Françoise Hardy: "In Deutschland" (2025) CD Review

Last year, Omnivore Recordings released Françoise Hardy Blues: Complete Vogue Recordings 1962 - 1967, a massive boxed set that includes ten albums, with more than two hundred tracks, a DVD and a book. Earlier in the year, a double album compilation titled En Vogue: Best Of 1962 - 1967 was released as part of Record Store Day, and then on CD soon afterward. And seven Françoise Hardy albums that were part of the boxed set were issued individually on both vinyl and CD in the latter part of the year. In Deutschland is one of the seven that were so issued. It's an album with an interesting history, for there were several different versions of the album released in the 1960s, some with the songs in different orders, or with different songs. This re-issue contains the original twelve songs in their original order, along with two more tracks.

German is not generally known as a beautiful language, but delivered by the voice of Françoise Hardy, it loses its harsher aspects. I suppose in her hands, anything can become beautiful, and that's clear right from the album's first track, "Wenn Dieses Lied Erklingt," which has a sweet pop vibe. And that vibe is created mainly by her vocal performance. We are drawn to her voice, even comforted by it. And the album's second track, "Frag' Den Abendwind," is even prettier and more appealing. There is something gentle and soothing about her performance, and the song seems to take us into a fairy tale. Who would not be eager to follow Françoise Hardy into another realm? This is one of my personal favorite tracks.

"Dann Bist Du Verliebt" has more of a rock vibe as it starts, especially with that guitar part at the beginning. There is a brighter energy to Françoise Hardy's vocal delivery, and in the way the horn seems to respond to her at certain points. This is a fun number that sounds very much of its time. That's followed by "Ein Fenster Wird Hell," the German version of her song "Dans Le Monde Entier." And, yes, it's gorgeous. Sure, it's perhaps not quite as appealing as the original French version (how could it be?), but it is still strikingly beautiful and moving, and is another of the disc's highlights. You don't need to know what she is saying to be completely moved and captivated by her performance.

I love the way Françoise Hardy seems to completely open herself, to make herself vulnerable in her music. Her delivery is honest, in whatever language she happens to be singing, and so we are drawn to her. I think it is partly because when she opens herself up, she does the same to those who are listening. On "Er War Wie Du," there is a wonderful intimacy, and so a shared feeling, a shared experience. Then "Wer Du Bist" is a lively pop number. She is joined by backing vocalists. It's strangely catchy and fun. But in general I prefer her softer numbers, such as "Ich Hab' Das Glück," the German version of her "J'aurais Voulu." The original version was included on her 1963 self-titled album. Again, this rendition has the beauty of the original, or at least much of it. It's so easy to become immersed in her music, even when it is delivered in German.

"Ich Sag' Ja" is another fun, upbeat number that is rather adorable, a number to get you twisting and moving. This is the German rendition of her "J'suis D'accord," and this version has backing vocalists joining her. Those backing vocals are rather playful, as when singing "Nein nein." The German version is a bit longer than the original French version. That's followed by "Peter Und Lou," the German version of her "Tous Les Garçons Et Les Filles." It's interesting that her German renditions are not direct translations of the French lyrics. Anyway, this is a wonderful song, with a nice swell of strings in the middle.

Françoise Hardy's music has a great ability to transport us to another time, another place, especially a number like "Die Liebe Geht," the German version of her "L'amour S'en Va." By the way, her Italian rendition of this song is included on Canta Per Voi In Italiano, which was also re-issued by Omnivore Recordings. "Die Liebe Geht" is followed by "Ich Steige Dir Auf's Dach," an adorable, catchy number. Françoise Hardy naturally inhabits the world of this song, getting completely into it. I feel like we are at some German club of the past, and Françoise Hardy is the entertainer, welcoming us, and helping us to adapt to our new surroundings. "Oh Oh Cheri" is another adorable and fun song. Françoise Hardy recorded this song in French and Italian too. The Italian version is included on Canta Per Voi In Italiano. I can't help but smile when listening to this track.

"Ich Bin Nun Mal Ein Mädchen" is a song that was released as a single in 1965, with "Er War Wie Du." Françoise Hardy had recorded the song in French too, that version titled "Pourtant Tu M'aimes," included on a 1964 self-titled album (geez, she's like Peter Gabriel, having her first several records all self-titled). Anyway, it's an interesting song that begins with some nice work on drums. The disc then concludes with "Die Andere," the German rendition of her "Et Même." The Italian version, "I Sentimenti," is included on Canta Per Voi In Italiano. It's an enjoyable song in any language.

CD Track List

1. Wenn Dieses Lied Erklingt
2. Frag' Den Abendwind
3. Dann Bist Du Verliebt
4. Ein Fenster Wird Hell
5. Er War Wie Du
6. Wer Du Bist
7. Ich Hab' Das Glück
8. Ich Sag' Ja
9. Peter Und Lou
10. Die Liebe Geht
11. Ich Steige Dir Auf's Dach
12. Oh Oh Cheri
13. Ich Bin Nun Mal Ein Mädchen
14. Die Andere

In Deutschland was released on December 12, 2025 through Omnivore Recordings. Released on that same date was Canta Per Voi In Italiano.