Ex fan des sixties cover

Ex fan des sixties

Jane Birkin · 1978

33 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A playful blend of French pop and whimsical storytelling, exuding the carefree spirit of the late 1970s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ex fan des sixties Start here — The title track encapsulates Birkin's nostalgic yearning for the past while cleverly intertwining playful lyrics with a catchy melody, establishing the album's central theme.
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    Dépressive — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, showcasing Birkin's ability to convey complex emotions through simplicity.
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    L'aquoiboniste — With its upbeat tempo and witty lyricism, this song exemplifies the album’s playful spirit while commenting on existential themes with a light touch.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

Birkin's playful storytelling and varied instrumentation create a distinctive pop sound reflective of the late '70s.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a playful, upbeat tempo and whimsical lyrics, setting a lighthearted tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside singing, creating a conversational style that enhances the storytelling aspect.
  • The instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring lush orchestration while others are more stripped down, highlighting Birkin's vocal delivery.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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

  • short, engaging listening bursts
  • nostalgic reflective moments
  • playful and whimsical vibes
  • steady pacing for focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Birkin's reputation in the French pop scene.
Themes
sixties nostalgia· playful whimsy· Parisian longing
Career context
Released in 1978, Ex fan des sixties was Jane Birkin's third studio album and followed her successful collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg. At this point in her career, Birkin had established herself as a notable figure in both music and film, transitioning from an actress to a respected pop artist.

Tracklist

  • 1 Ex fan des sixties Start here 3:01
  • 2 Apocalypstick 2:37
  • 3 Exercise en forme de z 2:31
  • 4 Mélodie interdite 3:12
  • 5 L'aquoiboniste 2:21
  • 6 Vie mort et résurrection d'un amour passion 3:09
  • 7 Nicotine 2:32
  • 8 Rocking Chair 2:14
  • 9 Dépressive 3:42
  • 10 Le velours des vierges 2:59
  • 11 Classée x 2:09
  • 12 Mélo Mélo 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata