Search - Françoise Hardy :: Soleil

One of her best albums

Hugo | Barcelona, Spain | 06/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent album which is ideal to appreciate Hardy's exquisite, dreamy singing. The repertoire ranges between light rock & roll and chanson-like ballads. Most of the songs have a melancholic feeling, although some are lots of fun, as "Le Crabe" (what a great song!) and "Dame souris trotte". The title track, a very sweet ballad, is my all-time Hardy's favourite. Personally, I prefer this original record to the compilation "La Collection". In summary, this is one of those albums which create a cozy, magic atmosphere from the very moment you press "Start" on your CD- player and that keep you begging for more Françoise Hardy when the last track finishes."

She IS the moonflower!!

T. J Mitchell | Chicago, IL United States | 07/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I don't think this is quite as strong as Françoise's 1972 release, "Et Si Je M'En Vais Avant Toi," I would certainly place "Soleil" shoulder to shoulder as a more than apt companion piece. Like most of Ms. Hardy's post 60s output, the variety of moods and styles in this album create an aural roller coaster effect that can eventually tickle the taste of any listener. The opening track, Point (for which the album was originally titled before its re-release on cd), comes out with a burst of "heavy" glam rock guitar that is complemented brilliantly by the angelic harmony of Françoise's multitracked vocals. It's a split genre mixture a la Abba and T. Rex yet still maintains the talented French chanteuse's lyrical stamp, proving that her self-penned, guitar-oriented songs are usually her strongest. Next comes San Salvador, an acoustic ballad complete with string section that is perhaps more Françoise's cup of tea since it's a melancholic homage to places and things past - her most familiar milieu. Fleur de Lune still amazes me every time I hear it, because it's a straight rocker with such a dark edge that, if it were released today, they would have called it "alternative"...and probably not have noticed it was recorded 33 years ago. It's almost like an early French cousin to Stairway To Heaven with the drums comparatively muted. Other great tracks include Le Crabe which has a folkster goes to Ipanema flavor complete with Françoise's sensual musings. Mon Monde N'est pas Vrai has an upbeat cheeriness that contrasts its lyrically downtrodden world view and is a bit of a throwback to the 60s basic chord progression and organ accompaniment reminiscent of the Zombies or Procol Harem. L'ombre is also a bit dark (given that the title translates to "the shadow"), and has some great drumming, bent orchestration that makes me wonder how to say "I am the walrus" in French, and more of Françoise belting over the drama. No matter what she sings, you can never get sick of her perfectly resonant voice. Je Fais des Puzzles is similar in its arrangement of acoustic guitars, thumping kick drum and bass, and orchestration, though it seems to gallop towards some exultant end. I'd recommend this album to any 70s rock or folk purists who can follow along in French or can simply lay back and enjoy the ride."

Exquisite, like Great Wine made into Music

Atli Hafsteinsson | Viborg, Denmark | 03/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sensual and emotional, "Soleil" is exquisite, a compelling listen that's as comfortable and laid-back as it is strong and sublime. "Point" is an excellent opening dish, a fantastic high-tempo track with a lot of meat on its bones. And that's just the beginning. The title track is as catchy as it is dreamy. Then there's the song which sparked my interest in the album, "Le Crabe" (brilliant song). "Je Fais de Puzzles"... wonderful. Hardy's sultry, emotional vocals adorn the impeccably arranged, diverse melodies to draw out their full, raw and emotional splendour. There's something eternally fresh about this music. You don't need to know a word of French to drink up this fine wine of music with relish."