"Calogero began his career in the 80's as the singer of The Charts. When the band called it quit, he spent several years trying to gain personal recognition. Pascal Obispo brought him back in the spotlight. The discreet success of his first solo album was only a preparation for his explosion in 2002/2003 with the second, soberly called "Calogero". After 85 weeks of chart presence, this album was still in the top 20 in Belgium, while its follower "3" was in the top 5. It should give you an idea of the guy's popularity...Calogero is a solid melodist. He can mix a rock oriented guitars use with his pop sense of songwriting and possess a flexible voice capable of rock grits as well as sensuous murmurs. The lyrics are often straightforward and talk about simple things of life as well as more serious issues. Most of them are signed Lionel Florence.The album gave 4 hit singles. "En apesanteur" tells the fantasm of a man alone in an elevator with a beautiful stranger. "Aussi libre que moi" is an hymn to the perfect love partner, independent enough to build up her own life outside of the couple. "Tien An Men" is a reflexive ballad about the protection of personal rights ("Maybe Tien An men is closer than we think, that our small fights are also worth it but we don't see it"). "Prendre racine" talks about roots and building up a stable life and your personality by separating yourself from it (to better appreciate them).Other tracks I'd like to pin point would be: the feel good "Prouver l'amour" (about living together with your loved one), "A la gueule des noyés" (story of a boy who lost a brother to the ocean but still wants to leave himself, between love and hate for the big wide open), "Une dernière chance" (written by Françoise Hardy, telling a couple's fight), the post breaking up song "Je vis ou tu m'as laissé". Note as well there is a hidden track ("L'européen") after "Partir ou rester".His new album "3" keeps the same style, with a dirtier sound. I also recommend it."
He will not disappoint you!
Anzu | 09/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't understand the words he sings, but love his voice and the tunes.
"C'est un des meilleurs album pop rock fran?is.
One of the best pop rock french album."
Good French Pop/Rock
SYLVAIN LESNE | Minneapolis, MN United States | 01/27/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those who do not know Calogero but have some interest in french pop music, his voice and style may recall you another big french star, Pascal Obispo at his debut. A solid performance by Calogero who writes and performs all his songs. Just 2 tracks are below the average of all other songs in this CD (Prouver l'Amour, A la Gueule des Noyes). A very good introduction to the French Star System..."