Renaud - Renaud (Deluxe Version) (2019)

Renaud's most recent album is self-titled but was apparently intended to be called "Toujours Debout" which roughly translates as "Still Standing". Rough would be a suitable term because the last 15 years have been just that for Renaud Sechan. But with the help of some gifted co-writers, he has released an album that sits comfortably along his past success, and while this album may not translate into any major success outside France, that probably won't keep him up at night. He's still opinionated, still likes some slang, and knows a few sentimental nods to his children will convey a little tenderness beneath his gravelly voice. Speaking of, he sounds terrific. The engineer who miked his vocals deserves a knighthood because if you've seen him live, you know the years have taken a toll on him. But the recording manages to make him sound a little more youthful than maybe he deserves. After dabbling in a few different milieu over the years, it's comforting to hear him sign off on the upbeat "Toujorus Debout" with the pledge that he's going to keep singing. A little defiant; maybe optimistic? Perhaps it's a little of both. And that's just what the world needs.