Recommended French artists. Popular international singers and singer-songwriters.
France is one of the countries where music has developed remarkably worldwide.
When people hear “French songs,” I don’t think many can immediately picture specific works.
So this time, I’ve put together an introduction to French artists for those people.
I’ve selected a wide range—from artists active in the 1960s to more recent ones.
It also includes lesser-known, minor tracks that have very low name recognition in Japan, so even music aficionados can enjoy this collection.
Please take your time and enjoy it to the end!
Recommended French artists. Popular international singers and singer-songwriters (1–10)
One more timeDaft Punk
Daft Punk, the French electro duo with worldwide popularity, have released a wide range of tracks centered on techno and house.
One of their biggest appeals is, without a doubt, their sampling.
Many of the sources they sample are extremely niche, and when you listen to the original tracks, you can really appreciate their high level of arranging skills.
One More Time is one of their signature hit songs and became a massive success around the world.
Eblouie par la nuitZAZ
Zaz is currently the artist most loved by listeners in France.
She’s an internationally acclaimed musician whose unique appeal lies in blending a variety of genres, including jazz and Latin music.
Above all, her greatest strengths are her expressive power and her voice.
With a very husky tone, her voice is guaranteed to stick in your ears after just one listen.
Among her songs, Eblouie par la nuit stands out as one of the most emotional works, notable for its philosophical lyrics.
AcrobatesL.E.J
L.
E.
J is a French vocal trio that achieved worldwide recognition in 2015 when one of their YouTube videos became a massive hit.
The group’s name comes from the initials of its members: Lucie Lebrun, Elisa Paris, and Juliette Saumagne.
While they have idol-like looks, they are highly skilled and possess strong vocal group abilities.
Their song “Acrobates” is a great example that showcases their impressive talents.
Be sure to check it out.
Hymne à l’amourEdith Piaf
Édith Piaf, the most famous French singer.
Strictly speaking, it’s not a genre, but she is one of the leading artists of chanson, and even after her passing, her songs continue to be played across various media.
One of her signature masterpieces is “Hymne à l’amour.” It’s a work where you can savor her extraordinary expressiveness, beautifully conveying the depth of love.
In the history of music, she ranks among the very best at pouring emotion into her performances, so be sure to check her out.
AAADimie Cat
Dimi Cat is a singer-songwriter from France.
As a vocalist in electro swing—a swing jazz style centered on electronic music—she has gained international popularity.
Her classic approach, which embodies the upbeat, groovy side of electro swing, is striking; every track retains a stylish atmosphere while still being easy to dance to.
The piece “AAA” is the work that helped propel her to international fame.
Trop FreshMonsieur Nov
Mr.
Nobu, a Vietnamese R&B singer.
He was born in Vietnam but moved to France, where he has developed most of his career.
While he is an R&B singer, his songs strongly reflect neo-soul influences.
So if you like artists such as D’Angelo or Bilal, he comes highly recommended.
His track “Trop Fresh” is one of his most stylish and sophisticated melodies.
Be sure to check it out.
Est-ce que tu m’aimes ?Maître Gims
Maître Gims is a rapper from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Even among people who listen to French music, not many may know him.
Although he is active in Congo as well, he has recently been focusing on France and has collaborated multiple times with famous French singers.
He is also known for his powerful vocal ability that rivals that of dedicated vocalists, despite being a rapper.
“Est-ce que tu m’aimes?” is one of his signature songs.