Review by Angi
Album Review: Vous M’Appelez by Aurore
In 1987, Belgian pop chanteuse Aurore dropped her album Vous M’Appelez, a gem of the Chanson genre that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. Released under UStudio, this record may not have set the world ablaze commercially, but it’s got a quiet charm that sticks with you. The creative team behind it—arranger Paul Elias, lyricist Philippe Gilles, and photographer José Laurent—crafted something understated yet memorable.
The title track, “Vous M’Appelez,” is where the magic happens. From the first note, Aurore’s voice pulls you in. It’s smooth but carries this raw edge, like she’s sharing a secret just with you. The lyrics are poetic without being pretentious, a hallmark of classic French-style songwriting. You don’t need to speak fluent French to feel the emotion—it’s all there in her delivery. What makes it unforgettable? Maybe it’s how the melody builds slowly, layering in soft synths and strings until it feels like your heart might burst. Or maybe it’s the way Aurore repeats “Vous M’Appelez” like a mantra, leaving you humming it hours later.
Then there’s the instrumental version of the same track. Stripped of vocals, it lets Paul Elias’ arrangement shine. The piano takes center stage here, backed by subtle electronic touches that scream ‘80s nostalgia. Listening to it feels like watching an old black-and-white movie—the story unfolds differently when you’re not distracted by words. It’s proof that sometimes less really is more.
What strikes me about Vous M’Appelez is its simplicity. There’s no overproduced bombast or flashy tricks—just good, honest music. And honestly? That’s rare for an album from the late ’80s. Most artists were too busy chasing chart-topping hits to focus on crafting something intimate. This one feels personal, almost like flipping through someone’s diary.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the album could’ve used a couple more tracks to flesh out its vibe. But hey, brevity has its own charm. Sometimes leaving listeners wanting more isn’t such a bad thing.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Vous M’Appelez in 2023 feels oddly comforting. In a world obsessed with TikTok trends and viral moments, this album reminds us that music doesn’t always need to shout to be heard. It whispers instead—and somehow, that whisper lingers longer than any shout ever could.
