La République des Meteors cover

La République des Meteors

Indochine · 2009

61 min · 16 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of new wave and rock, imbued with lush synths and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Go, Rimbaud Go! Start here — This track stands out for its energetic rhythm and references to the poet Arthur Rimbaud, reflecting a blend of literary influence and contemporary angst.
  • →
    Le Grand Soir — The song captures a sense of nostalgia and anticipation, featuring anthemic choruses that resonate with themes of change and upheaval.
  • →
    Bye Bye Valentine — With its catchy melody and poignant lyrics about love lost, this track encapsulates the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant new wave elements with rock, showcasing strong production and thoughtful songwriting.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with an orchestral intro that sets a dramatic tone before transitioning into the upbeat 'Go, Rimbaud Go!'.
  • Tracks often feature layered synths and guitar riffs, creating a rich soundscape that supports introspective lyrics.
  • Several songs incorporate shifts in tempo, with 'Le Grand Soir' building to a climactic finish before dropping back to a more reflective mood.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a contemplative conclusion to the album.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • wave-like pacing experiences
  • immersive storytelling elements
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Revitalized the band's popularity after a hiatus, showcasing their enduring appeal.
Themes
Rimbaud's rebellion· societal change
Moods
Nostalgic· Dreamy
Career context
La République des Meteors marked Indochine's return after a five-year hiatus following the commercially successful album Paradize in 2002. By 2009, the band had solidified their status as icons of French rock, effectively bridging generational gaps with this release. The album showcased a mature sound while retaining their characteristic pop sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· The Cure· Duran Duran

Tracklist

  • 1 Republika Meteor Ouverture 0:56
  • 2 Go, Rimbaud Go! Start here 4:09
  • 3 Junior Song 3:09
  • 4 Little Dolls 4:37
  • 5 Le Grand Soir 3:43
  • 6 Un ange à ma table 4:20
  • 7 La Lettre de métal 3:41
  • 8 Le Lac 3:30
  • 9 Republika 4:15
  • 10 Play Boy 2:50
  • 11 L World 3:53
  • 12 Je t'aime tant 3:04
  • 13 Bye Bye Valentine 4:41
  • 14 Les Aubes sont mortes 4:06
  • 15 Union War 3:17
  • 16 Le Dernier Jour 7:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata