Carla Bruni's new album and the love song for Sarko

Here's your chance to listen to the new musical oeuvre from Carla Bruni. In a marketing build-up worthy of Madonna or a Stones release, Mrs Sarkozy's record company has put Comme si de rien n'était (As if nothing happened) on the internet for free listening.

This must be the first time that the presidency of a leading nation has promoted a pop album. The Elysée Palace has been working closely with Naive records to maximise the launch of breathy love songs by the first lady. The repercussions have even gone as far as Japan, which was miffed by Bruni's decision not to join the other spouses at this week's G8 summit. She decided to stay in Paris to advance the release date. Today, she was on France-Inter radio doing the first of a series of promotional interviews which culminate with a long live session on TF1 television news -- the most watched show -- on Friday evening.

We've touched on the songs here already. They include Ma Came (My junk), the now famous drug song which caused an official complaint from the Bogota government last month. Bruni sings of an amorous high with the effects of Colombian cocaine. Most of the songs were written before her romance with Sarkozy last winter but one song, Ta Tienne (Yours) is a declaration of passion for the president, whom she calls her "orgy" and her "prince charming".

Here are some of it's lyrics:

I put an end
To all my emblems
To my career as an Amazon
And to my sovereign freedom...

I give you my body, my soul and my chrysanthemum
For I am Yours

You are my lord, you're my darling
You're my orgy
You're my folly, my mix
You are my blessed bread
My charming prince
I am yours...

Watch out because I am Italian
I am going to discourage the ladies
I will gag the beautiful sirens
I who always sought fire
I am burning for you like a pagan woman
I who made men dance
To you I give myself entirely...

Phew!  (French lyrics below). Bruni will no doubt score a big hit with this record. It has been given the title  "Simply" for its international release at the weekend. Her company originally thought of putting a defensive label on the album in France, saying "You can like Carla Bruni without liking her husband". They didn't need to worry.

The media, with one or two exceptions, are heaping praise on the musical quality of an album which is much more ambitious than the minimalist, intimate style of her first two. Le Nouvel Observateur magazine broke with the admiring consensus and called the record uninspired, boring and trite. The disc, a mix of her folk style and more orchestrated pop, is helped by some high class arrangements and excellent musicians. The nostalgic tone of  the songs is nicely conveyed by a retro sound, a mixture of Françoise Hardy and American country. In her France-Inter interview, Bruni listed as her influences Dolly Parton, the Beatles, Stones and Ella Fitzgerald, among others. But there is no escaping Bruni's limited vocal talent. Her husky whisper is a running gag for Nicolas Canteloup, the comic impersontator, who plays her as inaudible. Judge for yourself. 

Bruni, who casts herself as a wild but melancholy child in the songs, says that she will give away her share of the royalties to charity. For the moment France has taken to the new Madame Sarkozy. Her presence is seen as a calming influence and she has played the role extremely well, dressing demurely and staying silent until last month. It's pretty likely that we will now see a reaction against Carla-mania just as we have had a backlash over the past few days against the excess emotion over Ingrid Betancourt 

Here are the lyrics of Bruni's Ta Tienne, her song for Sarko: 

ta tienne
y en a qui croquent
y en a qui craquent
y en qui dérapent
y en a qui se tatent
certains accourent
d'autres se trainent
certains se gourent
moi je suis ta tienne
je suis ta tienne,
je suis ta tienne,
je suis ta tienne,
ce n'est pas français non
mais c'est bon quand même
et je te donne mon corps, mon ame et mon chrysanthème
car je suis ta tienne,
tellement je tiens à être tienne,
je fais une croix
sur tous mes emblèmes,
sur ma carrière d'amazone
et sur ma liberté souveraine
je suis ta tienne,
je suis ta tienne,
je suis ta tienne,
ce n'est pas correct non
mais c'est bon quand même
qu'on me maudisse ou que l'on me damne
moi j'men balance oui
et je prends tous les blâmes
faut qu'tu saisisses, faut qu'tu comprennes
tu es mon seigneur, t'es mon chéri,
t'es mon orgie,
tu es mon carême
tu es ma folie mon amalgame
tu es mon pain béni,
mon prince qui charme
je suis ta tienne,
je suis ta tienne,
je suis ta tienne,
fais gaffe à toi car je suis italienne
je vais décourager les dames
je vais baillonner les belles sirènes
moi qui cherchais toujours les flammes
je brûle pour toi comme une paienne
moi qui faisais valser les hommes
toute entière à toi je me donne
je suis ta tienne,
je suis ta tienne,
oh oui je suis ta tienne,
ah ça ne se dit guère je sais mais c'est bon quand même
et je répète comme une rengaine
si tu veux de moi, je serai tienne

Comments

[Phillip]

If I were a French citizen, I would vote for Carla for president!

[Joan Arles]

Her songs sound nice enough. Good arrangements, as you say. But that voice? I know she's not just popular because she married the president. Her first album was sort of catchy in a novelty way. But you can't get away from the fact that she is not a singer. Now they have built up the arrangements with a bigger sound, her vocals are embarrassing....

[Romain]

Hmmm, Carla c'est ma came à moi. Beautiful guitar arrangements, combined with a transgender voice. A sure recipy to boost gentlemen's libido.
Finally, I am expecting a ladies mudd wrestling match. You've got the right to call me a deviant.

[mike]

she can't sing.... whispering is not singing however husky/sexy it sounds1
who is buying into this rubbish?

[dot king]

"You've got the right to call me a deviant."
Romain

Can't resist : )
Romain, you're a deviant!

The "transgender voice" is particularly noticeable on the word "rose" at the end of a line of one of the songs featured in her interview on Inter this morning, but it only means she fails to hit the note and squeaks instead - nothing too serious ;D

[maryse Vienne]

I am happy again to say I am French, which I am!
It is refreshing that love got mixed with politics. It is a lesson for the world, Love, not war!
Bravo for Miss Carla and bravo for Sir Nicolas!
I send them a gerge of the most beautiful flowers from Malaysia!
Maryse

[christopher muir]

Lest we forget another First Lady:

AP - 14 June 89.
Imelda Marcos has released her first record album, on which she sings her husband's favorite love songs. Her producer says a music video is to follow.

[PAUL]

It is not true to say she can't sing, unless she is to be compared with an opera singer, that is. Carla is in the tradition of French cabaret singers such as Juliette Greco or Barbara and she can hold her own in their company - quite a rich and definitely sensual voice. The arrangements are very pleasant and the lyrics of very good quality, especially when compared with virtually any pop star's.

[Daisy]

Well knock me over with a feather, it's not bad. Once you get past the fact that she's not a great vocalist, it's quite catchy and mellow. Cute website too.

Charles, is it true she's donating the proceeds to charity? If that's true, then I hope she scores a hit (even if her creepy husband will make hay of it).

[She says she is donating all her share of the royalties to the Fondation de France charity. The record company, producers, musicians etc keep their part of the profits. CB]

[sally]

very hypnotic sounding....she could read a phone directory and sound sexy.

[mamin]

Every time I see her with Sarko I wonder if she will remove her shoes and get the guitar out. She is a bit stuck in the 60's

[Rick]

I warrant it won't be long before the French public is deluged in 'alternative' versions of 'Ta Tienne'. And if such offerings should prove a little rude, would that be the songster's fault or the presidential better half's. 'La Tienne', I fear Carla! I hope your old man's got a sense of humour...

[azloon]

[It is refreshing that love got mixed with politics. It is a lesson for the world, Love, not war!] Maryse Vienne

does orgy mean something different in french than in english?

does she really mean that sarko is her 'orgy?' do you think they might lick whipped cream off each other?

there's just something about sarko that doesn't bring the idea of an orgy to mind.

if ever one wonders about the l'exception francaise, the difference between the french and every other nationality in the galaxy, carlita's music project (and her fellow citizens appreciation of it) will tell you all you need to know.

Pour tous ceux qui trouvent qu'on peut comparer la première dame avec Barbara ou encore Juliette Greco, cette chanson vous est généreusement dédiée -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypeo118OuFw

[Ian]

You snobs! Yelling because the brits don't know good food, Brown's wife doesn't sing, and the french president doesn't only do errors! Put some taste in your food, skip the tea and be as europeans, enjoying culture, food and life! Shame on you cockneys!

[PAUL]

Merci, "anonyme"! Ce 'vieux con' te rend le compliment avec une chanson de Brassens chantée par Carla. J'espère que tu peux dire autant:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=f03KAiuMVRw

[JimRodger]

I have lived in France for 20 years and if HE is the best SHE can find then God help us all!
(She looks good but Francois Hardy she ain't)

[Jason O.]

Color me jealous: Leader of France, with a stunningly hot wife singing his romantic praises.

[dot king]

JimRodger
Not THE Jimmie Rodgers? "Lonesome and Blue"? The yodelling cowboy? :)

[azloon]

i am curious: is carla's rendition of Fernande (Georges Brassens) (youtube linked above) pleasing to a french ear? it seems to have meter and repetition of a children's song. and it can't contain more than three musical notes it. one poster described it as 'lamentable.' c'est vrai?

nice legs regardless.

[JLM]

Hey, Laura Bush has a great record out just now of her waterboarding W and his wailing his love of her and ................... waterboarding. I demand equal coverage!

[Jim]

Way to go Sarkozy-you devil you.

[Andy]

She can kiss my chrysanthemum!

[Romain]

Azloon,

The lyrics of Georges Brassens song are : Quand je pense à Fernande, je bande, "Thinking of Fernande gives me a hard on". Not too appropriate for a well educated lady. It must have been some kind of bet.
In French we say " de si vilains mots dans une si jolie bouche"

[Deb]

[It is refreshing that love got mixed with politics. It is a lesson for the world, Love, not war!] Maryse Vienne

If the terrorists attack us again, I'll stick with the guys with the missles - you can hide behind the lady with the microphone and the libido.

[John Gregory Flinn]

Are you sure the pics are not of Ingrid in the Colombian selva?

[Doremi ( still not Dot)]

Oh dear CB,

Carla again, caramba, you like it lively.

It's not about the singing, is it? Can't get that French fawning about girly-girl women singer who can't sing. Their songs might sound Arty, but they can't carry a tune. I grew up on Jane Birkin (sorry if I upset English people) and listening to her was torture. These women are all happy to play the fame game that sell paper and glossies; week after week trying to pass for artists when they really are fame's péripatéticiennes. They sell creams, aspirational dreams, maybe a range of underwear or bags. They are business women, and live off the mugs who buy their stuff.
A singer like Juliette has an amazing voice, not media friendly, she is great live. Carla has sex appeal, looks good in a YSL smocking jacket and can sell mirages, that gives her the right to massacre a song by Brassens.
I am a feminist, no I don't believe pole dancing classes opens up your sexuality and I rather carry mace than a push up bra.

It's really great that our president has a hot wife to sell his praises, if he can't deliver on what he was elected for, she might be exposed as a beard.

[Francois D]

To Azloon,
("is carla's rendition of Fernande (Georges Brassens) pleasing to a french ear?").

I may assure you, Azloon, that Carla rendition of Fernande is very pleasing for a french ear, and also for a man. For the first part, she sings very well Brassens and for the second, it is surprising to listen a glamour and beautiful wife speaking about 'bandaison'. (bandaison in popular french= erection).

For "Ta tienne ", I have not yet heard, and that seems dedicated to Sarko, this song is also surprising by sub sexual heard.

What does means "I give you my chrysanthéme"? I let you imagine.

Altough, Chrysantheme choice is a little sad, because it's an automn flower, but she may be sad.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=h32j42BdKaQ&feature=related

I suppose that erotic songs are the psychanalyse result.

[val]

all this and a homewrecker,too, n'est pas?

[Fernandez]

Well, she's right. I'm gagging.

Does anyone want to elaborate on the French meaning of chrysanthemum? Should I assume she's into gardening?

For all you proud Frenchpeople, why? Your first lady consistently points out that she's Italian (not, as she's said before, one of you 'miserable' French). We all know she's Italian, yet she seems compelled to keep telling us. It's as if she's afraid someone might mistake her for being French.

I'm with Rick. I hope Sarko's got a sense of humor (about himself**), because when I hear this, I'm laughing at him.

**I doubt it. Those high-heeled shoes he wears suggest he's very insecure about being laughed at.

Sign me one of Charles' 'Amazons'

[valerie]

Ah, the great French fermale singer... Let's see. Vanessa Paradis. Mylene Farmer. Elsa ?. Brigitte Bardot. Isabelle Adjani. BIRKIN. Ugh. Double Ugh. France Gall. All fab singers, I assure you.

LOL

[Fernandez]

IAN,

You missed Cherie Blair's love song to Tony, "Meat Pie & Potatoes".

and, of course, Sarah to Gordon:

'Love Haggis, No. 10'

Don't forget, Laura's opus to George:

'Let's do it like Armadillos (Laying by the Side of the Road)"

[dot king]

"I grew up on Jane Birkin (sorry if I upset English people) and listening to her was torture."
(DOREMI who's still not me)

Hi, it still is torture listening to her sing, but she's a fair enough actress - and she doesn't seem to have had all the tweaks that famous women her age have had. I've grown to like her for that at least.
I came to France just after Gainsbourg's death (though I wasn't aware of it at the time) and it seemed that every time I looked at the telly, there was Jane Birkin snivelling and sobbing like mad - I was horrified at the general image of English women she was projecting - but Frenchmen seem to love this - protective types :) and they also love these "chrysanthemum" women (gggrrrrooooowwwwrrr) - now there's a new one . . . Maybe "orchid" didn't fit the rhythm, though in French "orchidée", "chrysanthème", same n° of syllables, could have been the rhyme then? Chrysants are usually associated with graveyards, tombstones and La Fête des Morts. Strange lyric choice. Perhaps she'll "be the death of him"?

