Carla Bruni – Little French Songs

Without prior knowledge of Carla Bruni as a pop singer, I wouldn’t have imagined that the sultry voice on Little French Songs came from the former first lady of France. Unlike the image of a glamorous politician’s partner who rocked Dior suits, Bruni comes across as a sensible singer playing an acoustic guitar. The music in the album does convey that laid-back intimacy and simplicity. Although she penned most of the album herself, my French is too limited to comment on the lyrics. I am not going to pretend I understand what I am hearing, but that doesn’t deter me from enjoying the beautiful French singing backing up by the spare, elegant arrangements. From the groovy Latin flavor in “Chez Keith et Anita” to the Happy Feet in “Le Pingouin” to the gorgeous melody in “Dolce Francia,” every track on this album is Français.