Search - Axelle Red :: Toujours Moi

Belgian singer has unique sound

Translator | Owasso, Oklahoma | 06/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first learned of Axelle Red while studying in France in early 1999. I heard her singles "Ce matin" (from this CD) and "Sensualité" (from "Sans plus attendre"). I liked both songs immediately and searched them out at the music store. I bought one CD there then the other (to my pleasant surprise) was available on Amazon.com where I purchased it.All of the songs on this are good. "Faire des mamours," "Mon futur proche," "Stay or not." I can't help but like the single "Ce matin." And the groove on "Bimbo à moi" reminds me of fun 60's music.In short...buy this."

Toujours Extra...

M. Nociti | New York, New York USA | 08/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Axelle Red, like all exceptional artists, grows in depth and substance with each new release. While many may criticize "Toujours Moi" for lacking the instant catchiness of songs from "Sans Plus Attendre", no one can criticize her for sounding like the rest of the pack. Popular French music (at least, French music popular in France) suffers from severe predictability on the whole, especially where divas are concerned. With experimental tracks like "Stay or Not", "A 82 Ans" and "Bimbo a Moi", Axelle plays not only with her own vocal stylings but with an unconventional choice of instrumentation and arrangement. Still, my favorite tracks have to be the two ballads "J'ai Jamais Dit" and "Parce Que C'est Toi". Both simple in subject matter and orchestration, these singles rely on nothing more than Axelle's singular voice and subtle pen. If you'd like to try something magical and different, look no further."

Better Than A Diva . . . An Artist

M. Nociti | 08/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Axelle's third album (fourth, if you count her Spanish language compilation effort CON SOLO PENSARLO) is a radiant gem. The influence of American Jazz and R&B on her music is still as apparent here as it was on SANS PLUS ATTENDRE and A TATONS. This is nowhere more in evidence than on the songs "Bimbo a Moi" and "Stay or Not". "Bimbo a Moi" is a rollicking song that harkens back to late 60's and early 70's soul. "Stay or Not" is an eight minute instrumental. In one Belgian review that I read, next to the title of this song was written "(Theme from Shaft)". Well . . . not quite (the song is an original by Axelle Red), but is a good indicator of the style in which it was written and performed. The influence of Isaac Hayes on her music is at its most obvious on this track. These influences are, as said before, felt throughout the album, but to a lesser extent than on the previously mentioned tracks. The first three tracks are beautiful works of art from the lyrics and subtle arrangements down to the minimalist vocal approach taken by Axelle. "Faire Des Mamours" and "C'est Matin", conjure the image and feel of a smoky nightclub in their arrangements. Finally, the most startling track on the album is "A 82 Ans". What a beautiful song. The primary sounds here are mechanical bells, a brushed high-hat, and an insistent base synthesizer. This track is a true departure from the rest of her work and is a standout of pure creativity. The work here is sterling and far surpasses her previous efforts. In addition, a quick look at the liner notes will reveal that the artist wrote, arranged, and produced all of the songs. We can only pray that her next effort (and I believe that there will be a "next") lives up to the high standard that she has set on this recording. Buy this album. You will find yourself returning to it again and again. As another Belgian reviewer said of this album: it is like listening to "the soundtrack to spring"."