lolita of an album could be made today. But like Here, My Dear, the music here is fantastic; dreamy, evocative and totally absorbing. Gainsbourg’s speak-and-whisper vocals are sexy and the backing band paints an appropriately loose, funky picture. Another thing that stands out is its influence. The stoned, lackadaisical feel and strings of the leadoff track sounds like the blueprint for Beck’s “Paper Tiger,” while fans of the album De La Soul is Dead will recognize the bass line from “En Melody” as a sample.

Prior to this I only really knew Gainsbourg as that horny French guy with the sex song, but this was really bloody good.

Texten förstår jag egentligen ingenting av, jag tror det pågår någon oanständig romans mellan gubbe och alldeles för ung flicka. Är han pedofil? Om man kan bortse från detta är det som händer bakom Serges prat ändå spännande. Ett tungt vilande komp med bas och trummor i centrum. Suggestivt. Progressiv jazzrock emellanåt. Musikaliskt inte alls vad jag väntade mig av denna tvivelaktiga 60/70-talschanteur. Jag ger en fyra till musiken.

Bela viagem. Estilo diferente e muito belo

I want to drink his voice like coffee bc it’s so delicious and then like Ursula steal his singing abilities and sue them to make songs about beautiful women who are super of age….. #separatetheartfromtheartinadifferentlanguagetjatucantunderstand

It’s hard to believe this album came out in 1971. It was so ahead of its time. This is the kind of album I was gooong to find from this list.

I don't know that I understood a thing he said, but I am pretty sure I felt everything he did. Somewhere between a 3 and a 4, leaning towards a 4 since I think it would get better with more play.

The music here sounded instantly familiar. Beck’s Sea Change is one of my favorite albums, and it’s so clear he was influenced by this record — particularly with the song Paper Tiger sharing the same DNA as the opening and closing tracks. As far as my enjoyment of this record goes, it’s slightly marred by reading up on the subject matter. Maybe it’s better I don’t speak French for my enjoyment. I listened through twice and En Melodie had the only moments of the record I didn’t enjoy. The closer is the best, keeping the tune and instrumentation of the opener and adding those haunting backing vocals. Just superb. I have to knock a star off because the whole storyline gives me the ick, but the music is pretty much flawless.

Singing was a little bit uncomfortable at times but the musical content was actually really good. A very pleasant surprise.

listening to this feels a little like watching porn in the middle of the day while your family hangs around in the same room. the melody was amazing, very funky and groovy. the vocals were smooth and sexy if not also a little creepy (or maybe even a lot creepy). the concept of this album is... certaintly a choice. but i guess the album was pretty good, if glossing over the fact that it's a little pedo-ish and rapey.

There's a lot going on thematically in this concept album- reckless driving, lust, statutory rape, untimely death. But the music is fantastic! Weird to have that sordid story against the relentless funky psychedelic music. Oddly this seems to be more shocking to people than shock rock. Also, was there a touch of goth in Cargo Culte?

Definitely an artistic expression. While the subject is particularly distasteful during the throes of the post-Epstien reveals, it's possible to appreciate the intent was to shock and scandalize and hold up a light on the darker side of man's nature as embedded in the ground-breaking and rich phonic approach.

4 and a bit

It's one of the most famous and influential French albums for a good reason. It's a concept album, a very well produced one, with long smooth instrumentals. I can hear the direct influence he had on bands like Air, for instance. Thankfully I don't understand the language because I read it's about a relationship with a 14-year old, so this kind of pedo-lolita story is not my thing. I base my rating on the music itself, though, which is really great.

Beats were nice, groove was good. Would listen to again.

