Some lively music for a wet, weary Wednesday. Let me introuce you to Alizee.
Alizée Jacotey, known professionally as Alizée, is a French singer, dancer and musician. She was born and raised in Corsica. She was discovered by Mylene Farmer, following her winning performance in the talent show ‘Graines de Star’ in 1999. Alizée is one of the best-selling female French artists of the 21st century, and is also the singer with most exports out of France. Alizée entered the music business in 2000. She has since released six studio albums, the first two of which were composed by Laurent Boutonnat and written by Mylene Farmer. Her first album was Gourmandises, which received a Platinum certification within three months of release. After its international launch in 2001, Gourmandises was a success both in France and abroad, earning Alizée the distinction of being the highest selling female French singer in 2001. The album featured her most successful single “Moi…Lolita” which reached number one in several countries in Europe and East Asia, in the UK the song was acclaimed by the NME who recognised it with a “Single of the Week” award. It became a rare example of a foreign-language song to chart highly in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 9.
Her second single ‘L’ Alizee’ garnered her first number one hit in her native France, whilst also becoming hit across Europe (not the UK) and obtaining her second Platinum disc.
Her second album was equally successful with a several top 10 singles being released from it. Probably the most popular and memorable of these was ‘J’en Ai Marre’, which broght her a third Gold disc. The popularity of this song can be judged by the fact that this video has received over 16 million plays. However there is some suggestion that her costume may have played a part in it’s success.
In recent years, critics have commented upon the maturing of Alizée’s image and style, and her being a growing artist full of “classy” sounds, and having a strong voice. They have observed how “Lolita”, who had begun her career at the beginning of the new century, has transformed into a mature woman and accomplished singer throughout the years. Here is a song from from her 5th album released 2012 which shows just that.
Although as this single ‘ Blonde’ from 2014 shows, she has kept her whimsical side.
