Popular French bands. Recommended groups.

Ange Ou DémonManigance

Manigance – Ange Ou Démon

Manigance is a band that breathed new life into France’s formidable heavy metal scene.

Formed in 1995, they released their debut album, “Ange ou démon,” in 2002.

Their signature lies in French lyrics paired with powerful melodies, along with progressive elements that reveal influences from Dream Theater and Vanden Plas.

In 2006, they served as a support act for Whitesnake and DragonForce, earning greater international recognition.

After lineup changes, their 2018 album “Machine Nation” saw the addition of female vocalist Carine Pinto.

Highly recommended for those interested in the fusion of French lyrics with a metal sound.

Au marché du soleilMassilia Sound System

Massilia Sound System – Au marché du soleil

Hailing from Marseille, they’re a reggae band that sings in French and Occitan—a reflection of their over-30-year history and the multicultural character of their nation.

It’s a track that conveys power through its lively, hybrid dance beats and irresistibly groovy sound.

Ma ScandaleuseMickael Miro

Mickael Miro – Ma Scandaleuse (clip officiel)

Mickaël Miro is a singer-songwriter and producer from Lyon, France.

Strongly influenced by Jean-Jacques Goldman, he has attracted attention on the French pop music scene.

He released his debut single, “L’horloge tourne,” in 2010 to great success.

In 2011, his talent was highly acclaimed when the song was named Song of the Year at “La Chanson de l’année.” Beyond his own music career, he has also shown his versatility by managing the singer Slimane since 2016.

Blending traditional French pop with a modern touch, his songs are loved by listeners across generations.

He is a recommended artist for those seeking refined, quintessentially French music.

Got to belongNatas Loves You

Natas Loves You – Got To Belong

With fresh, gentle vocals and synth sounds that evoke a vast, cosmic atmosphere, this synth-pop wraps you in a sense of bliss.

It also carries a touch of nostalgic retro charm, and the music video is stylish in a distinctly French way.

You and IPapooz

Papooz – You and I (Official Video)

If you’re looking for a French band that plays stylish, tasteful pop, we recommend Papooz, an indie-pop duo from Paris.

Formed in 2012 by two childhood friends, they released their debut album, Green Juice, in 2016.

With a minimalist, tropical rhythmic sensibility typical of post-2010 groups, paired with refined melodies and string arrangements in the French pop tradition, their work showcases exceptional taste and results in pop albums that many listeners can enjoy.

Thanks to their good looks, they’ve attracted attention early on in Japan as well, visiting several times and releasing music videos shot during their trips, much to the delight of their Japanese fans.

They’ve also covered the classic Lovely by Shibuya-kei pioneer Kenji Ozawa, so be sure to check that out too!

On the road againRockets

On the Road Again

The Rockets are a band formed in 1974, and as their name suggests, they’re a French group whose songs and music videos mainly revolve around a space theme.

Although they’re a French band, they’ve been especially popular in Italy, and many of their tracks still sound modern and cutting-edge today, making them easy to listen to without any quirks.

L’hymne de nos campagnesTryo

Tryo – L’hymne de nos campagnes (Clip officiel)

Tryo is a French reggae band active since 1995.

Their unique live performances are very popular, and combined with the stylishness of their songs, they are well-known not only in France but across Europe.

Their lyrics, which carry strong messages, are also one of the reasons for their popularity.