[dot king]

Goodness some men can be very odd sometimes! There are singers just as good-looking as Carla Bruni who can even manage to hit the notes.

François D, I clicked on to your "chanson triste" link - I lasted about the first five notes - she slides from one to the other and misses all of them by a wide margin.

Doremi, who isn't me and never has been, is right, Juliette: a whole lot less "glamour" but stacks more talent.
BTW I can tell you aren't me because I don't know what you mean by "she might be exposed as a beard". (?????) "elle pourrait être exposée comme une barbe" - nope, can't work that one out either. :)

[Ben]

I prefer this over Monica Lewinsky who could only hum.

[dot king]

QWERTY - treat for you tonight - George Clooney interviewed by Laurent Delahousse. (Is that called a "birdie"?) I'm sure you've noticed, but if not, it's on Fr2 after whatever they're churning out right now.

About one third of the news was given over to Carlita's album release, and the political analyst consulted (yup, they did) said the French love her, but still Sarko's popularity is low.
I hope nobody suggests to him that he can sing (well after all, if she can, then why not?) - a duet would be (supply own "mot juste") :)

[nacho]

i think she is fantastic

[azloon]

[I may assure you, Azloon, that Carla rendition of Fernande is very pleasing for a french ear, and also for a man. For the first part, she sings very well Brassens and for the second, it is surprising to listen a glamour and beautiful wife speaking about 'bandaison'. (bandaison in popular french= erection)] Francoise D

FD, thanx for your impression.

i would hazard to guess this is the first time in human history that the wife of a head of state, anywhere, has sung publicly about her husbands hard-on.

[MELVIN]

Just imagine if Hillary Clinton had call Bill, "her orgy, when she was first lady.

[Evan B]

This is all about Free Speech. Something we're losing in America (as well as Europe). After all, censorship is becoming America's favorite past-time. The US gov't (and their corporate friends), already detain protesters, ban books like "America Deceived" from Wikipedia, shut down Ron Paul. Free Speech forever (even for musicians).
Last link (before Google Books caves to pressure and drops the title):
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-38523-0

[Bill]

Anybody else notice the mix is off? It sounds layered, like her vocals are on top of the music, which gives a distinct karaoke effect. It almost sounds like something you would do in an old novelty recording booth where you sang to prerecorded music.

Whoever the sound engineer was needs to have his ears boxed and someone needs to break the news to Mrs. Sarkozy that she's about as talented at...oh...Jessica Simpson.

[Sheilah]

poor Niki... the dignity of the office he holds has now been reduced
by a two-bit wannabe lounge lizard...here in the states we say"ferme la bouche" hahaha

[Daisy]

Carla has said that Cherie Blair inspired her to keep her career. Hmmm, so she's the new Cherie? I suppose it's only fitting since Sarko is the new poodle.

[dot king]

"first time in human history that the wife of a head of state, anywhere, has sung publicly about her husbands hard-on."

Azloon

no, the orignal song is by Georges Brassens, written years ago, not about a Sarkozian hard-on at all. I remember her singing this - it was on "Esprits Libres" one of our aforementioned (on another thread) late night promo, erm, literary programmes.
The occasion was the release of her last "No promises" album and she had been asked on to the programme to "talk about poetry" (that was when she said she "immediately understood all of Shakespeare's sonnets", and this was just after a radio programme where she credited Seamus Heaney with having written "Those dancing days are done"). The fellow guest star (on "Esprits libres") with a coinciding (ma Foi!) album release who was also asked about poetry, was Joey Starr. Nuff said??

I wandered around the link to Saturday Night Live (nice one Mary F, thank you) and (since we're on a related subject) loved Christopher Walken as Colonel Angus.
;D

[dot king]

Melvin: When Hillary was First Lady, Bill was someone else's orgy.

It's a buzzword in France, orgy, Mme Bérancourt was described as having "une orgie de baisers" when reconciled with her children.

Forgot to mention above, when Carlita sang about "Fernande", she hadn't yet met Sarkozy. It was still in the days when she thought her best bet was to shock.

[Sheilah]

.....nothing but a
two-bit lounge lizard

[Donatella]

What a freak show; nothing else to do I guess.

[Tom]

The French are so cool and so passionate!

[Willie]

Nice looking, talented lady.

Look at the two slugs we have who might be the US First Lady.

[fudge nugget]

who the f**k cares?