Esprit De Famille by Gérard Aubert: A Chanson Gem That Feels Like Home
Alright, so I gave Esprit De Famille a spin—or three—and lemme tell ya, this album is like that cozy sweater you didn’t know you needed. It’s got that French je ne sais quoi with its pop roots and chanson soul. Released under Barclay, it’s clear they weren’t messing around when they put this together. Joël Cadoret handled the arrangements (and direction—busy guy!) while J.-C. Tapponnier took care of snapping some moody shots for the cover art. But let’s get real here; G. Aubert wrote these tunes, and dude clearly knows how to tug at your heartstrings without being too try-hard about it.
Now, onto the tracks. There are two songs on this record that stuck in my head like gum on a hot sidewalk: “Esprit De Famille” and “Ce Jour-Là.” Let me break ‘em down for ya.
First up, the title track, “Esprit De Famille.” Man, this one hits different. From the first few chords, it feels warm, almost nostalgic, like flipping through an old photo album. The melody isn’t flashy—it doesn’t need to be—but Aubert’s lyrics? They’re sharp enough to cut glass. He talks about family vibes but not in a corny Hallmark-card way. Nah, he keeps it grounded, raw even. You can hear his voice crack just slightly at moments, like he’s letting you peek behind the curtain into something deeply personal. And those strings? Joël Cadoret really outdid himself there—they swoop in like a soft hug at the end of a rough day.
Then there’s “Ce Jour-Là,” which honestly feels like walking through Paris on a rainy afternoon. It starts slow, almost hesitant, but builds into this sweeping emotional crescendo. What gets me every time is the storytelling. Aubert paints pictures with words, y’know? Without giving too much away, it’s kinda bittersweet—a mix of longing and acceptance rolled into one. By the time the last note fades, you’re left sitting there thinking, “Wait…what just happened?” But in the best way possible.
The rest of the album follows suit, blending catchy hooks with thoughtful lyricism. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but who needs that when you’ve got charm coming out of every pore?
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Esprit De Famille, I couldn’t help but think about how music used to feel more…intentional. Like, back before playlists ruled everything and we all had attention spans shorter than goldfish. This album reminds you to sit still for once, maybe pour yourself a glass of red wine, and actually listen.
And honestly? If this record doesn’t make you wanna call your mom or text an old friend, then I don’t know what will. Weird flex, but here we are.
