Novice
Alain Bashung · 1989
48 min · 13 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic blend of new wave and pop rock, punctuated by Bashung's enigmatic lyrics and adventurous arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pyromanes Start here — This track opens the album with a driving rhythm and fiery lyrics that set the tone for Bashung's exploration of contrasting emotions.
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Elle fait l’avion — The infectious melody paired with whimsical lyrics illustrates Bashung's knack for merging playful themes with sophisticated soundscapes, making it a standout.
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Étrange Été — This song encapsulates the summer's fleeting nature through its evocative imagery and melancholic undertone, showcasing Bashung's lyrical depth.
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Alcaline — With its atmospheric production and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies Bashung’s ability to create captivating narratives within his music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive arrangements and varied vocal styles, contributing to its distinct sound within the genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
- Bashung's vocal delivery varies significantly from track to track, alternating between spoken word and melodic singing.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- narrative-driven listening experiences
- contemplative late-night vibes
- dynamic emotional landscapes
- immersive sonic explorations
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Cemented Bashung's reputation in French pop after previous commercial success.
- Themes
- fleeting summer moments· whimsical narratives· fiery contrasts
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Novice marked Alain Bashung's return after the commercial success of his previous album, Osez Joséphine. This record further solidified his position as a key figure in French pop music, showcasing his evolution into more experimental sounds while maintaining mainstream appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jean-Michel Jarre· David Bowie· Mylène Farmer
Tracklist
- 1 Pyromanes Start here 3:56
- 2 Résidences 3:34
- 3 Légère Éclaircie 4:20
- 4 Alcaline 5:00
- 5 Tu m’as jeté 4:31
- 6 Elle fait l’avion 4:47
- 7 Bombez ! 3:02
- 8 Intrépide malgré la fièvre 4:01
- 9 Étrange Été 3:33
- 10 Outrage (instrumental) 0:36
- 11 By Proxy 3:50
- 12 Bombez ! (version 92) 3:04
- 13 Climax 4 (instrumental) 4:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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