Histoire de Melody Nelson
by Serge Gainsbourg
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Pitchfork
    100
    This reissue on luxuriously hefty vinyl is the first time the album's been released in the U.S.--a superb opportunity to hear a record that's been occasionally imitated but never matched.
  2. The A.V. Club
    100
    The album’s remarkable 28 minutes still push boundaries, not just buttons.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    100
    Frequently labeled as a lecherous rogue or public provocateur, Gainsbourg is also one of the most important artists of the 20th century, and this masterpiece is the proof.
  5. PopMatters
    100
    This is genre-defying music, but anyone with an interest in hearing a blueprint for trip hop or a master class in the depiction of desire in pop music, should be sure to listen to this mysterious, timeless, contradictory album.
  6. Paste Magazine
    91
    Andy Votel’s encyclopedic liner notes and a Gainsbourg interview make this version the definitive reissue for the as-yet unsullied.
  7. Under The Radar
    90
    As a concept album, listeners will need to forgo Gainsbourg's typical mixed bag of song structures within an album in favor of more similar songs threaded with recurring musical motifs. [Spring 2009, p.80]
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  8. Blender
    80
    Lush and languorous, velvet-robe decadent and soft-focus steamy, Histoire is a make-out record and a gross-out record.
  9. Uncut
    80
    It's blend of whispered poesy, free-form rock, and orchestration, by Jean Claude Vannier, is much celebrated and sampled. this reissue provides a definitive account of its making. [May 2009, p.86]
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  10. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Gainsbourg's whispered nothings are mystery no more, translated here alongside the French lyrics. While there are no bonus tracks, the accompanying booklet features extensive essays from music writer Andy Beta and electronic musician Andy Votel.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 69
  3. Negative: 10 out of 69
  1. Andremax
    Mar 11, 2019
    10
    Serge Gainsbourg, getting borrowed elements of Bowie and Velvet Underground predicted punk from France But although irreverence, Histoire deSerge Gainsbourg, getting borrowed elements of Bowie and Velvet Underground predicted punk from France But although irreverence, Histoire de Melody Nelson can be orchestral and exquisite.… Full Review »
  2. jps4
    Dec 7, 2015
    10
    this album is a masterpiece, especially the song CARGO CULTE in which the guitar is like a divagation arround the bass line, and the end withthis album is a masterpiece, especially the song CARGO CULTE in which the guitar is like a divagation arround the bass line, and the end with the backing vocals is awesome… Full Review »
  3. DanD
    May 26, 2009
    10
    A perfect mix of music, texture and mood. The music perfectly reflects the mood and the evocative meaning of the text, also perfect. Very A perfect mix of music, texture and mood. The music perfectly reflects the mood and the evocative meaning of the text, also perfect. Very much appreciated if you can understand the french subtelties, nothing's lost in the translation.… Full Review »
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