chanson
what it is
A chanson is in general any lyric-driven French song, usually polyphonic and secular. A singer specializing in chansons is known as a "chansonnier"; a collection of chansons, especially from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, is also known as a chansonnier.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make chanson a playlist
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✦ nearby genres
questions
What is chanson?
A chanson is in general any lyric-driven French song, usually polyphonic and secular. A singer specializing in chansons is known as a "chansonnier"; a collection of chansons, especially from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, is also known as a chansonnier.
What are good chanson albums to start with?
Try Ces Gens-Là by Jacques Brel, Quelqu'un m'a dit by Carla Bruni, Weißes Papier by Element of Crime, and Bohème by Annett Louisan.
Who are some women making chanson?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/chanson/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making chanson, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20