No nos cabe la más mínima duda de que Gainsbourg estaría hoy en día canceladísimo y quien sabe si se habría convertido en otro de esos fachaprogres que no hacen más que lamentarse de que ahora ya no se pueden hacer discos sobre jovencitas de 15 años abusadas por señores mayores aprovechando su inocencia, que es de lo que va el disco. Esa voz susurrante, grave, que habla más que canta y los arreglos funky con preeminencia de las líneas de bajo han definido el estilo de Serge durante gran parte de su carrera. Amado y odiado a partes iguales, me quedo con el Serge de la actitud rebelde pero me da un poco de grima su más que posible actitud machista en cuanto a la relación de la que hacía gala con las mujeres.

kind of interesting 3.5

This + David Bowie = Pulp. I dug it but I'm glad I couldn't understand the words.

So did we all get this album this week to mark more of the Epstein files dropping? I feel bad for liking it as much as I do because the concept behind this album is truly reprehensible, but some of the music is gorgeous.

I surprisingly listened to this before and it just makes me feel like i’m in a cafe in paris. Crossaint and Bread. but i do not understand a lick of french i did enjoy the album and the instrumentals. I cant really speak on the lyrics…. Im pretty sure it’s a story about a lady named Melody Nelson and it’s very beautiful. French is a beautiful language i will say but i have nothing else to say but a 8/10

382/1089 - Drums are incredible on this. The con sordino strings sound very French (Gee, I wonder why???) and distinct. Not a fan of the talk singing and microphone eating. After looking at the subject matter, I'm once again convinced that the French are a nation of perverts (sometimes I do pay attention to lyrics!), but other than that it was pretty good.

This is cunty. A lot of the instrumentals are so good that idegaf that I have no clue what he’s saying.

In reading the wiki article on Serge, I was led to the French tv broadcast of a bunch of young boys dressed up as him singing to him while he cried, which was more interesting than this album. Maybe bc I don't understand French. He seems like the musical incarnation of Pepe Le Pew, and there is something to be said for that. Mercifully short.

Perfect for the days when you just need to hear a whispery French man and a sexy-sounding lady saying her own name once in a while. ...okay so after reading the reviews, apparently the "lady" is actually an underage girl, ugh. Very disappointing.

This was much better than I was expecting. The 2nd side of bonus tracks is unnecessary, but the original tracks flow together seamlessly. Musically, its a break from the other Serge Gainsbourg music I've heard. More psychedelic, funk, and rock focused than his other music. It works well, even with him speak-singing over the tracks. Overall, quite good.

Pan baguette

Tiene algo mágico Gainsbourg

beautiful voice, i don’t speck french but it sounds soo good aghhhh. The melodies at the start of the songs are so catchy!

Don't know French, but this kicks serious ass. Probably 4.5 for me

I didn't pay enough attention in French class in secondary school. Which works to this album's advantage. If I could understand what Serge is saying, I feel it would only go against this album, and its incredibly creepy concept. So, I'll stick with ignoring what he's singing about and concentrate on the music instead. The opening track "Melody" is absolutely brilliant, and by far the best on the album. The orchestration works so well with the fragmented, stabbing guitar playing, sounding like something from a 2000s alt rock record. In fact, to be more specific, sounding absolutely identical to Beck's "Paper Tiger", which is, it turns out, no coincidence. Despite being released in 1971, this feels like an album well ahead of its time. You can hear its influence lingering, and not just with Beck. The blend of beats, guitar and orchestration brings Portishead to mind. Serge's breathy spoken-word vocals were clearly an inspiration for Jarvis Cocker. Then there's the guitar sound. Vic Flick's guitar work doesn't just feel like it's inventing a genre of "alt rock" 30 years in advance, it feels like it could have been released in the late nineties to early 2000s and would fit right in. I'm not fully convinced that he didn't actually travel back in time to play on this album. I hear aspects of Johnny Greenwood, Adrian Utley and Mick Harvey in the use of guitar across these tracks: scattered, raw, and at times just doing it's own thing. It often acts as percussive texture, bringing frenzied energy to the compositions, rather than a more traditional solo melody. For all its brilliance, Histoire de Melody Nelson is not an easy or comfortable listen. Its deeply unsettling concept lingers in the atmosphere. But musically, it's brilliant: influential, innovative, and decades ahead of its time. Just make sure your French is as bad as mine.

