Bretonne cover

Bretonne

Nolwenn Leroy · 2010

42 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A rich tapestry of folk traditions interwoven with contemporary pop sensibilities and haunting vocals that celebrate Breton culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Moonlight Shadow Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Tri Martolod — This track stands out for its lively arrangement and traditional melody, showcasing Leroy's ability to bridge contemporary and folk influences effectively.
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    Scarborough Fair — Leroy's rendition of this classic folk song emphasizes her vocal prowess and emotional depth, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known piece.
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    Amazing Grace — Her interpretation of this timeless hymn reveals a profound reverence and showcases her vocal range, making it a highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album effectively merges traditional and modern elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness in its sound.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases layered vocal harmonies, often with Leroy's lead vocals accompanied by backing singers that enhance the folk feel.
  • Several songs incorporate traditional instruments alongside modern production techniques, giving a fresh take on classic melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • rich vocal harmonies to savor
  • background warmth for gatherings
  • nostalgic tunes for reflection
  • inviting sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Nolwenn Leroy's reputation, showcasing her cultural roots and achieving commercial success.
Themes
Breton heritage celebration· traditional melodies revival· folk-pop fusion
Career context
Bretonne marked Nolwenn Leroy's fourth studio album, released in December 2010, following her successful self-titled album. This project showcased her deep connection to Breton heritage, positioning her as a prominent figure in the revival of traditional French music while still appealing to mainstream audiences.

Tracklist

  • 1 Moonlight Shadow Start here 3:38
  • 2 Scarborough Fair 3:56
  • 3 Dirty Old Town 2:59
  • 4 Amazing Grace 4:27
  • 5 Tri Martolod 3:11
  • 6 Whiskey in the Jar 3:32
  • 7 Siuil a Ruin 3:07
  • 8 Greensleeves 3:41
  • 9 Suite Sudarmoricaine 3:52
  • 10 To France 2:42
  • 11 Mna Na H-Eireann 3:31
  • 12 Karantez Vro 3:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata