"This is a beautiful album, both well-produced yet raw at the same time. I found this album a few weeks ago and it was the first I have heard of Raphael.
I don't understand any of the lyrics since I don't know French, yet the music, melodies, instrumentation locked me in either way.
I've been searching for translated lyrics for Caravane to no avail. If anyone has English translations of Caravane, please send them my way. My E-mail is: cashiado@yahoo.com
If you like music with romantic style, grace, instrumentation, and melodies, you'll enjoy this album.
Marco"
Beautiful
Chelsea Ann Bunch | United States | 04/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is amazing and so is Raphael. His voice blended with the music is a wonderful combination that will make anyone appreciate him. I would recommend buying this CD and I can't wait to own the rest of his albums."
Je pense à toi depuis mille ans.....
idali | 07/31/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Oh mon Dieu!! quel beau! what can i say about raphael....well i love his music and just everything about him. It was just last month when i visited France that i heard his music. Schengen!! oh my God the French love this song it was on the radio like every ten minutes!! and of course you can't help loving this song, nor the artist. His music and the lyrics are so beautiful and full of life; whenever i hear his music it reminds me of France et je vis encore!! I just love Raphael what else can i say. Je lui aime, il est le mieux et duh le plus beau!!"
Ne partons pas fâchés...
Vic Beretton | 11/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"His voice and his words are a perfect mix of so many ingredients: both naive and sage, raw and gentle, compassionate and mocking, delivering heartbreak and betraying a broken heart. Returning from France this summer, I heard "Schengen" on the plane, and from the very first second I was hooked. It's a light, airy, Manu Chao-giddy tune that becomes addictive immediately. Having bought the album and giving it its first few spins, I was astounded by Raphael's range of styles. So many elements, so many inflections. When I heard "Chanson pour Patrick Dewaere," I thought, "wow, it's Jeff Buckley, only actually French!" Then there were moments that were positively Bowie-esque. Russian gypsy airs, appropriately accompanying "Caravane." The playful insouciance of "Ne partons pas faches," which resonates in the quieter, more thoughtful, yet equally optimistic "Et dans 150 ans" and "C'est bon aujourd'hui," and is transformed into introspective contemplation in "Les routes de nuit." An unselfconscious generosity of spirit and compassion permeates every song. Can't wait to hear more. *** UPDATE*** Hotel de l'univers is rougher, but equally fascinating."