Really enjoyed super cool and jazzy

Fette pedo aber susch banger album

Es bastante interesante y te atrae, pero no sé si sea por el idioma

love serge and his co-vocalist just ululating. experimental and fresh. its what you need to feel weird and breathy. whisper at me frenchman, whisper.

interesting enough that i gave it multiple listens Would I listen again? Yes Deserves to be on this list? Maybe 3.9

8/10

An interesting and unexpected sound for French pop music from 1971.

Incredible musicianship and great vibe.

I don't know what to say. This is chill. Favorite track: Balade de Melody Nelson

4/5

Not feeling great now that I read about what the lyrics were about but the music is pretty good. Good enough to be ripped off by Beck

C'est melodie

1001 Albums Vol. 0012: Histoire De Melody Nelson ============================================================ Introduction: It's pretty weird to see albums like this, albums in which I haven't a single idea about what is being said. I recently got an album of the exact same type and it was an extremely underrated masterpiece. It had one of the lowest ratings I had seen on this site, however. I don't know if it's an issue with the language, not understanding the context surrounding the album, or some other issue that I'm not aware of, yet this is the most hated album that I've received so far. At the time of writing, it has an extremely low 2.75. That is pretty abysmal for a site in which most albums have somewhere between a three or four. I've heard that this album is pretty good too, so I don't know what it is with this site an non-English albums. Maybe this album does just actually suck, who knows? That said, this album was released by a French man named Serge Gainsbourg all the way back in 1971. Alright, I just read the Wikipedia snippet the site offers and can now see why this album is hated. Look, I'm not going to jump on the hate train right away. There might be some genuinely profound message behind all of the madness this album offers, yet I'm simply admitting why one could take a single look at it and hate it. I honestly feel like this album's story is not something for today's society. Anyway, I'll speak more on the album's story later. Like I was saying, this album was released in 1971 by Serge Gainsbourg. Now, the Wikipedia snippet doesn't offer much information about how the album was initially received, yet it is now regarded pretty highly by critics and casual listeners. This high regard originates from the album's ability to blend genres and its compelling yet dark narrative. It managed to blend cinematic sounds with soft rock to create something that is still regarded as pretty unique even to this day. With that said, I don't really want to say more as I want to leave the plot summary for the end of my review, so let's just go ahead and get into this album. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 1: Melody Score: 10/10 Track 2: Ballade de Melody Nelson Score: 8/10 Track 3: Valse de Melody Score: 7/10 Track 4: Ah Melody Score: 8/10 Track 5: L'hôtel particulier Score: 9/10 Track 6: En Melody Score: 7/10 Track 7: Cargo culte Score: 9/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion: This is an extremely weird album. I would go so far as to call it one of the weirdest things I have ever heard. It's one of the shortest albums I've ever listened to, yet it manages to have a profound impact on me within that short amount of time. So, what makes this album so weird? Well, this is a concept album about a fully-grown man who falls in a girl named Melody Nelson who I believe is fourteen years old. He accidently crashes his car into her while she's riding her bike down the road. The two then meet and fall in love with each other. The two then desire to have sex with each other. They do. Melody decides to ride to Sunderland via plane; however, the plane crashes and Melody dies. The fully-grown man then reminisces about Melody and whether she might still be alive or not. This entire story is told in the span of twenty-eight minutes. Like I said in the intro, today's culture might find this entire album to be absolutely disgusting and made for nothing more than shock value, yet there is so much more to it than that. I will admit, there were points in the album that made me genuinely feel uncomfortable. The track about the man and Melody meeting at the hotel to have sex made me especially uncomfortable, yet that's honestly kind of a good thing in this album's scenario. Anyway, shock value was not a key factor in the making of this album. It's definitely present, yet that wasn't the motivation behind this work. I would describe Gainsbourg's motivation behind this album as more of want to create a questionable of morality than to make a shocking piece of music. This album's subject matter is absolutely wrong, yet that is exactly what Gainsbourg wanted you to feel. I feel as if Gainsbourg wanted you to feel uncomfortable while listening to this tale of two lovers. The contrast between the genuinely well-written cinematic and espionage-like music that the listener should genuinely enjoy with the subject matter of the album should invoke so many feelings and questions in the listener. I mean, it feels weird to be enjoying such a perverted tale so much, yet the genius of this album simply makes it impossible not to enjoy. Now, because of this album's subject matter, there are plenty of moments throughout that I would call "tense" as well. The song I described above in which Melody and her lover go to a hotel to have sex is an especially good example of the tension this album provides the listener. More then half of the song is just detailed imagery of what the man sees while he makes his way up to the room he and Melody rented out. This sense of tension is something that I've rarely ever felt before while listening to music. It's great. It's only something that you could find in a tale that is so taboo, dark, and illegal. It's such a unique musical experience that it almost feels as if I'm listening to a movie in audio form. That's not to say the plot would be good if transferred over to a movie, I'm simply making a comparison. Now, with that all said, I'll briefly bring up both the vocals and the music. The music itself is pretty good. Like I said, it has an oddly cinematic and dark feel to it. There are definitely moments present that I would describe as having that typical "dark groove" that one would automatically envision when thinking of a smooth criminal. There's a nice blend of many genres across the album that all feel cinematic and contribute to whatever is going on in the story well. That aside, I can understand why people may not like Gainsbourg's vocals. They have a very creepy tone to them and every line being delivered in a whisper only adds to this. That being said, this delivery of lines and creepiness in the voice only adds to the overall theme of this album. It simply adds more tension to an already tense concept. His delivery is great in my opinion. In fact, I have a similar opinion about this entire album. It does what it sets out to do extremely well and feels extremely unique even to this day. As far as I'm concerned, this is a great album. Change my mind. ============================================================ Histoire De Melody Nelson Score: 9/10 Song Average: 8.3/10

