Bruni album sparks media backlash

CARLA Bruni’s popularity has taken a dent following the release of her album Comme Si De Rien N'Etait.

The first lady, who had been riding high in polls among the French has found herself the target of scorn from opponents of her husband and music critics alike.

In an interview this morning Bruni admitted was "hurt" by the reaction to the album, which can be heard online at her website.

Half a million people have logged in to listen ahead of the official release according to figures from her record company Naive.

"Of course it hurts me, but I also find it quite natural," Bruni said in an interview on RTL radio.

"It's understandable that people can't help mixing up my work as an artist and my function. Maybe they feel offended by the fact the head of state's wife should make a record," she said.

The 40-year-old Bruni, who married Sarkozy in February said she was in a "privileged enough position to be able to handle violent reactions."

In Britain, a press which feted the former model on a state visit earlier this year, roundly panned the album.

"First lady... of schmaltz," headlined The Independent saying Bruni’s songs were "simpering and weedy".

Meanwhile The Times noted that it "may be the best album ever made by the wife of a head of state."

Most of the songs, including Ma Came (My Drug – a song that links falling in love with substance abuse) were written before her relationship with Nicolas Sarkozy began last November.

Only one song Ta Tienne appears to refer to their relationship with Bruni referring to the president as "My lord."

“I, who used to make men dance, I give my whole self to you... Let them curse me, let them damn me. I don't give a stuff," run the lyrics.

As first lady, Bruni is not planning a live tour due to the heavy security that would be required. She has said she will donate royalties to charity.

Bruni says she has no regrets about making the album, but she suggested this week her official functions would take priority from now on.

"If I give enough to my new role, in terms of what I can really do to help other people, would that not take up all of a person's time?"

"If people don't listen because I married the president of the republic, I understand. If they do listen because I married the president of the republic, I will be delighted," she said.

Bruni's first record wowed both critics and the public, selling two million copies worldwide, although her second, last year's No Promises which put the words of English poets to music, did less well, with 380,000 copies sold.

Have a listen for yourself on www.carlabruni.com

Photo: Afp