Review/Open Your Box 17: Yelle, "Pop-Up"

Yelle, Pop-Up (2007; US: 2008)

Every once in a while, an impulse purchase turns out to be worth every penny. I randomly picked up French electro-pop singer Yelle's debut album Pop-Up a few weeks ago, and have loved it ever since! The album's twelve tracks are all well-crafted pop delights full of hooks and catchy melodies, making them universally enjoyable despite the obvious language barrier. Opener "Ce Jeu" is a bouncy uptempo delight, followed up by the addictive dance anthem (and hit single) "A Cause Des Garçons." "Tristesse/Joie" is among the best on the album for its simple chorus and amazing synth build-ups. Even in the middle, the album never drags, with the throwback sounds of "Tu Es Beau" keeping things unique. "Je Veux Te Voir," Yelle's debut single, is an instant favorite that was clearly a worldwide club hit for good reason. The four tracks that complete the album are just as fun, concluding with the stilted, sing-along production of "Jogging" and a techno-fied remix of "A Cause Des Garçons." Her distinctive voice and enthusiastically quirky delivery, coupled with the pristine beats supplied by collaborator GrandMarnier, make for an unforgettable pop record. For fans of French electronic music, or just pop and dance music in general, Yelle's Pop-Up is a necessary investment, and one that will stay in heavy rotation for a while.

Yelle, "A Cause Des Garçons" [YSI]
Yelle, "Tristesse/Joie" [YSI]***
Yelle, "Je Veux Te Voir" [YSI]

***As featured in the recent birthday mixtape.

***Note: Links removed***

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