Search - Johnny Hallyday :: Gang

A Happy Man

09/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the most upbeat, least tortured album I know of in JoJo's repertoire. It's hard to identify particularly noteworthy cuts, because I like them all. "Laura" is probably a favorite; along with "Parker Connais Pas" from "Rock 'n Roll Attitude", it is one of my favorite exercise pieces - easy rhythm and lyrics that actually keep a smile on my face as I sweat... There is some of the customary 'taking a stand - forcefully' technique in "Ton Fils", a wish for an immigrant that his son not endure the prejudice and other indignities of the first generation. My guess is that Johnny was in love during this period - there is much more monogamy and much less social justice in his lyrics and presentation. He seems quite taken with 'Laura' and determined to win her permanently. In "Je T'Attends" he is aware of the impending arrival of a significant love in his life; in "Laura" he seems aware of not being able to fulfill her every dream, and yet is determined to keep her in "Tu Peux Chercher" and "Je Te Promets".Johnny is the only celebrity I know who can be the sympathetic victim of his stardom in "L'Envie". But hey, the more tortured and/or in love he is, the more we like him, right?"