Serge Gainsbourg

"Histoire de Melody Nelson" is an album by French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, which was released on March 24, 1971 through Philips Records. The album was produced by Jean-Claude Desmarty and it tells the story of a romantic relationship between the middle-aged narrator and a 15-year-old girl named Melody Nelson. It's widely considered as Gainsbourg's most influential and accomplished work and also one of the greatest French-language albums in popular music. Many critics and fans consider it to be a masterpiece of French music.

The album is notable for its concept and storytelling. The album tells the story of a middle-aged man who falls in love with a teenage girl, Melody Nelson, and their subsequent relationship. Serge Gainsbourg's lyrics are poetic, evocative and often controversial, and they paint a vivid picture of the characters and their emotions. The story is not only told through the lyrics but also through the instrumentals and the arrangement of the songs, which create a sense of continuity and cohesiveness throughout the album.

The record is considered a masterpiece of production and arrangements. Gainsbourg worked with Jean-Claude Vannier, a renowned French composer and arranger, to create a unique and distinctive sound for the album. The music is a blend of orchestral, rock, and pop elements, with a strong use of strings, horns, and percussion. The arrangements are complex and sophisticated, and they perfectly complement the story and the lyrics.

The album is considered a pinnacle of Gainsbourg's career as a singer-songwriter. Throughout his career, Serge Gainsbourg had been known for his provocative and controversial lyrics, but on "L'histoire de Melody Nelson", he elevated his songwriting to a new level. The album showcases his ability to balance his provocative themes with a sense of poetry and beauty.

The record is considered a classic in the French chanson tradition. Chanson is a genre of French music characterized by its poetic and personal lyrics. "L'histoire de Melody Nelson" is considered a perfect example of the genre, as it showcases Gainsbourg's ability to blend poetic and personal lyrics with a wide range of musical influences. The album is also considered as a modern interpretation of the chanson tradition, as it incorporates elements of rock, pop, and classical music.

Lastly, the album has stood the test of time, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic of French music. It's considered a major influence on many French and international artists, and it's still widely covered and referenced in contemporary music. It's also considered a cult classic, as it has a devoted fanbase and continues to be celebrated by critics, musicians and music lovers.