Dejligt og fransk🥰

Virkelig fedt? God instrumental, smuk stemme :)

When this popped up my immediate thought was; "oh lord, what the hell is this..." So to my surprise I'm happy to report this album is kinda incredible. I 'll have to brush up on my French because I have no idea what he's saying but the spoken word flowing over the top of simple but stylish guitar work and a layer of strings is sublime. I might have to buy this on vinyl...

A little creepy. Decent music though.

The strings and guitar on this are amazing I can’t understand what he is saying That’s probably for the best…

Interesting stuff

Wow. The lyrics are disgusting, but the music is great. Favorite song: melody.

Sure, sure there's a little repulsive about the whole thing in theory. But I only understand about ten words of French, so it's pretty easy to ignore, and the genius of it all is impossible to ignore. The music blends a few layers of funk and rock with absolute mastery on all players parts, and somehow it works under whatever his vocals are. Cargo cult!

No one makes me quite as horny as the Serge.

I liked this am I fancy pants

french

8 I heard the other day that Serge is afraid of taking a bath which made me enjoy this album a lot more. My fave of his stuff by far.

This was a nice Melody.

This is so cool! Certain parts reminded me of Beck and Air, albums I'd already listened to on this list. It's definitely interesting finding the original influences when progressing through this thing.

This album has actually made me incredibly frustrated. There is so much excellent music in there but he insists on chuntering over it all his breathy, monotone ‘singing’ turned right up in the mix, to the point where I can’t just put this on and enjoy it. There are so many great bass lines, guitar fills and instrumental wizardry I would honestly have called this a masterpiece if it was completely instrumental. It flows, swells and the orchestral arrangements are perfect. I even went in for a listen of the bonus tracks to see if there were instrumental versions to be extracted but it seems to be more of the same but with a few more cuts and a bit of studio chatter between takes. Such a missed opportunity but I guess the artist knows best.

