Francoise Hardy La Question CD

Throughout her career, most of Françoise Hardy's arrangements have tended toward the lush, though in a good way. La Question is lush too, but it's one of her most sparsely produced efforts, usually finding her voice accompanied by little more than an acoustic guitar, touches of bass, and very subtle orchestration. Much of the record's lights-low ambience could be attributed to Tuca (no last name given), who played guitar, co-arranged, and co-wrote most of the tunes (though Hardy did contribute to the composition of a few tracks). It may be her best post-'60s effort, songs like "Chanson d'O" and "Le Martien" featuring some of her most whispery, seductive vocals. As fireside romantic music goes, it beats the hell out of José Feliciano. ~ Richie Unterberger

CD reissue of the French Pop superstar's 1971 album, one of her finest and most distinctive efforts. Initially considered a departure from her more commercial hits from the '60s, La Question has become a virtual calling-card for Hardy and has proven to be extremely influential on the modern French Pop scene. Though sparse in it's execution, the album demands the listener's attention and offers more of it's secrets with each additional spin. Although she's had albums that were more successful, sales-wise, La Question continues to be embraced by new generations of music fans. 12 tracks including 'Chanson D'O' and 'Le Martien'. EMI.Magnet (p.118) - "LA QUESTION is Hardy's post-'60s high water mark, a surprisingly complex babymaker symphony of lights-down-low lullabies."