“Tourne dans le vide” by Indila (2014) – “Spinning in the void.”
The French song “Tourne dans le vide” is about feeling lost and alone, as if the singer is spinning in a void. She sings about wanting to escape her reality and find someone to love but is unable to do so.
“Jour 1” by Louanne (2015) – “Day 1”
“Jour 1” is a French song that became an instant hit in France. by the French singer and actress Louane, whose real name is Anne Peichert.
Louane is a French singer and actress , whose real name is Anne Peichert. she who first rose to fame in France as a finalist on the French version of the talent show “The Voice”. Although she didn’t win the competition, her appearance on the show opened up many doors for her and she now has a loyal fanbase.
The song features an upbeat and energetic melody paired with powerful and emotional lyrics that celebrate new beginnings and the start of a new journey. The song encourages listeners to embrace change and look forward to the future with hope and optimism.
“La c’est die” by Ridsa (2015) – “This place is dope”
“La c’est die” is a toe-tapping French pop song recorded by French singer and rapper RIDSA, known for blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
The song’s title is French slang, meaning “This is it,” as in “The it thing.” The song is about a relationship that’s reached a breaking point, and the singer reflects on love’s ups and downs as he tries to make sense of it all.
“Je m’en fous” by RIDSA (2016) – “I don’t care.”
“Je m’en fous” is another French rap/hip-hop song recorded by French singer and rapper RIDSA.
The lyrics express that the singer doesn’t care what others think of him and is confident in himself and his abilities. The song encourages people to be self-confident, independent, and proud of who they are and not let the opinions of others hold them back.
“je joue de la musique” by Calogero (2017) – “I play the music”
The song is an upbeat and catchy tune with a fun and playful vibe, and its lyrics celebrate the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of community.
In the song, Calogero sings about the joy of playing music and the happiness it brings him and those around him. He emphasizes the universal appeal of music and how it transcends borders and language, bringing people from all walks of life together in a shared experience.
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (2017) – Desperado
I cheated a little here because this is a Spanish language song that was a massive hit in France, so to include it on this list of French songs, I thought I would include the French version of the song “Despacito,” sung by the Puerto Rican Duo.
Have a listen, and you’ll see why it was such a massive hit in France. The song was even included in the 2019 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for breaking seven records. The music video clip became the first video to exceed 6 billion views on YouTube. The second most viewed video on YouTube at the time was Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You music video, with only 4.09 billion views.
Bella Ciao by Gims (2017) – “Hello Beautiful”
“Balance ton quoi” by Angèle (2019 ) – “Denounce Your Thing”
The hit song by Belgian singer Angèle called “balance ton quoi” is a nod to the #MeToo movement in France, where the hashtag #BalanceTonPorc (meaning “Denounce your pig”) was widely used. The song openly addresses the issues of sexism and misogyny in society and advocates for education as the key to overcoming these challenges. Angèle candidly comments on these social issues in her music, making the song a powerful and impactful statement on contemporary gender equality.
“Tout oublier” by Angèle and Roméo Elvis, (2019) – “Forget Everything”
A viral hit in France, with its music video racking millions of YouTube views. The song’s message of wanting to escape from one’s problems and start fresh with someone new resonated with many listeners.
Famous French songs from the 2020s
Only time will tell which French songs will be worth remembering 20, 40 and 50 years from now.
What are the top 20 songs in France right now?
Although it’s difficult to predict which modern French songs will stand the test of time, here are the top 20 most listened to French songs (on the radio) since the beginning of 2020. Subject to change.
- Assis dans la nuit by Stairs
- Facile by Camelia Jordana
- Nos celebrations by Iindochine
- Desole pour hier sor by Tryo, Mcfly & Carlito
- À nos héros du quotidien by Soprano
- Jusqu’au bou by Amel Ben & Imen Es
- Avant toi by Vitaa & Simane
- Si T’es pas la by M Pokora
- Donne-moi ton coeur by Louanne
- tout au bout du monde by Tiz
- Beau-papa by Vianney
- Ma soeur by Clara Luciani
- Ça ira by Vitaa & Slimane
- N’attendons pas by Vianney
- La Fête by Amir
- Amour censure by Hoshi
- Derniere Metro by Kendji Girac & Gims
- Malheur Malheur by Gims
- Pas Beaux by Vitaa & Slimane
- Comme c’est bon by Jenifer
Conclusion
From traditional Chansons and French folk songs to French pop, French rock and French new wave, the French music scene is filled with some of the most iconic and memorable songs and music.
But more importantly, songs can give you a glimpse into French culture through the decades. French learners, you can benefit too because French songs can also help you learn french.
