Search - Petrol Presents :: Greatest Songs Ever: France

I like this CD

Annie L. | 11/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I normally don't write review. I was disappointed when I saw the 2 stars from the previous review. This is one of my favorite CDs, I'd like to share my opinion so that it can balance out a farer reorganization.



I am not an expert on French songs, it is hard for me to judge whether the collection in this CD should be in the top xx. I heard some of the songs here just from this CD, and started to be obsessed to it. The melody is very romantic. And I am most impressed by the richness of the layers of sound and music. This is a CD can be my background music at home, as well as worth to spend quiet time to listen INTO each note and taste it again and again, and flow with the music notes with your thoughts.



I am very picky on buying music, normally only when I persuaded myself that something worth to collect, at least for a while. I first heard this CD in my local Virgin store and was drawn into it. Since I don't have a lot of experience about French songs (I mean the category out side of the French classical music), before I decided to buy this one, I listened to quite several other French CDs to compare. I have two other French pop (?) music, Grand Hotel and Café Flore 2, which I bought as souvenirs in Paris. I liked Café Flore 2 for a short of time. But comparing to this "Greatest Songs Ever: France", that seems shallower in music layers and enjoyment. I know Café Flore 2 is a well known French CD, so I hope the comparison may give you some sense about this one.



From the quality of the music and sound, I guess this CD is not a cheap production. There must be various recording versions for each title in this collection. The editor seems have selected the good quality ones.



To me the title itself is very classic (other than some modern commercial phrases which normally bears some exaggeration), and it truly reflects the classic side of the songs collected in this CD.



I actually secretly wished this CD is not popular enough so that I can get a bargain deal and buy another one here as a gift to my friend (my local Virgin store closed). I don't feel it is fair for this CD to bear a 2-star, and many people might have lost the opportunity to find out they might really enjoy it.



I don't give it a 5-star because I don't have a very broad experience with French songs. I would give it a 5-star for recording and sound though. And the melody and enjoyment also deserve a 4.5-star.

"

A good variety

Socal gal | USA | 06/06/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm just learning French and I don't know much about French music, so I can't say if the subtitle "The Greatest Songs Ever" fits the collection. I'm a middle-aged housewife who usually listens to Andrea Bocelli and '70s - '90s pop.



I can say that when we hosted a French exchange student last summer I played the CD for her in the car and she was familiar with all of the songs. To some she had a lukewarm response, about a couple she said "oh, my mom loves this song" and to one she nearly jumped out of the seat and said "I love this! May I turn it up?". Unfortunately I can't remember which song that was. My point is that they seemed to attempt to collect songs from several eras."