4.5

The subject matter is a bit icky and it definitely helps that it's a 1970s album, not a current one. Although it must be said that even back then, Gainsbourg and this album in particular were quite controversial, and he did bask on that controversy to a point. But beyond all that, it's seriously an incredible album musically.

Interesting album. Creepy concept, but there's a lot of good sounds. It's probably better if you don't know the subject. Some of the guitar and drum work sound really ahead of their time. Overall really good album 3.5/5

Weirdly sensual but it was a vibe.

This record is really cool sounding. The basslines, melodies, percussion, harmonic language, arrangements, motifs, are all very moving. Spoken word holds it back for me, imo. I just wish that I didn’t know what it was about. Probably won’t come back to this, but I am glad I heard it once. Awful taste, but great execution. 7-7.5/10

Cet album là, c'est un 8. Mais je lui enleve 4 étoiles parce que c'est wrong.

Dope

Man I wish I understood French

hustý vibe, přijemné poslouchat na pozadí

I understand the video with the little kids smoking now

There are a lot of movies, books, and tv shows about bad people. This is another one. The music is great however, and I'm pretty sure that not understanding French is a plus.

Easily the greatest French concept album about the seduction, statutory rape, and subsequent murder of a teenage girl that I’ve ever heard. Honestly I can’t even think of another contender to the crown.

Odd, troublesome (she’s 14), but a great listen and after reading about it, you can absolutely feel the influence on later music.

obviously difficult to fully sanction but the tonal and aesthetic unity just about pulls it together for me. its so tense and repressed and fucked-up-sounding that i cant say the accusations of full romanticization hold up for me (at least without actually knowing the lyrics). more than that tho, it still manages to convey How and Why the protagonist feels , entirely through musical expression, and if its a classic just for its ability to replace ur own heart with that of a fucked up person, its well deserved for being so instantly readably understandable without knowing any french. its construction as a holistic piece is detailed, precise, and rly grabs u by the throat. still, id probably be better off just reading lolita yk...russians outsold the french

8.5. - Subject matter is rather concerning, but the music itself is very solid. Can see why so many people like the style so much.

weirdly fun album

I liked it. Subject matter iffy, but that's what a concept album is all about. It IS still fiction, people.

Well this was a great experience. This guy manages to stay on the good side of that fine line between clever and stupid only occasionally drifting over the line like a drunken, horny frenchman who probably needs a bath. The guitars and arrangements are exceptional on this wierd masterpiece. Might have been a five if not for the cringe worthy subject matter. Once again, I am pleased I don't understand French - the language or the people.

Is this another CHANSON album!? After Jacques Brel I’ll be honest I’ve kinda been craving another. This is pretty nice stuff. Instrumentals are beautiful and it’s artistic without feeling arty (maybe it’s a little arty but I’m into it). I know Gainsbourg became a super controversial figure (was he a pedo or am I slandering him?) but if this is his early stuff I’m into it.

französische friedrich lichtenstein creepy dude aber gute musik

Enjoyable listen. All in French. Apparently the album is about a middle aged man in love with a 14 year old girl? Probably doesn’t land as hard today lol. The sound of the album is great and singer has an entertaining delivery. Parts of the album felt like they could be a Radiohead song even. I enjoyed the whole album, would have to listen through it again to pick any particular songs, but they do all flow easily into each other.

01) Melody - 8,0 02) Ballade de Melody Nelson - 8,5 03) Valse de Melody - 7,0 04) Ah ! Melody - 7,5 05) L'Hôtel particulier - 7,5 06) En Melody - 7,0 07) Cargo culte - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,57 (76/100)

Cool atmospheric sexy little album

Love the musical arrangements on this album. Not so fussed on the vocals. It's not one I'd want in my collection, but I'd certainly seek it out for further listening in the future.

