If you are a fan of French Songs or just an adventurous music lover, the most popular French songs of all time are a must for you to listen. From the classic chansons to the elegant new scene, French music has always been a hideaway of rich treasures for the music lovers. And, it’s no secret that when it comes to art, the French have always been the sophisticated kind.
Spanning across a vast history of great music and releases, the French music scene has greatly evolved and kept pace with the world trends even though being deeply rooted in its inherent stylishness. And, some songs have achieved the classic status and become the most popular French songs of all time, while a lot of them have had their English versions recorded and popularized worldwide by famous artists like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley among others. It is a challenge to choose just 10 out of the glorious bank of French music and comparing the classics to the new age. We have tried hard to include the songs that are the most memorable and most exemplary of the French sound throughout the years.
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These songs are a great way to quickly pick up on the French language also! There is just something charming and fun to learn a new language through music right? Or maybe you should safely tuck away a playlist of the songs in your iPod for that planned getaway to Paris. Isn’t it the dream to walk down the streets of Paris to a montage of classic French numbers? Or maybe we could skip the cliché, and just pretend our life is a music video with the 10 Most Popular Songs of All Time instead! Either way, it is inevitable not to feel the music in a beautiful country like France.
With the refined tastes of most French art kept intact, French music is a treasure trove of classic and pop gems that every music follower should at least delve into once in their lives. Wondering where to start? Here, check out the list!
10. La Madrague, Brigitte Bardot
The song written by Jean-Max Riviere was popularized by singer/actor Brigitte Bardot. The song first performed by Bardot in 1963 is the most well known song of hers. The song has been covered by a number of artists since then.
9. Les Copains d’Abord, Georges Brassens
Recorded in 1964 by George Brassens, the song “Les Copains d’Abord” talks about friendship! The song was used in the film Les Copains and has also been covered by the band Asleep at the Wheel in English.
8. Valse D’Amelie, Yann Tiersen
Well, this one’s a piano piece from the famous French movie Amelie’s soundtrack. Amelie, one of the most recognized French movies in recent times, has won many accolades for its stellar soundtrack, and this haunting piece by musician Yann Tiersen definitely has won many hearts.
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7. Je T’aime… Moi Non Plus, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin
Originally recorded by Brigitte Bardot, the song went on to be released by Serge Gainsbourg with Jane Birkin instead. And, well the rest was French music history! Regardless of the fact that it was banned in several countries for explicit lyrics, the song definitely went on to become one of the most popular French songs of all time.
6. Ne Me Quitte Pas, Jacques Brel
Belgian singer/songwriter, Jaques Brel wrote and performed in 1959. The song found instant fame and has since then been adapted into several versions in over 25 languages by many notable artists like Sting and Nina Simone, and has also been used in many TV Shows and movies.
5. Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, Edith Piaf
Beyond doubt Edith Piaf is one of the legends in French music. This song, composed by Charles Dumont, was recorded in 1959 and spent over seven weeks on the France Singles charts. The song has been featured in many great films like Bill Durham, Intolerable Cruelty and in Christopher Nolan’s Inception.
4. La Mer, Charles Trenet
Written by notable composer, singer, songwriter and performer Charles Trenet, the song “La Mer” was recorded by Roland Gerbeau in 1945. The song is considered as one of the classic hits and has achieved somewhat of a jazz standard status.
3. Tous Les Garcons Et Les Filles, Francoise Hardy
The 1962 song has a catchy tune that will have you humming for days. “Tous Le Garcons et Les Filles”, by Francoise Hardy talks about the feelings of a young person who has never known love and being envious of love-struck couples.
2. A Toi, Joe Dassin
The seventies legend Joe Dassin’s music career if full of gems that have become French music staples, but probably “A Toi” remains one of the most popular of his numbers. The upbeat love song is about the memories of a couple in love.
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1. La Vie En Rose, Edith Piaf
The classic French song released in 1947, refuses to die down on the popularity quotient as it still remains one of the most popular French songs of all time! The song went on to become Piaf’s signature song and has had hundreds of cover versions, each one popular in its own rights!
