Traditional French Songs Enjoy Revival
New Artists Embrace Classic Style of La Chanson Française
Singers Vincent Delerm, left, and Bénabar are among the new generation of French singer-songwriters.
The French song — or la chanson française — is making a comeback. Inspired by legendary performers such as Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, a new generation of 30-something singer-songwriters is finding commercial success.
New French Singers
'Sac a Main' - Bénabar 'Cigarette' - Sanseverino 'Les Filles de 1973 Ont Trente Ans' - Delerm
The style may be traditional, but the songs are sprinkled with references to handbags, cigarettes, cell phones and other symbols of modern life. NPR's Nick Spicer reports on the new singers — including Bénabar, Vincent Delerm and Sanseverino — who no longer mimic American or British music in the hopes of making it big.
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