Search - Jacques Dutronc :: Madame L'Existence

A Taste of Bittersweet

N. Richardson | Los Angeles, California United States | 10/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most important forces in popular music, Jacques Dutronc is all but unknown in America. And it is our loss. While his wife, Francoise Hardy has bridged the gap by recording a number of English language songs, Dutronc has never made that particular compromise. However, listening to his music (and with the help of Babelfish) you don't need to be fluent in French to understand you are hearing one of the most remarkable voices in popular culture today....and for the last 30 years. He is referred to the Man with the Cigar and Black Glasses...ironic, audacious, terminally hip, and sexy---he is the essence of cool. And yet, "Madame L'Existence" is a sober and somewhat bittersweet album which drops the facade of nonchalance and projects a mature man asking all the questions which come in one's middle years. Yes, Dutronc is back...and he is as great as he ever was...yet he shows much more of himself and his remarkable voice which will speaks to all of us, no matter what our language.People new to Dutronc might wish to sample him in his excellent live performance album, "Dutronc au Casino" which he did about ten years ago. That and Madame L'Existence are an excellent introduction this wonderful artist....and after a few listens (and with the help of Babelfish, you will return for more.(also Dutronc is one of the most important actors in France, as well....and has been called to Yves Montand of his generation.)"