Racine carrée cover

Racine carrée

Stromae · 2013

45 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

A vibrant blend of catchy melodies and poignant lyrics that explore complex themes of identity and family.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ta fête Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Papaoutai — This track stands out for its infectious beat and profound exploration of fatherhood and absence, making it both danceable and deeply relatable.
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    Formidable — With its heart-wrenching lyrics about lost love and disillusionment, this song blends melancholy with an upbeat sound, showcasing Stromae's lyrical prowess.
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    Tous les mêmes — The song cleverly critiques gender stereotypes through sharp lyrics and catchy hooks, capturing societal issues within an engaging musical framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends electronic elements with personal themes, creating a distinctive sound that resonates well across multiple listens.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the thematic depth of the lyrics while maintaining listener engagement.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • catchy melodies for daily listening
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • short, engaging tracks
  • vibrant energy for activities

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — It showcases Stromae's artistic evolution and received widespread acclaim.
Career context
Racine carrée is Stromae's sophomore album, following his breakthrough debut, Cheese, which introduced his unique style to a global audience. By 2013, he had solidified his presence in the music industry, drawing from personal experiences to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience. This album marked a significant step in his career as he transitioned from emerging artist to international star.
Stylistic neighbors
Orelsan· Lomepal· Kavinsky

Tracklist

  • 1 Ta fête Start here 2:55
  • 2 Papaoutai 3:52
  • 3 Bâtard 3:28
  • 4 Ave Cesaria 4:09
  • 5 Tous les mêmes 3:30
  • 6 Formidable 3:33
  • 7 Moules frites 2:38
  • 8 Carmen 3:09
  • 9 Humain à l’eau 3:59
  • 10 Quand c’est ? 3:00
  • 11 Sommeil 3:38
  • 12 Merci 3:49
  • 13 Avf 3:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata