Is Le Baiser a good place to start with Indochine?

Yes, Le Baiser is recommended as a starting point for new Indochine listeners. A vibrant fusion of new wave and rock, marrying emotive melodies with synth-driven soundscapes. Released on February 5, 1990, 'Le Baiser' was Indochine's fifth studio album, coming after their successful release '3.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the French music scene, building on a growing fan base and critical acclaim. The album marked a continuation of their exploration into more experimental sounds.

Who is Le Baiser for?

Le Baiser works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and introspective lyrical exploration.

How many songs are on Le Baiser?

Le Baiser has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Le Baiser

Indochine · 1990

44 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of new wave and rock, marrying emotive melodies with synth-driven soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Le Baiser Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its infectious chorus and evocative lyrics about love and longing, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Des fleurs pour Salinger — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics that reflect on isolation and yearning, showcasing Indochine's lyrical depth amidst a catchy melody.
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Les Années bazar — With its upbeat tempo and nostalgic lyrics, this song effectively captures the zeitgeist of the era while demonstrating the band's knack for blending poignant storytelling with engaging sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and varied instrumentation but lacks a fully cohesive flow across all tracks.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a synth-driven melody that sets a vibrant tone, followed by a shift to guitar-driven sections in subsequent songs.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the emotive lyrics.
The album includes moments of tempo variation, with tracks like 'Alertez Managua' introducing a faster pace before returning to more reflective pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
introspective lyrical exploration
mid-tempo reflective moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked significant commercial success and wider recognition for Indochine.
Themes: Parisian nightlife· literary nostalgia
Moods: Introspective· Energetic
Career context: Released on February 5, 1990, 'Le Baiser' was Indochine's fifth studio album, coming after their successful release '3.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the French music scene, building on a growing fan base and critical acclaim. The album marked a continuation of their exploration into more experimental sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· The Cure· Duran Duran