Où s'en vont les avions? cover

Où s'en vont les avions?

Julien Clerc · 2008

43 min · 14 tracks · chanson

Melodic piano-driven arrangements intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, evoking nostalgia and warmth throughout the album's intimate landscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Où s’en vont les avions ? — The title track explores themes of longing and existential reflection through its evocative imagery and melodic charm, serving as the heart of the album.
  • →
    Restons amants — This track stands out with its romantic narrative and lush instrumentation, encapsulating the essence of love and connection that permeates the album.
  • →
    La Rue Blanche, le petit matin bleu — With its vivid storytelling and nostalgic ambiance, this song illustrates Clerc's mastery in painting emotional landscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and polished production, creating an engaging experience for listeners.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady tempo, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The arrangements prominently feature piano, with strings and subtle percussion adding depth without overshadowing the vocals.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • nostalgic reflective moments
  • thoughtful storytelling focus
  • gentle melodic flow

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in Clerc's late career.
Career context
When 'Où s'en vont les avions?' was released in 2008, Julien Clerc was already a prominent figure in French chanson, celebrated for his rich vocal style and poetic songwriting. This album marked his return to the music scene after a brief hiatus, following the release of 'Remixes' in 2005, and showcased his ability to adapt while maintaining his distinctive sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Francis Cabrel· Gérard Manset· Michel Sardou

Tracklist

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

  • 1 La Jupe en laine 3:28
  • 2 Restons amants 3:32
  • 3 Où s’en vont les avions ? 3:06
  • 4 Sous sa grande ombrelle 2:36
  • 5 Apprendre à lire 3:04
  • 6 Une petite fée 1:59
  • 7 Frère, elle n’en avait pas 2:46
  • 8 Souvenez-vous 3:02
  • 9 Forcément 3:19
  • 10 La Rue Blanche, le petit matin bleu 3:20
  • 11 Déranger les pierres 3:21
  • 12 Dormez 3:23
  • 13 Toboggan 3:20
  • 14 Le Juge et la Blonde 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata