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Christine and the Queens
by
Christine and the Queens Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

  • Summary: Chaleur Humaine, the 2014 French language release from the French synth-pop artist is reissued with songs redone in English and additional new songs featuring guest appearances from Tunji Ige and Perfume Genius.
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  • Record Label: Atlantic / Because Music / Neon Gold
  • Genre(s): Pop, Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Electronic
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Top Track

Tilted
I'll die way before Methuselah So I'll fight sleep with ammonia And every morning, with eyes all red I'll miss them for all the tears they shed But... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  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. 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.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Apr 11, 2016
    90
    Héloïse Letissier’s synth-driven record is a more subtle, catch-you-unaware affair.
  4. 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.
  5. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Uncut
    Feb 29, 2016
    70
    This expertly wrought debut is an impressive platform for twentysomething polymath Heloise Letissier. [Apr 2016, p.71]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  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!)    … Expand
  2. Germanoslay
    Feb 10, 2019
    10
    This album is amazing from start to finish.
    It is very dramatic and tells the story of Christine. It's really incredible how she wrote and    This album is amazing from start to finish.
    It is very dramatic and tells the story of Christine. It's really incredible how she wrote and produced it in her room all by herself and that now this album is known worldwide !    … Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. Ricko
    Jan 3, 2017
    8
    Experimental pop that you can immerse yourself in. If the themes of the album are complex and hard to digest, the music certainly is not. TheExperimental pop that you can immerse yourself in. If the themes of the album are complex and hard to digest, the music certainly is not. The French lilt just adds to the beautiful sound of the record. One of the best records based upon synths that I've heard in the last 5 years. The album has a number of highlights but what really hits home is that the tracks work best when listened to all together, the ultimate sign of a great album.… Collapse
  6. Agrondelx
    Aug 16, 2019
    8
    Chaleur Humaine captures the world out of a queer point of view and does it successfully.
  7. RK13
    Jun 6, 2017
    4
    This album is interesting. It requires a very acquired taste. French synth pop may not be everyones cup of tea. Tilted is an excellent popThis album is interesting. It requires a very acquired taste. French synth pop may not be everyones cup of tea. Tilted is an excellent pop song however an album of this woman's voice is not the best- however there is much improvement for album 2.… Expand
  8. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

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