100 French Greats / Various

The French music scene of the 20th century enjoyed a life of its own. The chanson culture emerged from the clubs, cafes and concert halls of Paris thanks to a bewildering variety of artists, while a musical revolution took place when singers brought politics into the mix. From smiling Sacha Distel through the controversial Gainsbourg to world-class songwriters like Brel and Brassens, this collection explores the roots of French music, the reverberations of which are still being heard and felt the world over.