French music review: Clara Luciani

This debut album featuring the deep, original and confident voice of Clara Luciani first came out in April 2018 and went on to achieve platinum sales – but it got an upgraded re-release at the end of 2019 with five new tracks.

The 27-year-old Martigues (Bouches-du-Rhône) singer-songwriter of Corsican descent cites Françoise Hardy, Gainsbourg, Nico (a striking vocal resemblance), and Paul McCartney among her influences.

After a period as a singer with French psych-punk rock band La Femme and later as part of duo Hologram, she struck out on her own.

The album’s message is positively upbeat, with themes of femininity melded with tales of relationships as well as plenty of spiky wordplays.

Driving rhythms such as on the anthemic opening track La Grenade and her brilliant take on the Metronomy song The Bay (La Baie) make for a superb slice of bass-led power pop.

The mood is more contemplative and sexy on Eddy and Les Fleurs, making the whole a fully-rounded, modern pop offering.

If you want to hear what a cool French woman with a truly unique voice sounds like today, stream or buy Sainte Victoire.

Watch and listen: