Search - In Grid :: Vie En Rose

Chill-out lounge session with a classic French twist

DIMITRI B BOGACHEV | Atlanta, GA | 09/18/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Do not buy this album if you are looking for a follow-up to "Rendez-Vouz," In-Grid's debut full of chart-topping Eurodance numbers. But you should get it if you like In-Grid and her voice, not just the musical style that made her famous. Because she shifts gears on this one and offers a set of jazzy chill-out versions of classic French standards covered and re-done by many and in various languages over decades.

I had my doubts about this collection after seeing the Hallmark-styled cover and cliche headline "Chilling with In-Grid..." When I finally got it, I realized from the first track, that it is definitely not "Rendez-Vous" and that I should keep an open mind to enjoy it.

Overall the album is quite balanced and well put together, and the singer's smooth above-average vocal delivery provides a new feel to the sweet oldies. Of course comparisons to originals and covers by other artists come to mind. I can say that "Les Champs Elysees" sounds better when sung originally by late Joe Dassin (arrangement also does not fit the mood of the song); "Et Maintenant" was covered much better (though in English) by fabulous Patricia Kaas, as well as "La Mer" (actually half of the songs on this disc appear on "Piano Bar" by Ms. Kaas, the soundtrack to "And Now Ladies and Gentlemen").

Interestingly, from mixed results of the first half of the album, it really picks up and delivers with a punchline from "La Vie On Rose" (track #7) and on. The title track is one song covered by so many artists, and In-Grid does not fail, especially with the beautiful instrumental arrangement. "Ne Mas Quitte Pas" is also quite impressive, especially instrumentally. And then In-Grid channels Her Majesty Edith Piaf, the Queen of Chanson, on "Milord" and "Accordeonist," for which I give the young singer much respect.

So, after all, the album leaves a pleasant feeling and even makes the last track, a clubby "Tu Es Foutu"-styled remix of "Milord" rather unwelcomed."

Euro-dance-chanson

Hideyuki Nakazawa | OTAKU, TOKYO Japan | 05/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a well-made collection of chanson and french standard songs in euro-house style.It's amazingly pop,catchy and beautiful.But the best thing in this album is In-grid's vocal which I didn't expected.This girl really can sing!!!This concept is a little cheesy, but her vocal and well-crafted arrangements save this album.If you like euro-dance-pop and french music, this album is for you."