Search - Stephan Eicher :: Louanges

It's really that good

Micha | Switzerland | 10/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has to be the only CD I have (and I have quite a few) on which all songs are excellent."

Alors!

ateliermp | New York, New York | 03/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First heard/saw Stephan Eicher in NYC on the CUNY film channel in several music videos c.1999. I was struct by the poetic, lyrical qualities of the songs and images. Later saw the album Louanges in the airport music store in Charles de Gaulle airport en route elsewhere. Finally bought the CD Louanges in NYC in 2000 and have never regretted it. This music is soulful, swift and sophisticated. The American equivalent is perhaps Sam Phillips. The songs are for the most part written by Philippe Djian, a novelist-poet. Several, in English, are written by Eicher. All are subtle sonic sensations. Try it, buy it. Then move on to other new 'French' music: e.g. Axelle Red and Isabelle Caux ... You don't really need to understand French to appreciate these artists. The songs are soundscapes, and, if you will, semantically indeterminate anyway."

No one else like him...

R. Lapalme | Montreal, Canada | 01/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Stephan Eicher for many years now... In fact, I liked him right from the start, when he came out with his first single, the catchy "Combien de temps". He's covered a lot of ground since: from his start as a kind of electro-pop whiz-kid who would perform alone with a complex computer set-up, to his experiments mixing traditional instruments with the usual guitars and other rock staples (the wonderful Engelberg, the brilliant Carcassone), to this latest effort, Eicher has consistenly proved that he knows how to create the perfect mix of lyrics, music and arrangement. He also knows how to surround himself with the right people. Writer Philippe Djian, a well-known novelist who wrote 98,2 le matin, which was made into the film of the same name (Betty Blue in English, I think), has offered him some of the most beautifully wrought, richly complex and poetic lyrics to be found on ANY French language album. His own lyrics in English and his local German dialect are perfect compliments to these French gems. And as always, Eicher has an ear for color, atmosphere and settings that make him create some of the most perfect arrangements around. They are an integral part of the songs, and are never created to hide possible weaknesses in the music. For those who don't know him, Louange is a perfect way to start. It's a strong album, considered a comeback for him after his previous effort, 1000 Vies, was a critical dud (though I don't really understand why, it's a fine album). The album contains his usual mix of French, English and German, with very varied rythms and feels. From the passionate "Ce peu d'amour", to the tender "Sans vouloir te commander", to the irresistible "clap your hands" feel of "La fin du monde", Louanges wins you over with its energy and deeply felt emotions. While many may consider Eicher's voice as an acquired taste, I find it serves his material extremely well. And as I was lucky enough to see him live twice, I can tell you he puts on a hell of a show. I treasure this album and come back to it regularly. He is, to my mind, one of the greatest singer-songwriters around. Don't miss this one."