Album Review: Sauvages Et Rebelles by Indiana (1998)
Alright, let’s talk about Sauvages Et Rebelles, the 1998 album from Belgian-French artist Indiana. If you’re into dreamy Europop vibes with a sprinkle of French chanson flair, this one might just hit the spot. Released under Polydor and PolyGram, it’s got that late '90s electronic pop sheen but still feels like it’s whispering secrets only you can hear. The credits? Solid crew—Peter Bulkens on engineering duties, Alan Ward mastering it all, and Eric Geurts producing some tracks. Oh, and David Northon wrote the opening track, which is always cool to know.
Now, onto the music itself. The title track, “Sauvages Et Rebelles,” kicks things off in style. It’s got this hypnotic beat that sneaks up on you while the synths swirl around like you’re walking through a neon-lit forest at night. There’s something about the way Indiana sings—it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it stick. You feel like she’s lived every word, ya know? This track feels rebellious in the best way possible, like it’s daring you to break free from whatever’s holding you back. I remember it because it’s catchy as heck, yet there’s this bittersweet edge to it that lingers long after the song ends.
Then there’s “15 Seconds.” Honestly, this one caught me off guard. At first listen, it feels kinda simple—a straightforward pop tune with a pulsing rhythm—but the more you hear it, the more layers reveal themselves. The lyrics are cryptic enough to make you wonder if it’s about love, loss, or maybe both. That’s the beauty of it—you don’t need all the answers right away. For me, this track stands out because it builds so well; by the time the chorus hits, it’s impossible not to nod along. Plus, whoever worked on those synth lines deserves a medal. They’re sleek, sharp, and totally addictive.
What’s wild about this album is how it balances polished production with raw emotion. Sure, it’s got its shiny Europop moments, but there’s also this underlying grit that keeps it real. Listening to it now, two decades later, it’s kinda comforting to realize how timeless these songs feel.
So yeah, Sauvages Et Rebelles isn’t gonna change your life overnight, but it’s the kind of record that grows on you. Like an old friend who shows up unannounced but somehow fits right in. Weirdly enough, listening to it made me crave croissants. Go figure.
Rating: 7.5/10
Perfect for: Late-night drives, rainy days, or when you just wanna vibe solo for a bit.
