Mylene Farmer - Avant Que l'Ombre

Improve your French

Almost unknown in the US, Mylene Farmer is the largest selling francophone singer of all time. The lyrics are literate. The arrangements are clever, and the production values are impecable. But this is what you would expect from someone who can sell out a stadium (in France) mere minutes after the tickets become available on-line. March 13, 2008

Immaculate Conception : This IS Mylene's Greatest Album

France's favorite Lesbian Icon returns to form with this mid-2000s release. From the striking cover art to the immaculate song production, this is in every way a `comeback' album, and as a huge supporter of all things Mylene, I can report that this is by far her best album. Drawing upon influences such as Gregorian Chants and Celtic Folk Music, this eclectic album deserves an immediate place in your collection.

Why exactly is Mylene Farmer so special though? For readers new to the singer, she is a reclusive Francophile of varying European heritage, and is famous in both Canada and in Europe. She's actually been active since the 1980s, making albums and feminist power anthems, and in the process selling millions of records. Her protégé Alizee has also gone on to be famous in her own right.

Mylene's music thus far has been straightforward rock. Imagine an early 1980s Bon Jovi rock song minus much of the tonal quality, and you have Farmer's music down pat. She is not really a `pop' singer - but very much a pop-rock singer. That said, this album is a departure for her, because it isn't quite a pop or a rock album. Instead it marks her entrance into ambient electronica territory, and it leads to some very interesting results.

Every Mylene record has its' `rebel' moments, and "F*** Them All" is her anthem here. Musically this recalls The Who meets some Natasha Bedingfield - and this is interesting, to say the least. On the closer, the ten minute long "Et Pourtant", Mylene reveals why exactly she is as good as they say she is. This is a love ballad that ends, and a hidden track "Nobody Knows" (reminiscent of Moby or Esthero) begins. A brilliant highlight. My favorite though, is the singable and intelligent "QI" - Farmer, in my opinion has not crafted a more catchy song in her life. The Clannad-like chorus alone will have you reaching for the repeat button. It has strains of Era and Enigma as well.

An Enya-like ambient mood envelops the whole CD though - I would most closely compare Mylene's new style as being very similar to Sarah Brightman. In fact, if you liked Sarah Brightman's "Eden" - this is almost like a French carbon copy of that CD. Not a bad thing, actually.

As a fine slice of recent French music, this is great. Some songs are very same-sounding, but the orchestration and attention to production are really magnificent. And while Farmer traded in some of her tough-girl persona for some actual catchy tunes, she has also gained a whole new world of fans. Smart decision, and this album has excellent replay value.

Four Solid Stars.

February 7, 2008

Its everything the others reviewers say it is!!!

From the cover design, to the CD (resembles a old vinyl record), to the songs themselves, there is little I didn't like. Ok, there was nothing I didn't like. Myléne Farmer is incredible! Ta musique est formidable Myléne!!! February 15, 2007

F)(CK THEM ALL? Certainment!

Mylene Farmer is often referred to as 'The French Madonna,' meaning, I guess that she has been around about as long as Madge, her live performances are huge spectacles, and she goes out of her way to be controversial and sensational.

But Madonna's music isn't as remarkable as her public image. In fact if she wasn't Madonna, her CDs would probably be roundly ignored. In my opinion. Mylene Farmer, on the other hand, is no musical lightweight. 'Avant Que l'Ombre' is a CD full of Farmers new model of French Pop -- frothy, cooing pop (Amour N'est Rien), sexy, insinuating electronica (Pornographique), and lush ballads (Ange Parle Moi).

The overall sound is lush, intricately produced, and shiny. In music production, the art of polishing inconsequential music is known as 'buffing a turd,' and like the best music by Janet Jackson, it's refreshing to hear all the tricks of the commercial studio used to polish up music of real consequence.

Since I don't really speak French, my appreciation for her lyrics is limited but I know enough to see some of the subtlety and sly allusions that are there. The best of Farmer's lyrics would not survive translation to English, as they are full of the insinuation and indirection that is uniquely French.

So I'd recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates the best in commercial pop music. It is quite accessible to non-francophones, yet it is different from the common sort of empty contemporary pop. There's simply more here for the listener. And it's worthwhile searching Youtube for her music videos, especially the sly striptease Mylene does in the video for "Amour N'est Rien." January 9, 2007

If you are unsure about buying this.....DON'T BE !

That is if you are fan of artists like Kate Bush, Goldfrapp, Brork or Madonna, I have little doubt that this masterpiece of sophistcated adult pop will appeal to you. The best album of 2005 - with Goldfrapp and Madonna a close second and third (and Rachel Stevens fourth!) January 24, 2006

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