Popular French Talent Search show 2d season finalists
Sandy | Brussels, Belgium | 05/23/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Star Academy is not the equivalent of American Idol (for that look for "(A La Recherche De La) Nouvelle Star") but rather the French version of "Operacion Triunfo" (Spain) or "Fame Academy" (UK). This album compiles the first solo singles of the 9 best contestants (on 16) of the second season.1. "Un autre Monde": the 9 singers cover a hit by a popular 80's rock band. Fair track.
2. "Embrasse": The rebel of the academy George-Alain Jones lost the boys semi final to his best friend Houcine. His folk rock influences shows in this song. Universal big boss like him, he might end up releasing an album, someday.
3. "Au jour le jour": "Blond as the sun" Emma Daumas lost the girls semi final to "dark as the moon" Nolwenn. The first single is a taste of what you'll find on her album "Le saut de l'ange": pop rock a la Avril Lavigne. She wrote or co-wrote most of the songs. Her second single is a huge hit and she is gaining more and more sympathy in the press.
4. "Laisse-moi": Jeremy Chatelain is not the best singer of the lot but the most creative. He said he was conscious Universal had no project for him after the StarAc tour, so he worked hard to present them demos. His work paid off: he was the second to release an album. Songs are produced with a lot of electric guitars and lyrics are often intelligent. Critics were positive about him.
5."Cassé": Beautiful Nolwenn Leroy, the vocal coach pet, trained to classical singing and violin player, is the winner of this edition. This power ballad written by Lionel Florence introduces her first (self titled) album produced by Pascal Obispo. Currently on tour, the girl has received a lot of support from several artists, including Lara Fabian and Laurent Voulzy. She should enter in studio in November 2004 to start recording her second opus foreseen for 2005 - rumours say, with Voulzy again.
6."Etre un homme comme vous": Houcine is the unlucky finalist of this edition. This is the French version of "Jungle Book 2" song. Phil Collins himself wrote some songs with him for his first album (not a joke, Phil is a huge fan of Star Academy and came several time on the show to sing with the contestants), but so far no release date has been given.
7."Pas de temps à perdre": Fabien got a lot of support from teen girls, but his weak vocals could not guaranty him more than a flop with this pop single a la Billy Crawford.
8. "Quitte ou double": Aurélie Konaté co-wrote the lyrics of this sensuous and sweet ballad. She is now part of the crew of "Belles belles belles" musical.
9. "Tout le monde le dit": Alexandre flopped to make a hit with this fair song. He was a musician before entering the academy and is now back with his original band with no recording project so far. At least, he gained love (he became Aurélie's boyfriend).
10. "Superwoman": Anne-Laure tries to become a female David Guetta with this dance track. It was not a hit at all, but the girl took part in several TV shows and wrote a book about her coming out.
11. "L'amitié" by the 9 contestants. This is a funny little song that Jeremy liked a lot and became a kind of anthem for the fans.Beware not to mix up Star Academy (France) with Star Académie (Québec) as one of the previous reviewers did. To find more about Star Academy 2 see "Star Academy chante Michel Berger" (tribute to singer song writer Michel Berger from the 16 contestants) and "Star Academy fait sa boum" (80's covers with the 8 best- poor production). If you're enjoying it, I also recommend Star Academy 3 albums (much better produced with better contestants too): "Star Academy 3 fait sa bamba" (cover of 60's hits by the 16 contestants), "Star Academy 3 tribute to Elton John" (with 14 contestants), "Star Academy 3: les meilleurs moments" (with the top 8) as well as Star Academy 3 singles compilation."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1