Artist: Kari Tieger
Album: Nos Mots
Website: http://karitieger.com
Genre: pop/chanson française/neoclassical
Sounds Like: Diane Dufresne, Linda Lemay
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: Quand je regarde vos cités, Papier glacé, Sonate d'automne, Paysages du monde
CD Review:
There are nowadays too many artists which need nothing more for a review than telling about the genre of music they play. It is enough to know what they're all about.
Kari Tieger is an exception to this rule. Her music does not fit any pre-made category. It is absolutely necessary to listen to her to understand how much she managed to create her very own niche in a world of clichés. This is very refreshing and welcome!
"Nos Mots" is an album beyond words, dare I say. Each song (including three instrumentals) has a very distinctive touch and flavour, spicing up the music though giving a mysterious, eerie touch to the whole.
Typical french music falls in two categories:
-The "vulgar" one: without any feelings or emotions to convey, barely feeding the listener's ear to keep them entertained. Sadly,it's the most widespread.
-The "popular" one: paradoxically the most refined, with its highest achievement crowned as "chanson française", cherished and kept as a tradition and national pride. Meaningful, deep lyrics, grandiose orchestration and carefully crafted song structures are its characteristics.
I could name several dozens of french artists to illustrate what I wrote, but if there's one to keep in mind and listen to, it will be Michel Sardou. A younger generation with artists like Zazie is also worth the listen.
Kari's astounding mastery of the subtleties and intricacies of the french language allows her to be a part of the elite of the "chanson française". "Nos mots" is a no-brainer: if you love artists thinking, playing, writing out of the box and singing in a language which conveys emotions as well as french does, buy it!