What makes Rest by Charlotte Gainsbourg notable?

Rest received widespread acclaim, earning a spot on numerous year-end lists and highlighting Gainsbourg's evolution as an artist. The album debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart and solidified her status as a significant figure in contemporary music, influencing a wave of indie pop artists with its introspective sound and lyrical depth. Released on November 17, 2017, Rest marks Charlotte Gainsbourg's first album since her critically acclaimed IRM in 2010. This album emerges during a period of personal transformation for Gainsbourg, following the death of her father, Serge Gainsbourg, and showcases her deepening artistic maturity as she explores themes of grief and existential reflection.

Rest works well if you're into introspective late-night reflections, hauntingly beautiful soundscapes and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Rest?

Rest has 11 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Rest

Charlotte Gainsbourg · 2017

48 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics set against minimalist electronic backdrops.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Deadly Valentine — This track stands out for its striking juxtaposition of romantic vulnerability with unsettling undertones, encapsulating the album’s exploration of love's complexities.
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I'm a Lie — Through its confessional nature, this song reveals Gainsbourg's layered identity, making it pivotal in understanding her emotional landscape throughout the album.
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Rest — The title track serves as a cathartic centerpiece, where Gainsbourg confronts mortality and acceptance, embodying the album’s overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Rest showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive flow that invites repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album opens with a soft, haunting melody that gradually layers in electronic elements, creating a sense of depth.
Several tracks feature sparse instrumentation, allowing Gainsbourg's vocals to take center stage and convey emotional weight.
The last three tracks slow the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the earlier material.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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

introspective late-night reflections
hauntingly beautiful soundscapes
gradual builds and payoffs
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 17, 2017, Rest marks Charlotte Gainsbourg's first album since her critically acclaimed IRM in 2010. This album emerges during a period of personal transformation for Gainsbourg, following the death of her father, Serge Gainsbourg, and showcases her deepening artistic maturity as she explores themes of grief and existential reflection.
Stylistic neighbors: Bat for Lashes· Lisa Hannigan· Lana Del Rey