What makes Les églantines sont peut-être formidables by Brigitte Fontaine notable?

This album is notable for its bold experimentation and critical acclaim, often cited as a pivotal work in the fusion of chanson and avant-garde music. It has influenced subsequent generations of artists interested in blending poetic lyricism with diverse musical styles. In 1980, Brigitte Fontaine released Les églantines sont peut-être formidables as her fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Comme à la radio. At this point in her career, Fontaine was cementing her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist in the French chanson scene, blending literary influences with eclectic sounds.

Who is Les églantines sont peut-être formidables for?

Les églantines sont peut-être formidables works well if you're into whimsical storytelling with surprises, fragmented pacing for curious minds and short bursts of playful energy.

How many songs are on Les églantines sont peut-être formidables?

Les églantines sont peut-être formidables has 9 tracks, running approximately 3 minutes.

Les églantines sont peut-être formidables

Brigitte Fontaine · 1980

3 min · 9 tracks · chanson

Whimsical melodies intertwine with surreal lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the line between chanson and avant-garde.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Le Ménage — The track opens the album with playful yet sharp observations on domestic life, setting the tone for its whimsical exploration of mundane themes.
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L'Éternel Retour — This song features haunting melodies paired with philosophical lyrics about cyclical existence, highlighting Fontaine's unique blend of introspection and surrealism.
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La Vache — Using humor and absurdity, this track critiques societal norms through the lens of an unlikely subject, showcasing Fontaine's ability to infuse wit into her narrative style.

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

The album blends whimsical melodies with surreal lyrics, showcasing strong composition and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The album opens with a playful track that features unconventional instrumentation, setting a whimsical tone.
Surreal lyrics are often delivered in a spoken word style, creating a distinct contrast with the melodic elements.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and unexpected shifts in dynamics, enhancing the avant-garde feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
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

whimsical storytelling with surprises
fragmented pacing for curious minds
short bursts of playful energy
exploration through varied sounds

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek long, cohesive albums

Where this album fits

Career context: In 1980, Brigitte Fontaine released Les églantines sont peut-être formidables as her fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Comme à la radio. At this point in her career, Fontaine was cementing her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist in the French chanson scene, blending literary influences with eclectic sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: Barbara· Françoise Hardy· Juliette Gréco