Album Review: La Musique A Son Mot À Dire by Alain Stan
Alright, let’s dive into this gem of an album. Released back in 2010, La Musique A Son Mot À Dire is one of those records that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or loud, but it’s got layers—like a good lasagna. Alain Stan, hailing from Austria (yes, Austria—not France!), blends Folk, World, Country, Classical, and Pop with the finesse of someone who clearly loves storytelling. The style leans heavily into Chanson, which means poetic lyrics and emotional depth are front and center here.
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect much when I first hit play. But man, some tracks just stuck with me. Let me tell ya about two standouts.
First up, there’s “Trilogie 3: Le temps.” This track feels like sitting by a window during a rainy afternoon, watching droplets race each other down the glass. The melody is simple yet haunting, and Stan’s voice has this raw quality to it, like he’s whispering secrets only you can hear. The way the song builds slowly, adding little bits of instrumentation as it goes along, gives it this cinematic vibe. By the end, you’re not sure if you’ve been listening to music or living through a memory. And honestly? That’s kinda magical.
Then there’s “La musique a son mot à dire,” the title track. How could I forget this one? It’s punchy, quirky, and packed with personality. There’s something about the rhythm—it’s almost playful, like Stan’s daring you to take life less seriously. The lyrics are clever too; they remind me of late-night conversations where everyone gets philosophical over cups of coffee. You know, the kind where no one really agrees but leaves feeling smarter anyway?
What makes this album work so well is how unpretentious it feels. Sure, it’s artsy, but it doesn’t try too hard to impress. Instead, it invites you in, lets you wander around its world for a bit, and trusts you’ll find your own meaning in it. That’s rare these days.
Oh, and fun fact: the label behind this project is ORF, which is actually Austria’s national public service broadcaster. Weird flex, right? Feels like having PBS drop a surprise album. Who knew public radio had such cool taste?
So yeah, La Musique A Son Mot À Dire isn’t perfect. Some songs drag a tiny bit, and a few transitions feel off. But honestly? Those imperfections make it feel more human. Like Stan’s saying, “Hey, we’re all a little messy sometimes, and that’s okay.”
Final thought: If albums were people, this one would probably wear glasses, carry a notebook full of scribbled ideas, and laugh at their own jokes. And honestly, isn’t that the kinda friend we all need?