Docking a star for the whole pedo thing

7/10 Some great sounds, although at times it is a bit weak and I'm not a fan of those Beatles style strings that really date the music. But the general feels is sooo cool. Just a shame about the subject matter...

The music is good. I wish I had not read that it is about a romantic fling between a middle aged man and a 14 year old girl. Kind of sours the vibe, and I would have had no idea since I don't speak french.

Beautiful album swinging between pop and rock

A little quirky with the sensual spoken word throughout, but overall I found a lot to like here in the compact 28 minute playtime. Bookeneded by two thematic atmospheric jams with spoken word that start stripped down and build with strings and choral support respectively; effortlessly cool sounding. Otherwise, Valse de Melody is really very pretty, En Melody is a jam (though the cackling is a bizarre inclusion), and L'hotel particulier is an interestingly groovy interplay between the strings and guitar. Quite better than I expected going in. This is a solid to high 4 in my book.

This is so strange. It's apparently a whole story about this Melody broad. Unfortunately I don't speak French so I can't understand that, but I do love the instrumentals and seems to flow well. Also nice and short which I love. En Melody is a JAM. Last song really reminds me of Air. This had to have been an influence on them. This isn't the highest of 4's but hard for me to not like that. Pretty unique and fun sounding.

this gets zero stars from my 11 and 9 year olds. But I thought it was incredible. I love an album where I don’t know what to expect. The music was all over the place. It sounded a bit chaotic. Then I read what the story was and holy ballsack. That’s fucked up. I’m rating this based on my initial feelings and not knowing French. I’m glad I don’t know French.

I don’t speak that French stuff, but he seemed to speak it very well. I really like how all the instruments complement each other as well as his voice. Writing is fantastic, production is crystal clear, lyrics are probably cool. I don’t know. I really enjoy this album. Good stuff. 4/5

Really interesting production-wise. Serge’s character can annoy me in the long run, but since there’s so many instrumental parts it gives me the space I need to enjoy this.

A French singer has sex with a minor and makes a cultural product to brag about it. La routine, quoi.

A cigarette smoker talking over a psychedelic orchestra. 4 stars

Exquisite

I really like the instrumentation Will I listen to again: 85%

Rating based on the music only. I realize it’s troubling subject matter.

I wonder how much speaking the same language would change my experience. Regardless it's a solid album. Worth listening to at least once, imo.

3.5 stars. Really enjoy the instrumentals, cool string arrangements backing the guitars. At times chill and at times faster-paced. Choral backing in final track is a nice touch. Vocals (spoken word) and - though I can't understand because it's in French - lyrical content (middle-aged dude hooking up with 14 yr old), detracts from an otherwise good pop album.

I’ve always really liked this album, nothing else sounds quite like it. The bass lines are sweet and the guitar parts sweeping the songs along, while the vocal style and string arrangements keeping the vibe pretty moody. Cargo Culte is an epic crescendo, and a track I listen to a lot. It’s just a very effortlessly cool vibe, and Air clearly borrowed heavily from this musically, while Jarvis clearly loved the vocal style. Fortunately the dubious nature of the subject matter is obscured somewhat by the language barrier. That, plus a couple of weaker tracks in the middle stop this from being a 5*. The random fact is the guitarist on this album also played the original Bond Theme.

85.

Understated, laid back and dreamy. The combination of funk rock and orchestration is very effective. Love, illicit sex and death in less than half an hour.

I really liked the funk sounds and production quality. Hypnotic vibe with that gravelly voice. Would like to learn more about the story and listen again.

Même si les musiques sont vraiment bizarres, l'album a un sens

Banger.

Soft French smooth

Music- A Vibe- A Voice- C So solid 4

This was partly kind of what I expected and partly not what I expected at all. Liked it more than I thought I would. 4

It was strange and pleasant. Content was a bit unorthodox.

I needed something different today, and this fit the bill.

