#bb 64

The USS Wisconsin

Holiday Trim !

12 hours of sleep. That's how many hours of sleep I have in my arsenal. Thus, I have endless energy for the day and I couldn't be happier! So, I thought to myself, "How can I feature music that is as energetic as yesterday's band (The Shoes) while making it completely different?" The answer was Brigitte Bardot whose music was the pure energy of 1960s France. I don't know why but the French just have a hold on me this week. 

Brigitte Bardot is still a household name in France but she may or may not be a household name in the States. She was in the 1960s. Recognized as a sex symbol, Bardot was the centerpiece of several French films and soon she gained international fame. However, in the 1960s, Brigitte Bardot was also one of the most popular singers of her time. She recorded over 80 songs and has roughly 15 albums. Not only was the woman beautiful but she could also carry a tune. 

When you imagine "mod" music you're imagining Brigitte Bardot's music whether you realize it or not. Her music is very fun, vaguely jazz-influenced, heavily influenced by Brazilian music, and either irresistibly upbeat or slightly forlorn. Bardot largely discusses personal freedom and living in the moment. Though the songs are on the short side (the longest being 2:37) they are unique while simultaneously fitting very well into the album's theme. Some songs are sad and sweet (see: "Une histoire de plage" and "Un jour comme un autre") but for the most part Bardot's music was the greatest kind of fun. It's an early version of "club" music except it has substance!

Yes, this entire album is in French. Perhaps I'm partial to French music because I've been taking French since I was 12 but you don't have to even remotely understand the language to appreciate Brigitte Bardot's brand of French pop. Happiness transcends cultures and BB  is no exception! :)

spotify link

THE SOUND: French pop, French language lyrics,  summer music, upbeat music, influenced by Brazilian music, French New Wave, female vocalist with a gentle and sweet voice, fun and upbeat music, use of subtle percussion, use of guitar, classic 1960s music, mod music, elements of jazz. Album lasts 20 minutes. 

Tracklisting:

Ça pourrait changer

Une histoire de plage 

Ne me laisse pas l'aimer

Jamais trois sans quatre

Maria ninguen

Moi je joue

Je danse donc je suis

Mélanie

Ciel de lit