Vanessa Paradis (album) explained

Vanessa Paradis
Type:studio
Artist:Vanessa Paradis
Cover:Paradis_van.jpg
Released:21 September 1992
Recorded:1992
Studio:Waterfront (Hoboken, New Jersey)
Label:Remark
Producer:Lenny Kravitz
Prev Title:Variations sur le même t'aime
Prev Year:1990
Next Title:Live
Next Year:1994

Vanessa Paradis is the third studio album and English-language debut by French singer Vanessa Paradis, released on 21 September 1992 by Remark Records. It contains the singles "Be My Baby" and "Sunday Mondays".

Background and writing

Lenny Kravitz, who was dating Paradis at the time, produced and co-wrote the album. Some editions of the album contain the extra track "Gotta Have It", which is a tribute to Kravitz and is co-written by Kravitz himself. This was omitted on the US release of the album.

The album is noted for being the first time Paradis took creative control over her music. It is also noted for being innovative in its use of instruments, and for its replication of the 1960s soundscape on virtually every song. A one-hour television special on the making of the album was recorded in 1992 and aired on 28 March 1993 on French channel Canal+.

Critical reception

The album was one of her most successful and most critically acclaimed, proving to be both popular in France and the UK. It spawned several successful singles, including one of her most recognisable songs "Be My Baby".

Personnel

String quintet (tracks 1, 4, 5, 7)

Charts

Chart (1992–1993)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Belgian Albums (IFPI)[1] 4
European Albums (Music & Media)[2] 19
French Albums (SNEP)[3] 1

Notes and References

  1. Top 10 Sales in Europe . . 9 . 46 . 14 November 1992 . 22 . 29800226 . World Radio History.
  2. European Top 100 Albums . Music & Media . 9 . 45 . 7 November 1992 . 45 . 29800226 . World Radio History.
  3. Top 10 Sales in Europe . Music & Media . 9 . 42 . 24 October 1992 . 20 . 29800226 . World Radio History.