4 maybe 5

неплохо, мне понравилось, woke педики сасать, 4/5

Wow

Love French music, even the risqué stuff

Hey, I like an album from the 70s! How bout that. (And it's a much more aesthetic topless lady album cover than the Pixies one... modulo the, uh, 14-yr-old cosplay.) I can't remember how I first got into Serge Gainsbourg, probably via Placebo, but of course I'm gonna like trip-pop en français. Maybe best that I don't think too hard about the lyrics on this one, though. The whole thing is like one long, chill song with pleasant string instrumentals. also, relevant tweet (from @tomwalkerisgood):: KOKO: Koko birkin bag. Practical Koko possession bag RESEARCHER: No, Koko. You can’t have a Birkin bag. KOKO: Good Birkin good Koko give beautiful Koko deserve gorilla RESEARCHER: Koko, we simply can’t afford a Birkin bag. It is an unjustifiable expense. KOKO: jealousy professor :)

An extremely French record that sets an extremely French tone. Sometimes that’s a compliment– especially with regards to the gorgeous near-orchestral approach to funk and pop, as well as Gainsbourg’s evocative whispered vocals– but it’s also a criticism of the inherently gross subject matter. Thankfully, that subject matter is fictional; if you critiqued every mid-century French person for having a weird fascination with Lolita-esque escapades, you’d have no French people left to praise. Maybe that’s a good thing, truthfully [I say as someone who is second-gen Walmart French™️]. But on Histoire de Melody Nelson, it is so obvious that this is irony, like, the textbook definition of irony à la that elevator scene in Reality Bites, that it feels like a dismissible hurdle that most should be able to look past, especially since Gainsbourg himself did nothing worse than, say, Leonardo Dicaprio does today. It seems like Gainsbourg just liked to take the piss and piss people off with his subject matter, which is obnoxious, but something I can hand-wave past. Especially because again, musically, this album is very good! It’s a traditional pop record with textures of funk, and it’s one of those records that you can just throw on casually to evoke a certain mood. Sultry, slightly groovy, like the smell of cigarette smoke on a fur coat. It has a narrow vibe, but it thrives in that aesthetic and sinks you in, too. The run time helps keep it moving, so I never felt bored or like it was overstaying its welcome, even though it does feel like it’s a single song instead of a single album. I’m not saying it’s a dinner party record, but I would say it creates some similarly tinted mood lighting. Histoire de Melody Nelson is not an every day record, and very situational. It’s not the greatest record I’ve ever heard, and I won’t put it on repeat. I also do understand why the subject matter can make your eyes roll. But I do think it’s not only an important record, but an extremely engaging musical suite. It is gorgeous in a uniquely French™️ manner, and while I don’t always need that in my life, I’m open to Gainsbourg’s vibe here more often than not.

Original and confident, a bit light though 3.6

musically i like it a lot actually but minus 1 point for whispery voice and unforgivable mouth noises

Interesantes sonidos

Merde - c’est tres bon! Would've been even better if I could understand the lyrics. Really enjoyed En Melody, her laugh just made me smile. (Added it to my playlist.) Ca roule - merci, Serge.(3.9*s)

Not a huge fan of concept albums. We got to know Serge quite well in the 70s. Len lived in France for quite a few years. Worked through marriages 6-8 and actually ended up writing his own concept album with the help of Serge….’Le Chateau De Vaches’ It was largely about his failed marriages (which would become a theme of Lens writing). it was actually so good Serge asked us not to release it! Foolishly we listened! 3.7

