Christine and the Queens
by Christine and the Queens
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. The Guardian
    Mar 3, 2016
    100
    You never find yourself in the presence of music that sounds self-consciously clever. Everything flows easily, nothing jars.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Apr 11, 2016
    90
    Héloïse Letissier’s synth-driven record is a more subtle, catch-you-unaware affair.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 22, 2016
    90
    A truly enjoyable record, a durable collection of interesting and exciting pop music that is hopefully only the first of many to come from Christine and the Queens.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 29, 2016
    80
    It is both old news and a welcome opportunity to praise Letissier’s stylish, empathetic songs: bilingual, sexually fluid, influenced by R&B, hip-hop and glitchy digitals.
  6. DIY Magazine
    Feb 26, 2016
    80
    A bright, well constructed and boldly vivid first outing, showing a first rate ear for instantly osmosing melody, this debut is written for the Christine in everyone.
  7. Mojo
    Feb 22, 2016
    80
    There's no manifesto here, only an exploration of identity, just as Letissier searches for her place in this decade's pantheon of fabulous poly-musical femmes. [Apr 2016, p.92]
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  8. Q Magazine
    Feb 22, 2016
    80
    There's melodrama aplenty, but it's the meaningful lyricism in both French and English--and a smart Kanye sample on Paradis Perdus--that make it really sparkle. [Apr 2016, p.102]
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  9. Billboard.com
    Feb 22, 2016
    80
    Unexpected collaborations with stateside cool kids like Perfume Genius on the aching “Jonathan” and talented Philly rapper Tunji Ige on the plush “No Harm Is Done” should charm any skeptics who might worry Letissier got lost in translation.
  10. Pitchfork
    Feb 22, 2016
    80
    Her music is bold and fully formed.
  11. Spin
    Feb 22, 2016
    80
    Where Marina’s appeal lies in her writing her emotions large through her music, Christine achieves something more challenging and arguably richer in gleefully obfuscating hers--making her as difficult to read in song as on her minimalist and tonally flat LP cover, but essentially inviting you to come and be puzzling with her.
  12. Uncut
    Feb 29, 2016
    70
    This expertly wrought debut is an impressive platform for twentysomething polymath Heloise Letissier. [Apr 2016, p.71]
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2015
73
#73 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 63
  3. Negative: 8 out of 63
  1. Jajuka5180
    Mar 23, 2017
    10
    One of the best albums I have heard in years, Chaleur Humaine is a brilliant and constantly engaging album of experimental French pop. TheOne of the best albums I have heard in years, Chaleur Humaine is a brilliant and constantly engaging album of experimental French pop. The English version, Christine And The Queens, is good, but I found a magic in the French album that was slightly lost in the translation (and I don't speak a word of French), plus the omission of the French title track and another great track makes it less favorable to me (though the two new tracks on the English version are also good). But regardless of the language, this album is immensely enjoyable from beginning to end.

    Most importantly, the song Christine (Tilted in English) is an absolute MASTERPIECE. My absolute favorite song of last year... everything about it is perfection. Again, I don't care for the translated version; the original has a passion and vulnerability that feels slightly lost when sung in English. Most interestingly, though, the lyrics were not translated 1 to 1... she appears to have tried to match vowel sounds, to maintain some of the same feel. A brilliant move, showing just how deep her understanding of music theory really is.

    Seeing her in concert in Seattle last year sealed the deal; Héloïse Letissier is an absolute genius, and has immense potential that I'm excited to see flourish. English or French, I can't recommend this album enough (but if you can find the French version, Chaleur Humaine, BUY IT!)    … Full Review »
  2. hannahwashere
    Mar 30, 2023
    9
    Such a distinct and fully realised debut project. As both an exploration of the self and an introduction to Christine and the Queens, thisSuch a distinct and fully realised debut project. As both an exploration of the self and an introduction to Christine and the Queens, this album endeavors to bear all to the listener. Chaleur Humaine is French Pop excellence.… Full Review »
  3. GrahamCoath
    Dec 3, 2022
    4
    A great album. Has enough leftfield quirk to keep you interested in the music and enough pop for you to want to dance. The vocals make it, sublime.
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