Artist: France Gall Album: Les Sucettes

Year: 1966
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Les Sucettes by France Gall

The year, 1966, marked a turn for the French music industry as the likes of France Gall, Francoise Hardy, and Jane Birkin emerged to revolutionize French pop-music forever. France Gall, one of the most versatile artists to hit the scene, truly made her mark with her sweet, unique, and vulnerable sound. Her album, Les Sucettes, is a classic representation of the 60’s ye-ye pop genre which is arguably the peak of French pop-music.

Les Sucettes, released in 1966, features 12 tracks, and while they all carry similar language and melody, each track has its unique ability to enchant the listener.

The album is revolutionary for its time, as it remains one of the first albums to combine chanson pop with psychedelia. Most of the tracks on the album such as “Teenie Weennie Boppie'' and ''Un jour d'été” are upbeat, funky, and enjoyable to listen to. The album has a feminine touch, and France Gall's voice adds a certain sweetness to it even when the lyrics are downright peculiar.

The most iconic song in the album is its title track, “Les Sucettes,'' which, in English, translates to “Lollipops. The lyrics of ''Les Sucettes'' can be described as strange, but that’s what made it a hit in the 60s. A closer look at the lyrics, however, reveals a different story. It narrates an innocent girl’s journey to find lollipops in the world, but the word 'Sucettes is a double entendre. Gall sings in such a sugary tone that the sexual and suggestive meaning of the lyrics goes unnoticed by most listeners.

While Les Sucettes is a classic representation of 60’s ye-ye pop, it is not flawless. Most of the tracks on the album consist of similarities in rhythm and melody, which can make it repetitive and repetitive to some listeners. The album can be described as less diverse compared to Gall's other works, and the album's psychedelic nature can be overwhelming at times.

Les Sucettes is a must-listen showcase of a by-gone era, an era that speaks to the power of French pop-music in the 60s. The album perfectly represents France Gall's style, and while it is not her crowning achievement, it remains a milestone in ye-ye pop-music. If you’re looking for an enjoyable album to listen to, Les Sucettes should be on top of your list. It's Francophone excellence, quirky, and sweet, -a classic representation of the very best of French pop-music.