La Bande du Rex
Jacques Higelin · 1980
37 min · 8 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of chanson and rock, infused with eclectic rhythms and theatrical flair that showcases Higelin's dynamic artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Candide 80 — This opening track establishes the album's eclectic energy with its lengthy, intricate composition that captures Higelin's lyrical depth and musical ambition.
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Bande du Rex — The title track cleverly encapsulates the album's thematic core, merging playful lyrics with an infectious rhythm that embodies Higelin's unique style.
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Mégalo mélodie — This standout piece features dramatic shifts in tempo and mood, showcasing Higelin’s ability to blend humor with poignant commentary on celebrity culture.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases dynamic songwriting and eclectic arrangements, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a theatrical spoken introduction that sets a narrative tone, followed by a shift into rhythmic instrumentation in the second track.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Mégalo mélodie' transitioning from a slow ballad to an upbeat section mid-song.
- The use of diverse instruments, including brass and percussion, creates a layered sound that varies significantly from track to track.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- theatrical storytelling with peaks
- eclectic flow for attentive listeners
- short bursts of vibrant energy
- wave-like pacing for exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1980, La Bande du Rex marked Jacques Higelin's artistic peak following his celebrated album, No Man's Land. This soundtrack for a play solidified his reputation as a leading figure in French music, intertwining his love for theatrical performance with innovative soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alain Souchon· Jean-Louis Murat· Les Rita Mitsouko
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Candide 80 7:17
- 2 Ballast Blues 2:50
- 3 Mégalo mélodie 8:39
- 4 Bande du Rex 4:04
- 5 État de choc 2:43
- 6 Biz Zig Zag Fot the Crazy Zazou 4:04
- 7 Caravan Gypsy Jam 3:31
- 8 Duo pour une cavale 4:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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