Yana
Could you recommend good Spanish and French music? I'm learning Spanish and French and music is one of the things that motivate me the most. The problem is all French and Spanish songs seem to be about love :) and I'd like to find something with more meaningful lyrics. Romance is ok, but only when it's among other topics an artist sings about. Take Leonard Cohen, Dave Matthews or System of a Down, for example. They do mention love, still they've got a lot to say about current social issues.
Apr 19, 2018 5:25 PM
Comments · 10
2

Jean-Marc,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP2ybmooel8 - it's Аквариум, one of the best Russian bands. This song criticises the Russian reality in such a sharp and clever way. Its lyrics are probably some of the most brilliant I've ever seen in a song.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxJgLWW0Cmk - Regina Spektor lives in the US now, but she was born in Moscow. The words are by Bulat Okudzhava. That song was the first I thougt of and was going to give a link to, but Natasha beat me to it) 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KC-iscJtsI - ДДТ, "Осень" (Autumn). There probably isn't a Russian alive who doesn't know this song) Юрий Шевчук (vocals) is one of the most loved and respected musicians (and people) in Russia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=229WGPPzi1s - Наутилус Помпилиус, "Скованные одной цепью" (Bound with one chain). Brilliant criticism of the Soviet regime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6-9uyjSNNk -  Александр Розенбаум, "Вальс-бостон". I sang this one at my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary)





April 20, 2018
1

For substance, I'd second Stromae and Noir Desir.  Try these:


Noir Desir: Le Vent Nous portera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrgcRvBJYBE
Stromae: Quand c'est: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aJw4chksqM
Stromae: Carmen [English subtitles]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKftOH54iNU

Some other non-love lyrics I enjoy (yes, the Emilie Loiseau song is about getting over a relationship, but that's the closest I went):

Manno Charlemagne: La fimen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vncyl4ZgHk
Rokia Traore: melancolie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vshD7FLuVpI
Zazie: Je suis un homme [english subtitles]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_eiYT1KmUc
Les cowboys fringants: Plus rien: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WygtbPEtVWQ
Mes Aieux: degeneration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2V3NrvThlg
Emilie Simon:Fleur de Saison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RUJ22Ca2k
Emilie Loizeau: Fais battre ton tambour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKUgpDVPRHE
Ridan: L'agriculture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm-ZCyo1Ung
Ridan: Madame la Republique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-EJvikb2kY
Ridan: Ah Les Salauds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V66Kx8BMRyQ

Plenty of old traditional songs also steer clear of love.  Two of my favorites:

Quand je bois du vin claret: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxlwCTOuTSs
J'ai vu le loup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1z7kLzpRVA

For Spanish and Finnish, try these:

Los Chirguanos: Subo: <cite class="iUh30">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnF2dX7qXXI</cite>;

Veljo Tormis: Curse upon Iron: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFFNzWaXWmM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFFNzWaXWmM</a>;

April 19, 2018
1
There is a fantastic French band called Noir Desir, that I totally recommend. 
April 19, 2018
1
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April 19, 2018
I suggest you listen to Indila, she's a french singer, her songs are amazing
April 20, 2018
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