Brigitte Fontaine, Areski Belkacem - Baraka 1980 (2025) [Hi-Res]

Following the groundbreaking Comme à la radio—fueled by the free jazz spirit of the Art Ensemble of Chicago—Brigitte Fontaine and Areski Belkacem released six albums between 1972 and 1977, embracing a minimalist, experimental style that contrasted with the polished French pop of the era.

Their music, often built around voice, guitar, and drums, or even fully a cappella, emphasized poetry, intimacy, and spontaneity. This unconventional approach earned them a place in the countercultural and underground scenes.

In the late 1970s, Fontaine attempted to gain broader visibility without sacrificing her artistic essence. This led to the creation of the album "Baraka" ("blessing" in Arabic), originally recorded in a home studio with no outside musicians. The project was ambitious, blending introspective lyrics, surreal humor, stereo duets, and layered vocals.

However, the album’s original spirit was compromised when production shifted to Studio Davout under Martial “Mimi” Lorenzini, whose overblown arrangements clashed with the duo’s minimalist intent. The resulting album—renamed Les églantines sont peut-être formidables—was ultimately disavowed by the artists and never commercially released.

Decades later, rediscovered demo tapes of Baraka have emerged, revealing stripped-down, emotionally resonant versions of the songs. These raw recordings restore the duo’s original vision and bridge a crucial gap in their discography, between their lo-fi experimental years and their later, more accessible output.

Even today, Fontaine and Belkacem remain fearless innovators, constantly redefining the boundaries of French chanson.

Tracklist:
01-01 Brigitte Fontaine - Le ménage [4:49]
01-02 Brigitte Fontaine - L'éternel retour [2:37]
01-03 Brigitte Fontaine - La Traversée [3:05]
01-04 Brigitte Fontaine - Le Light show [1:51]
01-05 Brigitte Fontaine - La vache [2:44]
01-06 Brigitte Fontaine - Pif [2:59]
01-07 Brigitte Fontaine - Tout le monde se rappelle peut-être de quoi il s'agit [10:16]
01-08 Brigitte Fontaine - La maison du café [3:11]
01-09 Brigitte Fontaine - Baby boum boum [3:18]