Search - Johnny Hallyday :: Vie

French rocker near his peak in 1970

05/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is Johnny Hallyday, known in this country only as "The French Elvis", in his psychedelic hippie days (even though Hallyday started out in 1959 as a French version of 50's U.S. rockers, he quickly became a chameleon who followed every trend in the footsteps of anglo-American rockers). He made three excellent albums which are finally being re-released in their original form on CD. They are in chronological order: (i) 1969's "Riviere ouvre ton lit a/k/a "Je suis ne dans la rue", (ii) this album originally released in 1970 and (iii) 1971's "Flagrant delit" which is his considered his finest effort. "Although most of his music was based on French cover versions of U.S. and U.K. rockers "Johnny" as he is known in France (where he has become a national institution as revered as the Eiffel Tower) did write some good songs himself in the course of his 40 year career. He also turned to prominent songwriters to write originals especially for him. This is how this album was conceived. Recorded at the legendary Olympic Studios in London and co-written by Hallyday's longtime lead guitarist Mick Jones (who would go on to form Foreigner), drummer Tommy Brown and French writer Philippe Labro, this is a concept album of sorts focusing on American 60's hippie values such as the environment, graffiti and, of course, love. Stand out tracks include the superb "C'est ecrit sur les murs" and "La Pollution" and an "environmental" ode recited over Beethoven's 7th Symphony (only a Frenchman could pull this one off). This album also includes the provocative "Jesus Christ", a great accoustic ballad which proclaims that JesusChrist was a Hippie and which caused a scandal in France at the time of its release. If you are interested in French rock, this is one to buy."

The Passionate Johnny

09/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, I know this is a classic. Nevertheless, it is not the easiest of Hallyday's work for me to listen to. I became a fan in the late 70's when JoJo was softening his edges, so the raw emotion and huge production of "Vie" is hard for me to take. "Essayez" is probably my favorite cut - powerful in impact yet easy to understand - I bet, even if you don't speak French. While some of the pieces are inspirational, this is not an uplifting album. If you want an album to figuratively rip your guts out and get you in touch with long-supressed emotion, this is the one. If you want something provocative to listen to while sipping your cafe creme, try "Rock 'n Roll Attitude" or "C'est la Vie"."

The absolute chanson singer

08/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Serge Reggiani has a superb voice, especially in his older albums like Et Puis. Classics like Votre Fille A 20 Ans, Dessin Dans Le Ciel are not to be missed. Some of the Reggiani's beautiful lyrics are written by Boris Vian. One of my all-time favourites."