Figure imposée
Alain Bashung · 1983
33 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A vibrant fusion of new wave and pop rock, marked by eclectic sounds and Bashung's distinctive lyrical storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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What's in a Bird Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Horoscope — This track showcases Bashung's ability to merge catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, encapsulating the album's playful yet profound essence.
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Imbécile — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics, Imbécile stands out as a critique of societal norms, reflecting Bashung's bold artistic approach.
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Chaque nuit bébé — This song features a haunting melody paired with evocative imagery, exemplifying Bashung’s skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends eclectic sounds with strong lyrical storytelling, marking it as distinctive in the new wave genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that shifts the energy.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as synthesizers and varied percussion, creating a layered sound.
- The lyrics often employ surreal imagery and storytelling, with Bashung's vocal delivery varying from spoken word to melodic singing.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- concise listening experiences
- playful and whimsical vibes
- dynamic emotional shifts
- short, engaging tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Innovative sound and lyrical depth solidified Bashung's status in French music.
- Themes
- societal critique· evocative imagery
- Career context
- Released in 1983, Figure imposée was Alain Bashung's third studio album, following his breakthrough with the acclaimed album Pizza. At this point in his career, Bashung was solidifying his unique voice in the French music scene, blending various genres and pushing the boundaries of contemporary pop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jean-Michel Jarre· David Bowie· Mylène Farmer
Tracklist
- 1 What's in a Bird Start here 3:35
- 2 Horoscope 2:54
- 3 Imbécile 3:51
- 4 Hi ! 3:16
- 5 Chaque nuit bébé 3:30
- 6 Élégance 4:44
- 7 Poisson d'avril 2:54
- 8 Lou ravi 3:21
- 9 Week-End doux 2:43
- 10 Nuits Halloween 2:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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