Jane Birkin - À la légère (1999)

1999's A La Legere was Jane Birkin's first album to be recorded with no input whatsoever from Serge Gainsbourg, but his absence -- perhaps surprisingly -- did not show. Indeed, it emerged as one of her most beautiful recordings yet, a transitional set, yes, but also a confident one. Philippe Lerichomme's arrangements are spellbinding throughout, while songs the quality of "Les Avalanches," "Trouble," and "C'est Comme Ca" would have dignified any of her earlier, more feted albums.