Olympia Deuxmilletrois cover

Olympia Deuxmilletrois

Marc Lavoine · 2003

65 min · 14 tracks · chanson

Intimate melodies intertwine with poetic lyricism, capturing the essence of French chanson through heartfelt storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Les Yeux revolver — This track stands out for its nostalgic reflection on love and desire, encapsulating Lavoine's signature emotional delivery paired with captivating melodies.
  • →
    C’est ça la France — With its social commentary and vivid imagery, this song resonates deeply within the context of French identity and culture, showcasing Lavoine's lyrical prowess.
  • →
    Dis-moi que l’amour… Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album and exemplifies Lavoine's ability to blend poetic lyrics with haunting melodies, inviting listeners into his world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends intimate melodies with poetic lyrics, showcasing Lavoine's evolution while maintaining a cohesive feel.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a soft piano melody that sets an intimate tone, which is maintained through the first half of the tracklist.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in 'Les Yeux revolver' and 'Je ne veux qu’elle'.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • contemplative evening reflections
  • emotional storytelling journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Reinforced Lavoine's reputation in modern chanson after a hiatus.
Themes
French identity· nostalgic love· poetic storytelling
Career context
Released on May 27, 2003, Olympia Deuxmilletrois marked Marc Lavoine's return to the music scene after a cultural hiatus following his previous album in 2001. This album showcased his evolution as an artist, blending classic chanson influences with contemporary sounds, solidifying his status in the French music landscape.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • C’est ça la France

    The narrative shifts from personal introspection to a broader critique of societal issues.

    This structural shift broadens the song's scope, transforming it from a personal reflection into a poignant commentary on national identity.

Tracklist

  • 1 Dis-moi que l’amour… Start here 2:54
  • 2 Le Pont Mirabeau 4:02
  • 3 Les Tournesols 3:53
  • 4 Les Yeux revolver 3:58
  • 5 Je ne veux qu’elle 5:02
  • 6 C’est ça la France 4:34
  • 7 J’aurais voulu 4:06
  • 8 C’est la vie 4:30
  • 9 Paris 6:17
  • 10 Rue Fontaine 4:11
  • 11 J’ai tout oublié 5:25
  • 12 Qu’est-ce que t’es belle 5:54
  • 13 Chère amie 4:28
  • 14 J’écris des chansons 5:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata