Daniel Balavoine

Ill-fated, fragile, yet rebellious, to a certain extent, Daniel Balavoine might be considered the ultimate young herald of '80s French pop. Musically aware of the changes of pop music going on outside of France's borders, Balavoine has been one of the few French songwriters able to live in the present, breaking down doors and playing a major role (alongside Jean Michel Jarre) in the construction of a radio-friendly French synth pop/rock sound. His stormy public persona is well-known, since he spent a lot of time on French TV. Balavoine happens to be one of the most covered French singers of his era, which, undoubtedly, is a testimony to his talent. ~ Olivier Duboc