I’ve never heard of Serge Gainsbourg before, but I’ve seen this album on the visual checklist, and its cover is certainly eye-catching. Oh wait, the woman on the cover is supposed to be a fifteen-year-old girl? Oh, woof, that’s certainly a choice. It kinda tracks with what I imagine a French musician would churn out around this time though, so good on Serge for meeting expectations. However, I’ve enjoyed the French artists that I’ve reviewed so far, so maybe I’ll be able to appreciate this album as a piece of art. Despite the Lolita vibes of this album’s lyrics, I enjoyed listening to it, and I thought it was really well made. The overall sound was really well crafted, and I particularly enjoyed the string arrangements. The sound of the album did a great job of crafting the story, and since I don’t understand French, this really enhanced my enjoyment of the album. I loved how the narrative of the story was told and how it unfolded across the album. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to an album that had such a straightforward approach to storytelling like this, and I thought it worked splendidly. This album felt like a French arthouse film from the same period, and it oozed a sort of debonair atmosphere (just for clarity, there’s nothing cool or debonair about having sex with underage girls). The most fun part of listening to this album was hearing the influence it would have on trip hop and electronic music in the nineties. It blows my mind that someone was crafting sounds like this in the early seventies. I wouldn’t be opposed to checking out more music from Serge Gainsbourg or his contemporaries, but I’d prefer some different subject matter in the future.

Soft-spoken, sexy, beautiful. The harmonies and instrumentation is so nice and easy to listen to - I'm such a huge fan of strings so this one sings to me. Reminds me of Danger Mouse's "Rome" soundtrack. Very soft and gentle, with such lovely sounds emanating throughout. Exquisite record.

i love hearing albums that were influential/ripped off by other artists/albums i love.. beck n’ sea change im lookin at you…

Klassikko syntyessään. Onhan tämä aika hienoa ranska-ähinää. Teema toki tämän päivän standardeilla vähän niin ja näin mutta joo… 4/5

Lyhyt ja ytimekäs, ilman mitään turhaa. Levyn tarina flirttailee aika arveluttavalla alueella olematta kuitenkaan sietämätön. Tykkäsin erityisesti avaus- ja lopetusraidoista. 4/5

Day 22 Yeah I enjoyed this. I would make a French joke about how they aren't so bad after all, but legit, Idk why people meme that so hard into the ground. Probably an 8, maybe a 9

A fun little avant French pop album. Serge is always great.

It is beautifully done. I love the arrangements and the variations, umm it's hard to describe but I enjoyed it it's like a 3.5 overall.

Nok det definitive franske album, og det er jo for better or for worse kan man sige. Ingen vej udenom at det lyder fucking godt, creepy tekster besides

Kæft det lyder fed, jeg tænker at Serge nok synger om en sexet, romantisk og totalt uproblematisk forelskelse med en jævnaldrende kvinde. (Glad for at jeg ikke kan fransk!)

Whenever I listen to Gainsbourg, I have to remind myself that it was consensual on my part so I don't feel violated by his raspy too close to the microphone voice (J/K). At any rate, I think it's fair to say that the reason he escaped France unlike countless others is the overall sexiness of his vocals paired with similarly hot French female vocals. You don't need to speak French to know that this is seduction and the instruments are just garnirs to the singing. I think this album is cool, cool, cool. Bet it would have been amazing AF to be at some underground live show of Gainsbourg's back in the day. Unabashedly sexual music without a bunch of hangups or inhibitions and I'm basically here for it.

Sounds like the soundtrack to a movie that you’re expected to have watched, although most people haven’t.

Ennui

first track was very nice, it really carried the album.

My French isn’t strong enough to know if this is a song about a Rolls Royce running over a 13 year old and then having sex with her (as one listener suggested) or if it is about a French fella having a glass of Burgundy sitting in front of a fire. Either way the music was good

12/10/24. Didn't know what to expect from this, and glad I was exposed to this artist! French pop avant-garde, each song I was curious what would be next. Really enjoyed it although it was brief.

i love the sound of this album!!! i wonder what the lyrics are about

This has a great feel to it. Five and a half minutes in when the instrumental started to build and then ebbed in not the vocals and a more somber and subdued background, I knew this was going to be a cool listen. Great example of why to listen to this list. I'll come back to this one. I listened to it three times and liked it more each time. Looking into what the lyrics are saying took a star off

The sexy 60‘s needed some sexy crooners like Serge. This should not be called chanson but parlons.