Labo M cover

Labo M

Matthieu Chedid · 2003

38 min · 11 tracks · funk

A whimsical fusion of funk-infused chanson and experimental rock that invites listeners into a vibrant auditory playground.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Stan est stone — This track stands out with its infectious groove and clever lyrics about escapism, encapsulating the album's playful spirit while showcasing Chedid's knack for storytelling.
  • →
    La Nébuleuse — The closing track combines atmospheric soundscapes with introspective lyrics, highlighting Chedid's ability to create a profound emotional experience amid whimsical instrumentation.
  • →
    Tapis volant 1 — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its catchy melody and vibrant energy, making it an immediate invitation into Chedid's imaginative world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Labo M showcases inventive compositions and playful arrangements, making it a distinctive entry in Chedid's discography.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a playful instrumental track that sets a whimsical tone, followed by tracks that incorporate varied instrumentation and tempo shifts.
  • Several songs feature unconventional song structures, often blending multiple sections without clear verse-chorus delineation.
  • The use of eclectic sounds, such as kazoos and unconventional percussion, creates a vibrant auditory landscape throughout the record.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • whimsical and playful vibes
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • short, immersive listening sessions
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Labo M is Matthieu Chedid's third studio album, following his acclaimed breakthrough album, Je dis aime. At this point in his career, Chedid was expanding his artistic vision, exploring more eclectic sounds and playful arrangements that would come to define his unique style.
Stylistic neighbors
Thomas Dutronc· Moriarty· Alain Bashung

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Stan est stone

    The verses shift from playful anecdotes to a surreal depiction of transformation, reflecting on the blending of reality and imagination.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tapis volant 1 3:50
  • 2 Slide Melody 0:49
  • 3 Les Saules 2:37
  • 4 L'Automat 3:14
  • 5 Ricken 2:31
  • 6 Stan est stone 5:01
  • 7 Au Kazoo 2:02
  • 8 Jam à la mer 4:03
  • 9 Tapis volant 2 5:25
  • 10 Coup d'trash 1:57
  • 11 La Nébuleuse 6:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata