Anggun
Encyclopedia
Anggun Cipta Sasmi is an Indonesian singer-songwriter. She has released 12 studio albums (5 in Indonesian and English, 4 in French) and one soundtrack album (Open Hearts
), and her songs have also been included on various compilation albums. Her musical career began in childhood, and she achieved commercial success in Indonesia when she was 12 years old. At the age of 20, she moved to Europe, and she is now living in Paris, France.
Her best-known album is Snow on the Sahara, which has been released in 33 countries across the world, including the US; this album also spawned her biggest worldwide hit to date, "Snow on the Sahara."
, Indonesia, as the second child and first daughter of Darto Singo, a Javanese writer and Dien Novita, a housewife. At the age of 7, Anggun started receiving highly disciplined singing instruction from her father. She trained on a daily basis, learning various vocal techniques. To help further develop her career, her mother began serving as her manager, accepting singing offers and handling business concerns. Later on, at the age of 9, Anggun recorded a children's album, Kepada Alam dan Pencinta-Nya
In her teens, Anggun was influenced by native Javanese artists as well as by rock & roll singers and bands such as Elvis Presley
, Metallica
and The Police
. In 1986, with Ian Antono
, a famous Indonesian music producer, Anggun released her first official album in Indonesia, titled Dunia Aku Punya
. Anggun's fame continued to rise with the release of subsequent singles, "Mimpi
" and most notably "Tua Tua Keladi
" (the latter earned her the "Most Popular Indonesian Artist" award for 1990–1991). These singles were massively popular in Indonesia
. In late 2009, Rolling Stone Indonesia
magazine placed the song "Mimpi" at #47 on their "150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time" list. Following the success of these singles, Anggun returned to release follow-up albums; Anak Putih Abu Abu
in 1991 and then Nocturno
in 1992. Both albums achieved great success and moreover established her as one of Indonesia's "Lady Rockers".
In 1992, Anggun began a relationship with Michel Georgea, a French man, whom she had met the year before in Kalimantan
while touring. The couple married, despite their age difference and a rumored objection by Anggun's family (reportedly because they felt Anggun was too young to get married). After the marriage, Anggun founded a record company, Bali Cipta Record, (making her the youngest Indonesian singer to do so) and released what would be her final Indonesian studio album, Anggun C. Sasmi... Lah!!!
in 1993. She attempted to shed her tomboy image with the video for the album's first single, "Kembalilah Kasih (Kita Harus Bicara)". Meanwhile, it became the first music video by Indonesian artist to appear on MTV Asia. The album was another smash hit for Anggun, but she began to feel unsatisfied with the success in her own country and started thinking about an international music career. Previously, in 1992, Anggun had signed a deal with a renowned Japanese recording company in Singapore
, Pony Canyon
, to record an English album which would be released in Asia. But later the project was cancelled, as Anggun wanted to bring her talent to the West instead.
Finally, in 1994, after the release of a compilation album containing all her Indonesian hits (entitled Yang Hilang
), she sold her record company to fund her move to Europe.
She began writing songs and recording demos, but after a few months, all the demos she had sent to record companies around UK came back with negative replies. She eventually realized that her career in the UK was going nowhere and began thinking about moving to another country. She thought about moving to the Netherlands
, thinking that it would be easier to start her international career there, since there are many Indonesians there. But she changed her mind and went to France instead, which ended up being a good choice. She recalls, "The moment I stepped my feet in Paris, it felt like home right away. So I decided to stay."
, through an acquaintance. Pagny later introduced Anggun to producer/songwriter Erick Benzi
(who previously had worked with Celine Dion
, Jean-Jacques Goldman
and Johnny Hallyday
, among others). Impressed by Anggun's talent, Benzi immediately offered her a record deal. Later that year, Anggun was signed to Sony Music and Columbia France
. After a brief French course at Alliance française
, Anggun began working on her debut album with Benzi, alongside a handful of other musicians and songwriters that included Jacques Veneruso, Gildas Arzel and Nikki Matheson.
In June 1997, Anggun released her first French album, entitled Au nom de la lune
. Although the majority of the album was in French, it also had minor Indonesian
lyrical insertions (written by Anggun herself) in several songs, as well as English versions of the same songs (which were later included in the English-language release of the album). Most notably, the album was also a huge artistic departure from Anggun's "lady rocker" image that she had previously been known for during her years in Indonesia. The album experimented more with world music
and adult contemporary sounds. It has been said that Benzi suggested that Anggun change her image, but Anggun has said that she, too, felt it was time for her to "become a woman", as she was in her early 20s at that time and was feeling that she needed to be more "feminine". Her international success began when the first single of the album, "La neige au Sahara", quickly became a top hit in France and Belgium
. It became the most-played single of 1997 in France.
The album spawned three more singles, "La rose des vents", "Au nom de la lune" and "La ligne des sens". These singles did not manage to emulate the success of the first single, despite the former two reaching number 49 and 60 in France, respectively. Despite this, however, Au nom de la lune
still became one of the most successful albums in France in 1997 and 1998, especially by a new artist. It peaked at number 34 on the French Albums Chart (the first for an Asian artist) and has sold around 200,000 copies in France.
In late 1997, Anggun released her debut international album, Snow on the Sahara. The album was released in Europe and Asia in over 33 countries worldwide, which is a re-recorded English version of Au nom de la lune
, and contains a cover version of David Bowie
's hit "Life on Mars?
". In several countries, the album was released under the title Anggun.
The first single of the album, "Snow on the Sahara
", immediately became a hit in Asia and Europe, reaching Top 40 in many countries across the continents. It became a number-one hit in Italy
, Spain and several countries across Asia, and is still the her biggest worldwide hit to date. It also became a Top 5 Club Hit in the UK. Her follow-up single, "A Rose in the Wind
", failed to gain the same success, despite charting in Italy at number 17. However, its Indonesian version, "Kembali", became a big hit, and has become one of Anggun's most popular hits in the region. 3 more singles were also released in various parts of the world: "Dream of Me" served as the second single in Japan, while "Life on Mars" and "Memory of Your Shores" were released as promotional singles in the US and Europe, respectively.
In 1998, Anggun attempted to break into the North American market. Snow on the Sahara was released by Epic Records
in May 1998 in the United States with a slightly altered tracklisting. She went on an extensive tour for nine months in the United States to promote the album.
Anggun's appearances in the US began when she performed on a popular daytime talkshow, The Rosie O'Donnell Show
, as well as becoming a supporting act for The Corrs
and Toni Braxton
's concerts. In August 1998, she performed on the New York "Sessions at West 54th" and interviewed by David Byrne
. She was also the first Asian singer to be interviewed exclusively on CNN
International by Riz Khan in the "World Beat" program. Moreover, she was invited by Sarah McLachlan
to join the lineup of Lilith Fair
. Anggun has been also given media coverage on Rolling Stones and Billboard.
Due to this wave of publicity, three of Anggun's songs entered the US Billboard Chart, making her the first female Asian artist ever to make it onto this chart. "Snow on the Sahara
" became a modest dance and adult contemporary hit, making it into second position after Céline Dion
in a Billboard journalist's favourite singles of 1998. Anggun also made it onto the playlist of an Afro-American radio station in Texas, sandwiched between Luther Vandross
and Whitney Houston
. In spite of all this, however, Snow on the Sahara was not commercially successful in the US. The album reached #23 on Billboard Heat Seekers Charts, but only sold approximately 92,000 copies in the United States. However, it still remains one of the highest-selling albums by an Asian artist in the US market.
Snow on the Sahara also received international success overall by having sold over than 1 million copies worldwide, and it has also been certified with a Diamond Export Sales award by SNEP. It became the highest-selling album by an Asian artist outside Asia (a record that Anggun still holds to this day).
During this time, Anggun also participated in numerous collaborations. In 1997, she contributed vocals on a duet with Gildas Arzel, "C'est le debut" (the French version of Donna Lewis
and Richard Marx
's collaboration on "At The Beginning") for the soundtrack of an animated feature movie, "Anastasia
" as well as the song "Ton amour ocean" for the "Gloups, je suis un poisson!" soundtrack. She also participated on 3 charity albums, including Ensemble contre le Sida in 1998, Les enfoires, and Les Restos du coeur (both in 1999).
In 1998, Anggun became the first Asian artist to be nominated for the Victoires de la musique
(the equivalent of a Grammy Award in the French music scene). She received a nomination for "La revelation de l'année" (Revelation of the Year or Best New Artist). Although she was considered a front-runner to win this award, she eventually lost to Lara Fabian
.Anggun nominated for Victoires de la musique
. It was considered a remarkable artistic departure from Au nom de la lune, experimenting with electronic pop and ambient elements as well as R&B music. Erick Benzi
again produced the album, and this time around, the album featured Anggun's musical compositions (although Benzi wrote the lyrics). Due to poor promotion, it eventually failed to repeat even a fraction of the success of Au nom de la lune. Only two singles were released off the album: the tropical-sounding "Un geste d'amour" and the R&B-influenced "Derrière la porte". Both singles failed to achieve commercial success, although "Un geste d'amour" reached number 62 on the French Singles Chart.
It was the English version of the album that enjoyed more success. Chrysalis
, the English-language version of Désirs Contraires
, was released nearly a month prior to its French version. It was a huge artistic growth for Anggun, having co-written the entire album. It also did not feature any adaptations from its French counterpart, meaning that both albums have different lyrical themes, even though the music is almost entirely the same. This album was released in 15 countries in Europe and Asia. Despite the rumor that the album would be released in the US around 2001, it was never released there, although the album's single, "Still Reminds Me
", received some airplay in clubs across the region. Through Chrysalis, Anggun also began to develop a fan base in Latin America, particularly in Brazil
.
The album spawned another huge single, "Still Reminds Me
", which received high airplay across Asia and Europe, also becoming her third Top 20 single in Italy
. This single was also a Top 5 single in the Music & Media European Borders Breaker Charts. However, its second single, "Chrysalis", failed to gain as much success (despite reaching the Top 40 in Italy). She also released a single specially for the Indonesian market, "Yang Ku Tunggu" (the Indonesian version of "Un geste d'amour"), which became a significant hit there.
Chrysalis
went Gold in Italy in just one week and reached multi-Gold and multi-Platinum status in numerous countries across Asia. Anggun also received in the same year the "Cosmopolitan Asia Woman Award", and later in 2002, the "Women Inspire Award", in recognition of her status as a solo singer who has given inspiration to Asian women through her career as an Asian singer with international success.
At the end of 2000, Anggun received an invitation from the Vatican
, asking her to appear at a Christmas concert alongside Bryan Adams
and Dionne Warwick
. For the event, she gave her renditions of "Have Yourself a Little Merry Christmas" as well as "Still Reminds Me
". Her performance was also included on the "Noel au Vatican" disc compilation. In recent years, Anggun has completed an impressive international promotion schedule (World Music Awards
, MTV Awards, Top of the Pops
, Silver Screen Awards, Women Inspire Awards, etc.). In 2000, she also obtained French citizenship, despite this causing controversy in her home country
. In the spring of 2001, Anggun toured across Asia and Europe, with her first concert in France at Le Bataclan on 1 February 2001. The tour ended on 30 April, with her final concert at the Kallang Theatre in Singapore
.
During this period, Anggun also did a string of collaborations, soundtrack projects and charity albums. These included a collaboration with DJ Cam
on "Summer in Paris
" (which later became a club hit in Europe and Asia for both artists) on his 2002 album, "Soulshine"; an Indonesian-English song with Deep Forest
on "Deep Blue Sea" on their 2002 album, "Music Detected"; and three collaborations in 2003, including with Piero Pelù
(an Italian rock star), Serge Lama
and Tri Yann
. She also participated in several charity projects such as Echoes of the Earth in 2000, Les voix de l'espoir in 2001 and Gaia in 2002 (featuring a duet with Zucchero
on the song "World", which was also released as a single).
Her collaboration with Deep Forest
became a radio hit in Indonesia, while her duet with Piero Pelù
on "Amore Immaginato" became a hit for both artists in Italy. The song spent a month at the top of Italian Airplay Chart and reached the Top 20 on Italian Singles Chart, establishing Anggun's fame in Italy.
Anggun also participated in a Scandinavia
n movie project, Open Hearts
. Anggun released the soundtrack album Open Hearts
in 2002. She co-wrote three tracks on this album, alongside Jesper Winge Leisner and Niels Brinck. The album was released in the United States in February 2003 with different works and became her second album (so far, the final) to be released there. The album produced a single, "Open Your Heart", which was nominated as Best Film Song at 2003 Danish Movie Awards. "Counting Down" was also released for radio and became a modest airplay hit in Europe and Asia.
In January 2003, Anggun met France's Culture Minister and received, at Midem
, the international exhibition of the music industry, a prestigious Diamond Award for sales outside France reaching more than 1.2m copies, making her one of the best selling French music export success stories ever, among artists like Daft Punk
, Air and Manu Chao
.
ended in 2003. She later moved to Montreal
, Canada where she met Olivier Maury. In 2004, Anggun and Maury were married in a private ceremony in Bali
(this marriage ended in 2006). Maury (a law school graduate himself) later became Anggun's manager. The two began searching for a new label. In 2004, upon returning to Paris, Anggun landed a new record deal with Heben Music, an France-based label under Sony BMG France. She began working on a new album with several producers, including Jean-Pierre Taieb and Frederic Jaffre, as well as her "Open Hearts" producer, Niels Brinck. Anggun, who composes mainly in English, enlisted help from several well-known French songwriters, such as Jean Fauque, Lionel Florence, Tété and Evelyn Kral, to adapt her English songs into French. Renowned French rapper, Diam's
, was also featured on the album.
In late 2004, Anggun released her first solo French single in nearly 4 years, "Être une femme
". The single was available in 2 versions: a solo version (for commercial release) and a duet with Diam's
(for radio airplay). In 2005, it became Anggun's second Top 20 hit in France, peaking at number 16 on the French Singles Chart, while also topping the French Airplay Chart. It also became Anggun's first French single to chart on the Switzerland Singles Chart (at number 58).
In February 2005, Anggun released her third French album, Luminescence
, which debuted at number 30 on the French Albums Chart, making it her highest debuting position. The second single, "Cesse la pluie
", also became a hit, peaking at number 22 in France and number 65 in Switzerland.
In August 2005, Anggun toured Europe and Asia, and also released the English version of Luminescence
. Both versions (French and English) shared the same title, unlike her previous albums. "Undress Me" was chosen as the first single from the English version. Despite it was not accompanied by a music video, it managed to reach number 13 in Italy and also provided Anggun with her first hit in the Middle East, where the song topped the charts in Lebanon
and United Arab Emirates
, as well as in Turkey
. "In Your Mind" was released as the second single from the album, and became a huge hit in Indonesia but was less successful in Europe. The third single, "Saviour", became a substantial hit in Italy
, Greece, and Russia
. The song was also used on the soundtrack for the American Box Office movie, The Transporter 2.
In 2004, Anggun was awarded with the prestigious distinction Chevalier des Arts et Lettres
by the French Cultural Minister for her worldwide achievements and for her support of the French culture. Anggun was also appointed as the spokesperson for the International Year of Microcredit
(a UN program aimed at eradicating debt in the third world) in 2005, as well as the ambassadress for a Swiss watch brand, Audemars Piguet
.
Previously, she had participated in 2 charity performances, including le Concert pour la Paix in 2003 and Genesis in 2004 (featuring a duet with Peter Gabriel
). She also did a duet with Julio Iglesias
on his Romantic Classics album, on an Indonesian-English song called "All of You". The following year, Anggun participated on a Fight AIDS campaign in France with a collaborative track entitled "L'or de nos vies" with several other French music stars.
On 25 May 2006, Anggun held her biggest concert in Indonesia to date, entitled "Konser Untuk Negeri". In August 2006, she released the special edition of Luminescence
, both for the French and the English versions. The first single (the third in French and the fourth in English) from the new version was "Juste avant toi
" and its English version "I'll Be Alright". The video featured some footage taken from Anggun's commercially and critically acclaimed concert in Jakarta. It was shot in Jakarta and Bali (her second video to be shot in Indonesia since "Snow on the Sahara"). "Juste avant toi" became Anggun's fourth Top 40 hit, peaking at number 28 in France. It became a summer hit in France and peaked at number 4 on the French International Airplays Chart (a chart compiling the most-played French songs outside France). Meanwhile, "I'll Be Alright" became Anggun's seventh number one hit in Indonesia.
She also made an appearance on Star Academy (an "American Idol"-esque show in France) to promote the release of the album. The next day, Anggun made her highest jump ever on the French Albums Chart, from number 119 to number 16 (a total 103 levels) with Luminescence Special Edition.
In December 2006, Anggun released her Best-Of
album in Indonesia. This album compiled all of her biggest international hits (including three re-worked versions of her old Indonesian hits). A new version of "Mimpi
" was released as a radio single and became a huge hit in Indonesia from late 2006 to early 2007. It again peaked at number one on the Indonesian Airplays Chart, Anggun's eighth single to top the chart since her international career, and her longest one (along with "In Your Mind"), remaining there for one full month. The album was certified Double Platinum in Indonesia after one month. In the same month, Anggun received a special award, "Best International Artist", at Anugerah Musik Indonesia
(a Grammy Award equivalent in Indonesia) for her international fame, and for her success in raising up the Asian and Indonesia
n music industries worldwide.
Within the same period, the final single from Luminescence, entitled "Garde-moi"/"A Crime" (the original French version was a duet with David Hallyday
, who also composed the song), was released. It was Anggun's least successful single of the album, although it reached number 5 in Indonesia.
Anggun then released a best-of album in Italy (with a different track-listing than the Indonesian version) with "I'll Be Alright" as its lead single. She also released a single entitled "Tonight" (a collaboration with a German band, Reamonn
) and a charity single with several female French stars, titled "Pour que tu sois libre".
to perform in the Christmas concert in Verona
, Italy, along with Michael Bolton
. She performed her hit "Snow on the Sahara" at the concert, which took place at the Philharmonic Theater of the Arena.
Anggun gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Kirana, on 8 November 2007 in Paris, a product of her relationship with French writer, Cyril Montana.
In late 2008, Anggun released her fourth international studio album, Elevation
. It was her second album to share the same title both in English and French. A departure from the style of her previous albums, Elevation experimented with Urban music and Hip hop
as well as R&B. The album was produced by hip hop producer pair Tefa and Masta. The album also featured several rappers, including Pras Michel, (The Fugees
), Sinik
, and Big Ali
. Anggun moved from major label Sony BMG to Warner Music. However, Sony BMG still holds the rights to distribute this album in the Asian market.
The French version of Elevation
was released in France on 20 October 2008. The album debuted at number 36 on the French Albums Chart, giving Anggun her second-highest debut on the chart. The album spawned its first single "Si tu l'avoues
" which was chosen as "Song of the Year" by Radio France International. In Indonesia, Elevation
was released in December 2008, with three additional songs recorded in Indonesian along with English songs. The first single released for Indonesia and Malaysia was "Jadi Milikmu". Anggun's appearances in Indonesia in late January 2009 also boosted up sales, giving the album a certification of Double Platinum two months after its release date.
Anggun's four-year ambassadress contract with Audemars Piguet
was subsequently extended. She was also chosen by international hair care brand, Pantene
, and New Zealand-based dairy product, Anlene, as their ambassador. Anggun's songs which were used for the products' campaigns were "Shine" (available on the Indonesian edition of Elevation) for Pantene and "Stronger" for Anelene.
On 9 November 2008, Anggun performed at the World Music Awards
with Laurent Wolf
. She lent vocals to Wolf's dance hit, "No Stress
". Anggun's version of "No Stress" is available as a bonus track on the Indonesian edition of Elevation
. The performance was so well-received by audiences that Wolf eventually added Anggun's version of the song onto the Deluxe Edition of his hit record Wash My World
.
On 16 October 2009, Anggun was nominated Goodwill Ambassador
of the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO).
Recently, Anggun co-wrote and contributed vocals to two tracks ("Blind" and "Always You" – the latter track which also appears as a reprise
) on the album Atemlos
by Schiller
, released in Germany on 12 March 2010.
The first single is called Only Love (English version), Mon meilleur amour (French version) and Hanyalah Cinta (Indonesian version). It became available 11 April 2011 on iTunes France.
"Only Love" & "Hanyalah Cinta" reached #1 in Indonesia Airplay Charts and its French version Mon meilleur amour reached #1 French International Airplay Chart.
On 8 July 2011, a second single, "Je Partirai" was released on iTunes France.
Anggun speaks to NRJ Paris TV about her brand new album 'Echoes' to be released in France on 7 November.
Following the official first single "Je Partirai", Anggun releases an updated version of "Mon Meilleur Amour" as her second single. The new and revised version lacks on the original organic naturalistic influence and is replaced with heavier guitar additions.
In November 2011 it was announced that she will be the French representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012
in Azerbaijan.
Open Hearts (2002 film)
Open Hearts , is a 2002 Danish drama film directed by Susanne Bier using the minimalist filmmaking techniques of the Dogme 95 manifest. It stars Mads Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Sonja Richter and Paprika Steen. Also referred to as Dogme #28, Open Hearts relates the story of two couples whose lives...
), and her songs have also been included on various compilation albums. Her musical career began in childhood, and she achieved commercial success in Indonesia when she was 12 years old. At the age of 20, she moved to Europe, and she is now living in Paris, France.
Her best-known album is Snow on the Sahara, which has been released in 33 countries across the world, including the US; this album also spawned her biggest worldwide hit to date, "Snow on the Sahara."
1974–1994: Early life and success in Indonesia
Anggun was born and raised in JakartaJakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
, Indonesia, as the second child and first daughter of Darto Singo, a Javanese writer and Dien Novita, a housewife. At the age of 7, Anggun started receiving highly disciplined singing instruction from her father. She trained on a daily basis, learning various vocal techniques. To help further develop her career, her mother began serving as her manager, accepting singing offers and handling business concerns. Later on, at the age of 9, Anggun recorded a children's album, Kepada Alam dan Pencinta-Nya
In her teens, Anggun was influenced by native Javanese artists as well as by rock & roll singers and bands such as Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
, Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
and The Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
. In 1986, with Ian Antono
Ian Antono
Jusuf Antono Djojo or Ian Antono is an Indonesian guitarist and songwriter. He has collaborated with many other musicians, including Anggun, Iwan Fals, Nicky Astria, Doel Sumbang, Gito Rollies, Ebiet G Ade and Ikang Fawzi, he is best-known as God Bless's lead guitarist since 1974...
, a famous Indonesian music producer, Anggun released her first official album in Indonesia, titled Dunia Aku Punya
Dunia Aku Punya
Dunia Aku Punya is a debut Indonesian studio album by Anggun. It was released by Billboard Indonesia in 1986.-Album informaiton:The album was produced by Indonesian famous rock gitarist and producer, Ian Antono...
. Anggun's fame continued to rise with the release of subsequent singles, "Mimpi
Mimpi
Mimpi is a compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun, features 2 hit singles "Mimpi" and "Bayang Bayang Ilusi". The album was released in 1990 under label Atlantic Records, Indonesia...
" and most notably "Tua Tua Keladi
Tua Tua Keladi
Tua Tua Keladi is a compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun, features hit single "Tua Tua Keladi". The album was released in 1990 under label Atlantic Records.-Album information:...
" (the latter earned her the "Most Popular Indonesian Artist" award for 1990–1991). These singles were massively popular in Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
. In late 2009, Rolling Stone Indonesia
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
magazine placed the song "Mimpi" at #47 on their "150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time" list. Following the success of these singles, Anggun returned to release follow-up albums; Anak Putih Abu Abu
Anak Putih Abu Abu
Anak Putih Abu Abu is the second Indonesian studio album by Anggun. The album was released in 1991 under label Harpa Records. The album spawned hits singles "Nafas Cinta", "Anak Putih Abu Abu" and "Pesta Kita".-Track listing:# "Nafas Cinta"...
in 1991 and then Nocturno
Nocturno
Nocturno is the third Indonesian studio album by Anggun. The album was released in 1992 under label Harpa Records. The album spawned hit singles such as "Nocturno" and "Sentuhan Dewata".- Track listing :# "Problema Cinta"# "Ku Tak Ingin"# "Nocturno"...
in 1992. Both albums achieved great success and moreover established her as one of Indonesia's "Lady Rockers".
In 1992, Anggun began a relationship with Michel Georgea, a French man, whom she had met the year before in Kalimantan
Kalimantan
In English, the term Kalimantan refers to the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo, while in Indonesian, the term "Kalimantan" refers to the whole island of Borneo....
while touring. The couple married, despite their age difference and a rumored objection by Anggun's family (reportedly because they felt Anggun was too young to get married). After the marriage, Anggun founded a record company, Bali Cipta Record, (making her the youngest Indonesian singer to do so) and released what would be her final Indonesian studio album, Anggun C. Sasmi... Lah!!!
Anggun C. Sasmi... Lah!!!
Anggun C. Sasmi... Lah!!! is the fourth studio album by Indonesian recording artist Anggun. It was self-produced and released in 1993 on her own label, Bali Cipta Records.-Album information:...
in 1993. She attempted to shed her tomboy image with the video for the album's first single, "Kembalilah Kasih (Kita Harus Bicara)". Meanwhile, it became the first music video by Indonesian artist to appear on MTV Asia. The album was another smash hit for Anggun, but she began to feel unsatisfied with the success in her own country and started thinking about an international music career. Previously, in 1992, Anggun had signed a deal with a renowned Japanese recording company in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, Pony Canyon
Pony Canyon
is a Japanese company, established on October 1, 1966 , which publishes music, DVD and VHS videos, movies and video games. It is a subsidiary of Japanese Media Group, Fujisankei Communications Group.-History:...
, to record an English album which would be released in Asia. But later the project was cancelled, as Anggun wanted to bring her talent to the West instead.
Finally, in 1994, after the release of a compilation album containing all her Indonesian hits (entitled Yang Hilang
Yang Hilang
Yang Hilang is the greatest hits compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun. It was released in 1994 by her own record company, Bali Cipta Record.-History:...
), she sold her record company to fund her move to Europe.
1995–1996: Tough beginnings in Europe
Having given up all of her success in Indonesia, Anggun and Georgea, her then-husband moved to the UK. The couple settled in London and stayed there for about one year. In a 2006 interview with an Indonesian music magazine, Trax, Anggun admitted to experiencing "culture shock" and having some serious financial problems while trying to start her new life in Europe, saying "I thought the money that I got by selling my record company was enough [to sustain life in London], but I began to lose money, little by little. I had to spend so much on taking cabs and eating! So I ended up taking buses everywhere and going to clubs to introduce myself as a singer." She also admitted that she "had to convert from being this shy, introvert, "real" Javanese woman to being an unabashed, fearless, "fake" Javanese woman."She began writing songs and recording demos, but after a few months, all the demos she had sent to record companies around UK came back with negative replies. She eventually realized that her career in the UK was going nowhere and began thinking about moving to another country. She thought about moving to the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, thinking that it would be easier to start her international career there, since there are many Indonesians there. But she changed her mind and went to France instead, which ended up being a good choice. She recalls, "The moment I stepped my feet in Paris, it felt like home right away. So I decided to stay."
1997–1999: Au nom de la lune, Snow on the Sahara and international success
Two years after leaving Indonesia, in 1996, Anggun's international career started to move forward at last. She was introduced to famed French singer, Florent PagnyFlorent Pagny
Florent Pagny is a French musician. He has also acted in many French films. He records work in French, Italian, Spanish and English, and his greatest hits include "N'importe quoi", "Savoir aimer", "Ma Liberté de penser" and "Caruso" .As of 2008, he has sold 4,268,980 copies of singles,...
, through an acquaintance. Pagny later introduced Anggun to producer/songwriter Erick Benzi
Erick Benzi
Erick Benzi is a French musician, songwriter, composer and record producer.He is the former member of group Canada . Benzi is one of biggest and the most requested Francophone producers...
(who previously had worked with Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
, Jean-Jacques Goldman
Jean-Jacques Goldman
Jean-Jacques Goldman is a Grammy Awards-winning French singer-songwriter. He is hugely popular in the French-speaking world, and since 2003 was the second-highest-grossing French living pop singer, after Johnny Hallyday.- Biography :...
and Johnny Hallyday
Johnny Hallyday
Johnny Hallyday is a French singer and actor. An icon in the French-speaking world since the beginning of his career, he was considered by some to have been the French Elvis Presley. He was married for 15 years to one of the most popular French female singers: Sylvie Vartan...
, among others). Impressed by Anggun's talent, Benzi immediately offered her a record deal. Later that year, Anggun was signed to Sony Music and Columbia France
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
. After a brief French course at Alliance française
Alliance française
The Alliance française , or AF, is an international organisation that aims to promote French language and culture around the world. created in Paris on 21 July 1883, its primary concern is teaching French as a second language and is headquartered in Paris -History:The Alliance was created in Paris...
, Anggun began working on her debut album with Benzi, alongside a handful of other musicians and songwriters that included Jacques Veneruso, Gildas Arzel and Nikki Matheson.
In June 1997, Anggun released her first French album, entitled Au nom de la lune
Au nom de la lune
Au nom de la lune is the first French studio album by Indonesian singer Anggun. The album was released in France and french-speaking nations on June 24, 1997 under Columbia France...
. Although the majority of the album was in French, it also had minor Indonesian
Indonesian language
Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia. Indonesian is a normative form of the Riau Islands dialect of Malay, an Austronesian language which has been used as a lingua franca in the Indonesian archipelago for centuries....
lyrical insertions (written by Anggun herself) in several songs, as well as English versions of the same songs (which were later included in the English-language release of the album). Most notably, the album was also a huge artistic departure from Anggun's "lady rocker" image that she had previously been known for during her years in Indonesia. The album experimented more with world music
World music
World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...
and adult contemporary sounds. It has been said that Benzi suggested that Anggun change her image, but Anggun has said that she, too, felt it was time for her to "become a woman", as she was in her early 20s at that time and was feeling that she needed to be more "feminine". Her international success began when the first single of the album, "La neige au Sahara", quickly became a top hit in France and Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. It became the most-played single of 1997 in France.
The album spawned three more singles, "La rose des vents", "Au nom de la lune" and "La ligne des sens". These singles did not manage to emulate the success of the first single, despite the former two reaching number 49 and 60 in France, respectively. Despite this, however, Au nom de la lune
Au nom de la lune
Au nom de la lune is the first French studio album by Indonesian singer Anggun. The album was released in France and french-speaking nations on June 24, 1997 under Columbia France...
still became one of the most successful albums in France in 1997 and 1998, especially by a new artist. It peaked at number 34 on the French Albums Chart (the first for an Asian artist) and has sold around 200,000 copies in France.
In late 1997, Anggun released her debut international album, Snow on the Sahara. The album was released in Europe and Asia in over 33 countries worldwide, which is a re-recorded English version of Au nom de la lune
Au nom de la lune
Au nom de la lune is the first French studio album by Indonesian singer Anggun. The album was released in France and french-speaking nations on June 24, 1997 under Columbia France...
, and contains a cover version of David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
's hit "Life on Mars?
Life on Mars?
"Life on Mars?" is a song by David Bowie first released in 1971 on the album Hunky Dory. The song—which BBC Radio 2 later called "a cross between a Broadway musical and a Salvador Dalí painting"—featured guest piano work by keyboardist Rick Wakeman. When released as a single in 1973,...
". In several countries, the album was released under the title Anggun.
The first single of the album, "Snow on the Sahara
Snow on the Sahara
Snow on the Sahara is the first international studio album by Anggun. The album was released exactly a year after the French version, Au Nom de la Lune, was released on June 24th, 1997.-Album information:...
", immediately became a hit in Asia and Europe, reaching Top 40 in many countries across the continents. It became a number-one hit in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Spain and several countries across Asia, and is still the her biggest worldwide hit to date. It also became a Top 5 Club Hit in the UK. Her follow-up single, "A Rose in the Wind
A Rose in the Wind
"A Rose in the Wind" is the second single from Anggun's international debut album, Snow on the Sahara in 1998. There's also a French version of the song, "La rose des vents", released in album Au Nom de la Lune in 1997 and an Indonesian version, "Kembali", released in album Anggun for Indonesia and...
", failed to gain the same success, despite charting in Italy at number 17. However, its Indonesian version, "Kembali", became a big hit, and has become one of Anggun's most popular hits in the region. 3 more singles were also released in various parts of the world: "Dream of Me" served as the second single in Japan, while "Life on Mars" and "Memory of Your Shores" were released as promotional singles in the US and Europe, respectively.
In 1998, Anggun attempted to break into the North American market. Snow on the Sahara was released by Epic Records
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
in May 1998 in the United States with a slightly altered tracklisting. She went on an extensive tour for nine months in the United States to promote the album.
Anggun's appearances in the US began when she performed on a popular daytime talkshow, The Rosie O'Donnell Show
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
The Rosie O'Donnell Show is an Emmy Award-winning American daytime television talk show hosted and produced by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell. It aired for six seasons from 1996 to 2002...
, as well as becoming a supporting act for The Corrs
The Corrs
The Corrs are an Irish band which combine pop rock with traditional Celtic folk music. The brother and sisters are from Dundalk, Ireland. The group consists of the Corr siblings: Andrea ; Sharon ; Caroline ; and Jim .The Corrs came to international prominence with their performance at the...
and Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton
Toni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
's concerts. In August 1998, she performed on the New York "Sessions at West 54th" and interviewed by David Byrne
David Byrne
David Byrne may refer to:*David Byrne , musician and former Talking Heads frontman**David Byrne , his eponymous album*David Byrne , Irish footballer*David Byrne , English footballer...
. She was also the first Asian singer to be interviewed exclusively on CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
International by Riz Khan in the "World Beat" program. Moreover, she was invited by Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah Ann McLachlan, OC, OBC is a Canadian musician, singer and songwriter. Known for her emotional ballads and mezzo-soprano vocal range, as of 2006, she has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. McLachlan's best-selling album to date is Surfacing, for which she won two Grammy Awards and four...
to join the lineup of Lilith Fair
Lilith Fair
Lilith Fair was a concert tour and travelling music festival, founded by Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan, Nettwerk Music Group's Dan Fraser and Terry McBride, and New York talent agent Marty Diamond. It took place during the summers of 1997 to 1999, and was revived in the summer of 2010. It...
. Anggun has been also given media coverage on Rolling Stones and Billboard.
Due to this wave of publicity, three of Anggun's songs entered the US Billboard Chart, making her the first female Asian artist ever to make it onto this chart. "Snow on the Sahara
Snow on the Sahara
Snow on the Sahara is the first international studio album by Anggun. The album was released exactly a year after the French version, Au Nom de la Lune, was released on June 24th, 1997.-Album information:...
" became a modest dance and adult contemporary hit, making it into second position after Céline Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
in a Billboard journalist's favourite singles of 1998. Anggun also made it onto the playlist of an Afro-American radio station in Texas, sandwiched between Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross
Luther Ronzoni Vandross was an American singer-songwriter and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times...
and Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston is an American singer, actress, producer and a former model. Houston is the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records, and her list of awards include 1 Emmy Award, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among...
. In spite of all this, however, Snow on the Sahara was not commercially successful in the US. The album reached #23 on Billboard Heat Seekers Charts, but only sold approximately 92,000 copies in the United States. However, it still remains one of the highest-selling albums by an Asian artist in the US market.
Snow on the Sahara also received international success overall by having sold over than 1 million copies worldwide, and it has also been certified with a Diamond Export Sales award by SNEP. It became the highest-selling album by an Asian artist outside Asia (a record that Anggun still holds to this day).
During this time, Anggun also participated in numerous collaborations. In 1997, she contributed vocals on a duet with Gildas Arzel, "C'est le debut" (the French version of Donna Lewis
Donna Lewis
Donna Lewis is a Welsh singer-songwriter and record producer, best known for the 1996 pop hit single "I Love You Always Forever", and the adult contemporary chart-topper "At the Beginning" with Richard Marx. After releasing her second LP Blue Planet, Lewis left Atlantic Records and independently...
and Richard Marx
Richard Marx
Richard Noel Marx is an American adult contemporary and pop/rock singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He had a string of hit singles in the late 1980s and 1990s, including "Endless Summer Nights", "Right Here Waiting", "Now and Forever", and "Hazard"...
's collaboration on "At The Beginning") for the soundtrack of an animated feature movie, "Anastasia
Anastasia
Anastasia is a personal name and the female form of the Greek male name Anastasius/Anastasios meaning "resurrection." The name, and its male counterpart, were often given to Greek children born around December 2 or around Easter during the early days of Christianity. It is the name of several...
" as well as the song "Ton amour ocean" for the "Gloups, je suis un poisson!" soundtrack. She also participated on 3 charity albums, including Ensemble contre le Sida in 1998, Les enfoires, and Les Restos du coeur (both in 1999).
In 1998, Anggun became the first Asian artist to be nominated for the Victoires de la musique
Victoires de la Musique
Victoires de la musique , is an annual French award ceremony that recognizes the best musical artists of the year.- Male artist of the year :*1985 : Michel Jonasz*1986 : Jean-Jacques Goldman*1987 : Johnny Hallyday...
(the equivalent of a Grammy Award in the French music scene). She received a nomination for "La revelation de l'année" (Revelation of the Year or Best New Artist). Although she was considered a front-runner to win this award, she eventually lost to Lara Fabian
Lara Fabian
Lara Fabian is a Belgian-Italian international singer who also holds Canadian citizenship. Multilingual, she sings in French, Italian and English....
.Anggun nominated for Victoires de la musique
2000–2002: Désirs Contraires, Chrysalis, Open Hearts and the collaboration era
In 1999, Anggun ended her seven-year marriage to Michel Georgea. Then, in September 2000, she released her second French album, Désirs ContrairesDésirs contraires
Désirs contraires is the second French studio album by Anggun. The album was released in September 2000 by Sony Music France.The album only stayed in the French albums chart for 2 weeks.-Track listing:# "Derrière la porte" – 3:51...
. It was considered a remarkable artistic departure from Au nom de la lune, experimenting with electronic pop and ambient elements as well as R&B music. Erick Benzi
Erick Benzi
Erick Benzi is a French musician, songwriter, composer and record producer.He is the former member of group Canada . Benzi is one of biggest and the most requested Francophone producers...
again produced the album, and this time around, the album featured Anggun's musical compositions (although Benzi wrote the lyrics). Due to poor promotion, it eventually failed to repeat even a fraction of the success of Au nom de la lune. Only two singles were released off the album: the tropical-sounding "Un geste d'amour" and the R&B-influenced "Derrière la porte". Both singles failed to achieve commercial success, although "Un geste d'amour" reached number 62 on the French Singles Chart.
It was the English version of the album that enjoyed more success. Chrysalis
Chrysalis (album)
Chrysalis is the second international studio album by Anggun. The album was released in 2000 by Sony Music.-Album information:Following the success of her international breakthrough album, Snow on the Sahara, in 1998, Anggun returned to prominence with her second international album entitled...
, the English-language version of Désirs Contraires
Désirs contraires
Désirs contraires is the second French studio album by Anggun. The album was released in September 2000 by Sony Music France.The album only stayed in the French albums chart for 2 weeks.-Track listing:# "Derrière la porte" – 3:51...
, was released nearly a month prior to its French version. It was a huge artistic growth for Anggun, having co-written the entire album. It also did not feature any adaptations from its French counterpart, meaning that both albums have different lyrical themes, even though the music is almost entirely the same. This album was released in 15 countries in Europe and Asia. Despite the rumor that the album would be released in the US around 2001, it was never released there, although the album's single, "Still Reminds Me
Still Reminds Me
"Still Reminds Me" is the first hit single from Anggun's album Chrysalis, released in 2000. The song became Anggun's first number-one hit in Asia and Anggun's second Top 20 hit in Italy.- Track listing :# Still Reminds me - Special Radio Edit...
", received some airplay in clubs across the region. Through Chrysalis, Anggun also began to develop a fan base in Latin America, particularly in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
.
The album spawned another huge single, "Still Reminds Me
Still Reminds Me
"Still Reminds Me" is the first hit single from Anggun's album Chrysalis, released in 2000. The song became Anggun's first number-one hit in Asia and Anggun's second Top 20 hit in Italy.- Track listing :# Still Reminds me - Special Radio Edit...
", which received high airplay across Asia and Europe, also becoming her third Top 20 single in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. This single was also a Top 5 single in the Music & Media European Borders Breaker Charts. However, its second single, "Chrysalis", failed to gain as much success (despite reaching the Top 40 in Italy). She also released a single specially for the Indonesian market, "Yang Ku Tunggu" (the Indonesian version of "Un geste d'amour"), which became a significant hit there.
Chrysalis
Chrysalis (album)
Chrysalis is the second international studio album by Anggun. The album was released in 2000 by Sony Music.-Album information:Following the success of her international breakthrough album, Snow on the Sahara, in 1998, Anggun returned to prominence with her second international album entitled...
went Gold in Italy in just one week and reached multi-Gold and multi-Platinum status in numerous countries across Asia. Anggun also received in the same year the "Cosmopolitan Asia Woman Award", and later in 2002, the "Women Inspire Award", in recognition of her status as a solo singer who has given inspiration to Asian women through her career as an Asian singer with international success.
At the end of 2000, Anggun received an invitation from the Vatican
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
, asking her to appear at a Christmas concert alongside Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and photographer. Adams has won dozens of awards and nominations, including 20 Juno Awards among 56 nominations. He has also received 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written...
and Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick is an American singer, actress and TV show host, who became a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and a United States Ambassador of Health....
. For the event, she gave her renditions of "Have Yourself a Little Merry Christmas" as well as "Still Reminds Me
Still Reminds Me
"Still Reminds Me" is the first hit single from Anggun's album Chrysalis, released in 2000. The song became Anggun's first number-one hit in Asia and Anggun's second Top 20 hit in Italy.- Track listing :# Still Reminds me - Special Radio Edit...
". Her performance was also included on the "Noel au Vatican" disc compilation. In recent years, Anggun has completed an impressive international promotion schedule (World Music Awards
World Music Awards
The World Music Awards is an international awards show founded in 1989 that annually honors recording artists based on worldwide sales figures provided by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry . John Martinotti is an executive producer and co-founder of the show...
, MTV Awards, Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
, Silver Screen Awards, Women Inspire Awards, etc.). In 2000, she also obtained French citizenship, despite this causing controversy in her home country
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
. In the spring of 2001, Anggun toured across Asia and Europe, with her first concert in France at Le Bataclan on 1 February 2001. The tour ended on 30 April, with her final concert at the Kallang Theatre in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
.
During this period, Anggun also did a string of collaborations, soundtrack projects and charity albums. These included a collaboration with DJ Cam
DJ Cam
DJ Cam is a French DJ. His tunes are almost entirely a hybrid of both hip-hop and jazz music, and is presented in an abstract manner. His first LP was Underground Vibes in 1994, and was revolutionary for its time, featuring familiar jazz samples and many vibe samples and heavy hip-hop influences...
on "Summer in Paris
Summer in Paris
"Summer in Paris" is a single by DJ Cam in a duet with Anggun from the album Soulshine in 2001. Anggun also re-released this song on her album, Best-Of in 2006.- Track listing :# Summer in Paris...
" (which later became a club hit in Europe and Asia for both artists) on his 2002 album, "Soulshine"; an Indonesian-English song with Deep Forest
Deep Forest
Deep Forest is a musical group consisting of two French musicians, Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet. They compose a style of world music, sometimes called ethnic electronica, mixing ethnic with electronic sounds and dance beats or chillout beats...
on "Deep Blue Sea" on their 2002 album, "Music Detected"; and three collaborations in 2003, including with Piero Pelù
Piero Pelù
Piero Pelù is an Italian rock singer and songwriter, best known for his work with the famous Italian rock band Litfiba...
(an Italian rock star), Serge Lama
Serge Lama
Serge Lama is a French singer. He was born in Bordeaux.His most famous song is Je suis malade. In 1971 he represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Un jardin sur la terre, which was placed tenth.-Discography:...
and Tri Yann
Tri Yann
Tri Yann is a French band from Nantes , who play folk rock music drawing on traditional Breton folk ballads.The band was founded in 1970 by Jean Chocun, Jean-Paul Corbineau and Jean-Louis Jossic – all of whom remain members – hence the suggested name of Tri Yann an Naoned , Jean and Yann being...
. She also participated in several charity projects such as Echoes of the Earth in 2000, Les voix de l'espoir in 2001 and Gaia in 2002 (featuring a duet with Zucchero
Zucchero
Adelmo Fornaciari, Commander , more commonly known by his stage name Zucchero Fornaciari or simply Zucchero /ˈtsukkero/, is an Italian rock singer. His music is largely inspired by gospel, blues and rock music, and alternates between ballads and more rhythmic boogie-like pieces.Zucchero is the...
on the song "World", which was also released as a single).
Her collaboration with Deep Forest
Deep Forest
Deep Forest is a musical group consisting of two French musicians, Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet. They compose a style of world music, sometimes called ethnic electronica, mixing ethnic with electronic sounds and dance beats or chillout beats...
became a radio hit in Indonesia, while her duet with Piero Pelù
Piero Pelù
Piero Pelù is an Italian rock singer and songwriter, best known for his work with the famous Italian rock band Litfiba...
on "Amore Immaginato" became a hit for both artists in Italy. The song spent a month at the top of Italian Airplay Chart and reached the Top 20 on Italian Singles Chart, establishing Anggun's fame in Italy.
Anggun also participated in a Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
n movie project, Open Hearts
Open Hearts (2002 film)
Open Hearts , is a 2002 Danish drama film directed by Susanne Bier using the minimalist filmmaking techniques of the Dogme 95 manifest. It stars Mads Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Sonja Richter and Paprika Steen. Also referred to as Dogme #28, Open Hearts relates the story of two couples whose lives...
. Anggun released the soundtrack album Open Hearts
Open Hearts (album)
Open Hearts is the soundtrack album of Scandinavian 2002 movie, Open Hearts by Indonesian singer Anggun. The album was released in 2002 - 2004 by Columbia and Sony Music...
in 2002. She co-wrote three tracks on this album, alongside Jesper Winge Leisner and Niels Brinck. The album was released in the United States in February 2003 with different works and became her second album (so far, the final) to be released there. The album produced a single, "Open Your Heart", which was nominated as Best Film Song at 2003 Danish Movie Awards. "Counting Down" was also released for radio and became a modest airplay hit in Europe and Asia.
