Released 17 years ago this November
Dimanches à l'Élysée
Alain Bashung · 2009
112 min · 23 tracks · new wave
A genre-blending exploration of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that weaves together Bashung's unique artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Comme un Lego Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate layering and abstract lyrics, showcasing Bashung's poetic prowess.
-
→
Je t’ai manqué — A reflective piece that encapsulates themes of loss and longing, it highlights Bashung's ability to convey deep emotion through minimalistic arrangements.
-
→
Osez Joséphine — This song combines catchy melodies with poignant lyrics, making it a standout track that resonates with listeners while demonstrating Bashung's lyrical dexterity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends various styles with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Bashung's artistry while maintaining a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that alternate between upbeat and slower, more introspective pieces.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that complements Bashung's vocal delivery.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a contemplative conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- introspective late-night moods
- dynamic emotional journeys
- layered, dense sonic textures
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released shortly before Bashung's passing, showcasing his continued artistry.
- Themes
- Parisian nostalgia· loss and longing
- Career context
- Released on November 16, 2009, 'Dimanches à l'Élysée' came out just months before Alain Bashung's passing, marking a poignant moment in his career. This album followed his acclaimed work 'Bleu Pétrole' and showcased his continued evolution as an artist, blending rock, pop, and trip hop influences while maintaining his signature lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jean-Michel Jarre· David Bowie· Mylène Farmer
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Comme un Lego Start here 9:44
- 2 Je t’ai manqué 3:40
- 3 Hier à Sousse 3:39
- 4 Volontaire 2:58
- 5 Mes prisons 3:42
- 6 Samuel Hall 5:50
- 7 Vénus 4:01
- 8 La nuit je mens 4:55
- 9 Je tuerai la pianiste 4:42
- 10 Légère Éclaircie 5:18
- 11 Mes bras 5:32
Disc 2
- 1 À perte de vue 7:04
- 2 Happe 3:24
- 3 J’passe pour une caravane 3:53
- 4 Everybody’s Talkin’ 3:14
- 5 Osez Joséphine 3:56
- 6 Fantaisie militaire 5:51
- 7 Madame rêve 6:46
- 8 To Bill 4:36
- 9 Vertige de l’amour 3:24
- 10 Malaxe 8:30
- 11 Angora 2:52
- 12 Nights in White Satin 4:25
What to play next
À perte de vue
2009
Continues the introspective and melodic exploration with rich arrangements.
Bleu pétrole
2008
Sets the stage with a similar blend of melancholy and innovative sound.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.