Like French wine he just gets better with age
Paul | New Jersey | 05/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Francis Cabrel starting recording in the 70's and since then has put out one great album after another every 5 years or so. Listen to them all and you can see his talent mature and his style expand and evolve. Les Beaux Dégats just might be his best effort - although admittedly that's a tough call coming on the heels of such hit albums as Hors Saison, Samedi Soir Sur La Terre, and Sarbacane. Beaux Dégats shows off Cabrel's versatility in everything from pop to jazz to blues, has great instrumentals and, as always, shows off his distinct Provence accent and style. Although my own favorites are Bonne Nouvelle and Tu Me Corresponds, there are no duds on here and the whole album grows on you as you replay it. Francis Cabrel is not just another guy churning out songs for a living - he's a unique artist in the same league of musical legends as James Taylor. Like a good wine he just keeps getting better."
Discover Him!
Marc Matthews | NYC | 09/27/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"French troubadour Francis Cabral has been doing his thing for quite some time now, but arguably his greatest music has been pouring forth over the last several years. Beau Degats joins his recent offerings Samedi Soir Sur La Terre and Hors Saison, completing a trilogy of sonically immaculate, lyrically profound creations.
How to describe the sound? French Soul Music, with strong dollops of blues, folk, jazz, rock 'n' roll. Both the words and music can be wry, mournful, achingly sad, deeply passionate--basically the full spectrum of human feeling. Cabral works with superb musicians, and his exquisite craftsmanship never becomes formulaic or sterile.
If you don't understand French, don't worry--you'll still be able to luxuriate in the warmth of the music and the strength of Cabral's voice. Besides, all three of Cabral's recent discs really rank among the most fabulously packaged CDs on the market; sit down with a French-English dictionary and connect with the lyrical content. During his career, Cabral has covered Jackson Browne, Otis Redding and Bob Dylan on record--I bet he has a fantastic music collection!"
Enter into Cabrel's artistic trance
N. Wentink | Liverpool, UK | 08/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cabrel continues to impress on his latest album. Similar in spectacular musical style and emotional quality to his album "Samedi soir sur la terre", yet somewhat more relaxing this time. His talent for lyrical imagery is highlighted on track 3 "Qu'est-ce que t'en dis?" This is an ideal album to let your ears and heart absorb on a lazy Sunday afternoon with coffee in bed and the windows wide open."