I was aware of Carla Bruni from her modeling career in the 90’s and her dating of Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton - she seemed like a latter day Anita Pallenberg.
However it was her first album (deciding to focus on music instead of modeling in 1997) "Quelqu'un M'a Dit” released in 2002 - that caught my ear.
It’s breezy smooth and sensual French folk - but with an intimacy and smoothness only a French chanteuse can deliver.
In fact the term “folk” does not seem to be an adequate description in this context - as its so different from the Anglo American style we know.
She reminded me of the legacy of Jane Birkin and Francoise Hardy in the 1960’s.
There is actually no need to understand French to enjoy the lyrics written by herself and the melodies that pull you in.
The title actually means “Someone Told Me” as she reflects on a lost love.
Her acoustic guitar style is simple but effective - refreshing and not cliched with evocative 6/8 time signatures and effective use of alliteration to deliver the lyrics.
The album lets her shine and the production minimal and effective.
The album was a surprise hit and sold more than 2 million copies.
She has produced other albums of course - and in 2008 married Nicolas Sarkozy President of France.
For me her style displays that European sensibility - that is so different from the Anglo American influence that dominates.
As a result its refreshing and takes you into her world.
More info here: