«Strategy of Hopelessness», a sublime lucidity

Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine delivers an album where sharp rock and dark poetry intertwine. Lucid without giving in to despair, the French singer-songwriter renews his quest for free, aesthetic and dazzling music.

Do you know Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine? Born in 1948 in the French Jura, Thiéfaine is a veritable treasure trove of French chanson of his generation, and can be considered the absolute master of the marriage between (sometimes harsh) rock and French poetry. To kick off this series devoted to the richness of French chanson, we'll take a look at his latest album, Stratégie de l'inespoir, released in 2014.

Let's be clear: this album is exceptional. First and foremost, its musicality is exceptional. Arranged and co-produced by his son Lucas, this opus, which went gold shortly after its release, is based on a series of instruments