La Tournée des grands espaces cover

La Tournée des grands espaces

Alain Bashung · 2004

137 min · 31 tracks · new wave

A rich tapestry of poetic lyrics and eclectic sounds, blending rock, new wave, and pop in Bashung's signature style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    La nuit je mens — This track exemplifies Bashung's unique blend of poetic storytelling and avant-garde soundscapes, making it a staple in his repertoire.
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    Osez Joséphine — As one of Bashung's most beloved songs, it highlights his ability to craft infectious melodies paired with evocative lyrics that resonate deeply.
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    Tel Start here — Opening the album with a moody atmosphere, this song sets the tone for the introspective journey that follows throughout the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Bashung blends eclectic sounds with poetic lyrics, creating a distinctive and engaging listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and varied instrumentation.
  • The lyrics often employ surreal imagery and poetic devices, creating a layered narrative that invites deeper analysis.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • poetic lyrical exploration
  • rich, layered sonic textures
  • contemplative late-night vibes
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Released after a celebrated album, it showcases Bashung's continued artistic vitality.
Themes
French poetic landscapes· nocturnal storytelling· avant-garde soundscapes
Career context
Released in 2004, La Tournée des grands espaces marked a significant moment in Alain Bashung's career as it came after his acclaimed album Fantaisie militaire. At this point, Bashung was celebrated as one of France's most innovative artists, pushing the boundaries of chanson while exploring deeper themes in his music.
Stylistic neighbors
Jean-Michel Jarre· David Bowie· Mylène Farmer

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Tel Start here 5:03
  • 2 Je me dore 4:21
  • 3 Faites monter 4:28
  • 4 La nuit je mens 4:43
  • 5 Sommes-nous 3:40
  • 6 Aucun express 4:42
  • 7 Le dimanche à Tchernobyl 4:11
  • 8 L'irréel 3:12
  • 9 Mes prisons 3:44
  • 10 Fantaisie militaire 4:52
  • 11 Volontaire 3:00
  • 12 Étrange été 3:30
  • 13 Légère éclaircie 3:39
  • 14 Bombez 3:08
  • 15 What's in a Bird 3:58
  • 16 Mes bras 6:39

Disc 2

  • 1 Elvire 4:51
  • 2 J'passe pour une caravane 3:49
  • 3 Osez Joséphine 3:09
  • 4 Les grands voyageurs 3:52
  • 5 Samuel Hall 5:50
  • 6 Vertige de l'amour 3:21
  • 7 2043 3:44
  • 8 Faisons envie 3:42
  • 9 Cantique des cantiques 7:35
  • 10 Madame rêve 5:11
  • 11 Ma petite entreprise 4:09
  • 12 Martine boude 5:22
  • 13 Bijou bijou 6:29
  • 14 Angora 2:26
  • 15 Malaxe 6:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata