Serge Gainsbourg was a French singer, songwriter, and composer who left an indelible mark on the world of music. Known for his provocative lyrics, unconventional melodies, and subversive approach to songwriting, Gainsbourg was one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his generation. His music spanned a wide range of styles, from French chanson and pop to reggae and electronica, and his collaborations with other artists produced some of the most memorable and groundbreaking music of the 20th century. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best Serge Gainsbourg songs of all time, exploring the unique qualities that have made each of these songs enduring classics in the world of music. From the seductive melodies of ‘Je t’aime… moi non plus’ to the infectious rhythms of ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, these songs represent the very best of Gainsbourg’s artistry, and continue to captivate listeners around the world today.
1. ‘Cargo Culte’
‘Cargo Culte’ by Serge Gainsbourg is a haunting and atmospheric track that serves as the closing number to his seminal album ‘Histoire de Melody Nelson’. The song explores the idea of a cargo cult, a phenomenon that emerged in the South Pacific islands after World War II, where local communities began to worship the material goods that they saw Westerners possessing. Gainsbourg uses this concept as a metaphor for the emptiness of materialism and consumer culture, with the lyrics evoking a sense of despair and alienation. The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting of a single piano chord and a repetitive bass line, heightens the eerie mood, and Gainsbourg’s gravelly vocals add to the sense of foreboding. Overall, ‘Cargo Culte’ is a powerful meditation on the human condition and a fitting conclusion to Gainsbourg’s magnum opus.
2. ‘Aux Armes et caetera – Dub Style’
‘Aux Armes et caetera – Dub Style’ is a reworking of Serge Gainsbourg’s controversial song ‘Aux Armes et caetera’, which caused a stir upon its release in 1979 due to its reggae-inspired arrangement and the use of the French national anthem as its chorus. The dub version, which was released in 1981, takes the original song and transforms it into a trippy and hypnotic track that is heavily influenced by Jamaican dub music. The rhythm section is given more prominence, with the bass and drums driving the song forward, while Gainsbourg’s vocals are transformed into a swirling vortex of echo and reverb. The result is a song that feels simultaneously futuristic and rooted in tradition, with Gainsbourg’s subversive lyrics railing against the militaristic tendencies of the French state. ‘Aux Armes et caetera – Dub Style’ is a fascinating example of Gainsbourg’s ability to reinvent himself and his music, and a testament to his willingness to experiment with different genres and styles.
3. ’69 année érotique’
’69 année érotique’ is a seductive and playful track by Serge Gainsbourg and his then-partner Jane Birkin. Released in 1969, the song features Birkin’s breathy vocals and Gainsbourg’s spoken-word passages, alluding to the sexual revolution of the time. The lyrics are filled with double entendres and suggestive imagery, and the music, with its jazzy instrumentation and smooth rhythms, creates an atmosphere of sensuality and eroticism. The song captures the playful, free-spirited mood of the late 1960s, and remains a classic example of Gainsbourg’s ability to infuse his music with wit, charm, and sensuality.
4.’ Je t’aime … moi non plus’
‘Je t’aime… moi non plus’ is a classic French love song by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, which caused controversy upon its release in 1969 due to its explicit sexual content. The song features Birkin’s breathy vocals and Gainsbourg’s spoken-word passages, with the lyrics depicting a passionate, physical love affair. The music, with its swirling organs and lush orchestration, adds to the sense of intimacy and intensity. Despite being banned from radio play in some countries, ‘Je t’aime… moi non plus’ became a massive hit and has since become a classic of French popular music. The song captures the raw emotions of a passionate love affair, and Gainsbourg’s daring lyrics and provocative music have cemented his status as a boundary-pushing artist.
5. ‘La Javanaise’
‘La Javanaise’ is a classic French chanson by Serge Gainsbourg, which features his signature combination of wry humor, romanticism, and sophistication. The song’s jazzy instrumentation, with its plucked strings and accordion, creates a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere, and Gainsbourg’s vocals, which switch between spoken word and sung passages, add to the song’s charm. The lyrics are filled with literary references and clever wordplay, with the chorus paying homage to the dance known as the Javanaise. ‘La Javanaise’ has become a beloved classic of French popular music, with its combination of humor, romance, and musical sophistication capturing the essence of Gainsbourg’s unique style.
6. ‘Baudelaire’
‘Baudelaire’ by Serge Gainsbourg is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the French poet Charles Baudelaire. Gainsbourg’s deep, smoky voice, combined with the delicate piano accompaniment, sets a melancholic tone that perfectly captures the essence of Baudelaire’s work. The lyrics draw heavily on Baudelaire’s most famous collection of poems, ‘Les Fleurs du Mal’, and evoke themes of love, loss, and the darker aspects of human nature. Gainsbourg’s poetic and evocative language, delivered in his signature half-spoken, half-sung style, makes the listener feel as though they are transported to another world, one where beauty and pain are inextricably intertwined. The song is a testament to Gainsbourg’s mastery of the French language and his ability to convey complex emotions through his music.
7. ‘La Chanson de Prévert’
‘La Chanson de Prévert’ is another example of Serge Gainsbourg’s incredible talent for combining poetic language with beautiful melodies. The song is named after French poet and screenwriter Jacques Prévert and features lyrics inspired by Prévert’s work. Gainsbourg’s soft, romantic voice is perfectly suited to the dreamy, wistful tone of the song. The lyrics are a series of poetic images, capturing moments of beauty and longing in a way that is both haunting and deeply moving. The melody is simple yet unforgettable, and Gainsbourg’s expert use of instrumentation adds to the song’s emotional impact. ‘La Chanson de Prévert’ is a masterpiece of French chanson, a genre that combines poetry, music, and storytelling in a uniquely French way. It is a song that speaks to the soul, evoking feelings of nostalgia, hope, and longing, and is a testament to Gainsbourg’s talent as a songwriter and performer.
8. ‘Couleur Café’
‘Couleur Café’ is a classic French chanson that celebrates the simple pleasures of life, such as drinking coffee and enjoying the company of friends. The melody is carried by a lively accordion and a jaunty percussion section, and Brel’s rich, expressive voice perfectly captures the song’s playful, carefree spirit. The lyrics are full of clever wordplay and wry humor, celebrating the joys of café culture and the small moments of pleasure that make life worth living. ‘Couleur Café’ is a song that captures the essence of French culture, with its love of good food, good wine, and good company. It is a testament to Brel’s talent as a songwriter and performer, and a classic example of the enduring appeal of French chanson.
9. ‘Lemon Incest’
‘Lemon Incest’ is a controversial song by French singer Serge Gainsbourg and his daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg. The song’s lyrics and subject matter, which deal with incestuous desires, caused a scandal when it was first released in 1984. The melody is a haunting, dreamy ballad, with Serge and Charlotte’s voices blending together in a way that is both beautiful and unsettling. The lyrics are full of metaphors and double entendres, with the lemon representing temptation and the incestuous desire being compared to a forbidden fruit. Despite the controversy surrounding the song, it is a hauntingly beautiful piece of music that showcases Serge Gainsbourg’s unique talent for pushing boundaries and challenging social norms.
10. ‘L’eau à la bouche’
‘L’eau à la bouche’ is a seductive, jazz-infused song by Serge Gainsbourg, originally written for the eponymous 1960 French film. The song’s title translates to ‘mouthwatering’ in English, and the lyrics are a series of sensual, evocative images that conjure up the pleasures of the flesh. The melody is carried by a smoky saxophone and a sultry vocal performance by Gainsbourg himself, with the lyrics delivered in his signature half-spoken, half-sung style. The song is a classic example of Gainsbourg’s ability to create music that is at once sophisticated and erotic, with a sense of playful humor that adds to its charm. ‘L’eau à la bouche’ is a timeless piece of French chanson, and a testament to Gainsbourg’s status as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his generation.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
