Chansons hivernales cover

Chansons hivernales

Pierre Lapointe · 2020

36 min · 11 tracks · chanson

A winter-themed collection blending poignant melodies with introspective lyrics that evoke the bittersweet essence of the holiday season.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chaque année on y revient — This opening track sets the tone for the album, using vivid imagery to reflect on recurring memories associated with winter celebrations. Its catchy melody invites listeners into Lapointe's world of nostalgia.
  • →
    Le premier Noël de jules — This song narrates a heartwarming tale of family and first experiences during Christmas, showcasing Lapointe's storytelling prowess while blending emotional depth with joy.
  • →
    Un Noël perdu dans Paris — Capturing the sense of longing and disconnection during the holiday season, this track employs haunting melodies that evoke a sense of melancholy amidst festive themes, demonstrating Lapointe's ability to merge joy with sorrow.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's intimate arrangements and thematic focus create a strong seasonal identity.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of piano and strings, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere throughout its tracks.
  • The track lengths vary, with most songs around three to four minutes, allowing for concise storytelling without feeling rushed.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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 reflective listening sessions
  • warm nostalgic atmospheres
  • intimate storytelling moments
  • thoughtful winter contemplation

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 20, 2020, 'Chansons hivernales' is Pierre Lapointe's follow-up to his critically acclaimed album 'Giorgio,' showcasing a matured sound and deepening his exploration of French chanson. By this point, Lapointe has established himself as a significant figure in Canadian music, known for his lyrical complexity and emotive performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Philippe Katerine· Bénabar· Lynda Lemay

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Ça va, j’ai donné

    The bridge shifts perspective to reflect on past disappointments and resilience, juxtaposing hope against the backdrop of holiday expectations.

    This shift in perspective adds depth to the narrative, allowing for a moment of introspection that contrasts with the album’s otherwise celebratory tone.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Chaque année on y revient 3:03
  • 2 C’est qu’on sait déjà 2:19
  • 3 Le premier Noël de jules 4:15
  • 4 Chez Clara 3:12
  • 5 Ça va, j’ai donné 3:46
  • 6 L’oiseau rare 4:19
  • 7 Six heures d’avion nous séparent 2:48
  • 8 Toutes les couleurs 2:37
  • 9 Noël Lougawou 3:28
  • 10 Un Noël perdu dans Paris 2:57
  • 11 Maman, papa 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata