Search - Karin Clercq :: Femme X

Femme X, Karin Clercq's debut disc

jqr | Brooklyn | 07/29/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Pawn the jewelry, if necessary, to buy this disc if only for "Je t'ai dans la peau" ("I've got you under my skin"). I heard it for the first time when I put the disc in the car player and I was knocked for a loop. It's a classic Edith Piaf song, but this interpretation marries all of Karin Clercq's best qualities in one track: a beautifully alto voice, incredibly clear diction, and a gorgeous Belgian accent. There's a strident guitar backup and a little subtle synthesizer in the background.



The rest of the songs, original compositions all, are a little less stellar. The songs range all over the map, from female-power affirmations "Ne Pas" to the lust-at-first-sight of "Désir." It's a good record for those who are learning French, because it comes with a lyric booklet and her diction is so clear."