In January 2003, Anggun met France's Culture Minister and received, at Midem
Midem
-MIDEM:Short for Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale, MIDEM is the world's largest music industry trade fair, which has been held annually at and around the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, since 1967...
, the international exhibition of the music industry, a prestigious Diamond Award for sales outside France reaching more than 1.2m copies, making her one of the best selling French music export success stories ever, among artists like Daft Punk
Daft Punk
Daft Punk are an electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter . Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France and met with continued success in the years following, combining elements of house with synthpop...
, Air and Manu Chao
Manu Chao
Manu Chao , is a French singer of Spanish roots . He sings in French, Spanish, English, Italian, Galician, Arabic and Portuguese and occasionally in other languages...
.
2003–2006: Luminescence and Best-Of
Anggun's work with ColumbiaColumbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
ended in 2003. She later moved to Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, Canada where she met Olivier Maury. In 2004, Anggun and Maury were married in a private ceremony in Bali
Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east...
(this marriage ended in 2006). Maury (a law school graduate himself) later became Anggun's manager. The two began searching for a new label. In 2004, upon returning to Paris, Anggun landed a new record deal with Heben Music, an France-based label under Sony BMG France. She began working on a new album with several producers, including Jean-Pierre Taieb and Frederic Jaffre, as well as her "Open Hearts" producer, Niels Brinck. Anggun, who composes mainly in English, enlisted help from several well-known French songwriters, such as Jean Fauque, Lionel Florence, Tété and Evelyn Kral, to adapt her English songs into French. Renowned French rapper, Diam's
Diam's
Diam's is a French-language rap artist of French and Greek Cypriot origin. Her family moved to Essonne in 1984....
, was also featured on the album.
In late 2004, Anggun released her first solo French single in nearly 4 years, "Être une femme
Être une femme
"Être une femme" is the first single from the third French album, Luminescence by Anggun. This single was released in late 2004, earlier than the album which was released in 2005. This single peaked at #16 at France Singles Top 100, making her second Top 20 hits in France...
". The single was available in 2 versions: a solo version (for commercial release) and a duet with Diam's
Diam's
Diam's is a French-language rap artist of French and Greek Cypriot origin. Her family moved to Essonne in 1984....
(for radio airplay). In 2005, it became Anggun's second Top 20 hit in France, peaking at number 16 on the French Singles Chart, while also topping the French Airplay Chart. It also became Anggun's first French single to chart on the Switzerland Singles Chart (at number 58).
In February 2005, Anggun released her third French album, Luminescence
Luminescence (album)
Luminescence is the third international studio album by Anggun. The French-language version was released in February 2005 and the English-language version, also with the same title, was released in the fall of 2005...
, which debuted at number 30 on the French Albums Chart, making it her highest debuting position. The second single, "Cesse la pluie
Cesse la pluie
"Cesse la pluie" is the second single from Anggun's third French album, Luminescence in 2005. The English version of the song, "Saviour", was also the soundtrack of film Transporter 2. "Cesse la pluie" also has Indonesian version, titled "Mantra", which became a hit in Indonesia...
", also became a hit, peaking at number 22 in France and number 65 in Switzerland.
In August 2005, Anggun toured Europe and Asia, and also released the English version of Luminescence
Luminescence (album)
Luminescence is the third international studio album by Anggun. The French-language version was released in February 2005 and the English-language version, also with the same title, was released in the fall of 2005...
. Both versions (French and English) shared the same title, unlike her previous albums. "Undress Me" was chosen as the first single from the English version. Despite it was not accompanied by a music video, it managed to reach number 13 in Italy and also provided Anggun with her first hit in the Middle East, where the song topped the charts in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
and United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
, as well as in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
. "In Your Mind" was released as the second single from the album, and became a huge hit in Indonesia but was less successful in Europe. The third single, "Saviour", became a substantial hit in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Greece, and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
. The song was also used on the soundtrack for the American Box Office movie, The Transporter 2.
In 2004, Anggun was awarded with the prestigious distinction Chevalier des Arts et Lettres
Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is an Order of France, established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture, and confirmed as part of the Ordre national du Mérite by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963...
by the French Cultural Minister for her worldwide achievements and for her support of the French culture. Anggun was also appointed as the spokesperson for the International Year of Microcredit
International Year of Microcredit
International Year of Microcredit is a special event of the United Nations which took place in the year 2005. The event highlighted microfinance as an instrument for socioeconomic development.The year was launched on November 18, 2004.- Goals :...
(a UN program aimed at eradicating debt in the third world) in 2005, as well as the ambassadress for a Swiss watch brand, Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is a manufacturer of prestige Swiss watches which compete with Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin.-Foundation:...
.
Previously, she had participated in 2 charity performances, including le Concert pour la Paix in 2003 and Genesis in 2004 (featuring a duet with Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
). She also did a duet with Julio Iglesias
Julio Iglesias
Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva , better known simply as Julio Iglesias, is a Spanish singer who has sold over 300 million records worldwide in 14 languages and released 77 albums. According to Sony Music Entertainment, he is one of the top 15 best selling music artists in history,...
on his Romantic Classics album, on an Indonesian-English song called "All of You". The following year, Anggun participated on a Fight AIDS campaign in France with a collaborative track entitled "L'or de nos vies" with several other French music stars.
On 25 May 2006, Anggun held her biggest concert in Indonesia to date, entitled "Konser Untuk Negeri". In August 2006, she released the special edition of Luminescence
Luminescence (album)
Luminescence is the third international studio album by Anggun. The French-language version was released in February 2005 and the English-language version, also with the same title, was released in the fall of 2005...
, both for the French and the English versions. The first single (the third in French and the fourth in English) from the new version was "Juste avant toi
Juste avant toi
"Juste Avant Toi" is the first single from "Special Edition Album" of Luminescence by Anggun in 2006.-Track listing:CD single# "Juste avant toi"Ultra edition# Juste Avant Toi - Album/Single Version...
" and its English version "I'll Be Alright". The video featured some footage taken from Anggun's commercially and critically acclaimed concert in Jakarta. It was shot in Jakarta and Bali (her second video to be shot in Indonesia since "Snow on the Sahara"). "Juste avant toi" became Anggun's fourth Top 40 hit, peaking at number 28 in France. It became a summer hit in France and peaked at number 4 on the French International Airplays Chart (a chart compiling the most-played French songs outside France). Meanwhile, "I'll Be Alright" became Anggun's seventh number one hit in Indonesia.
She also made an appearance on Star Academy (an "American Idol"-esque show in France) to promote the release of the album. The next day, Anggun made her highest jump ever on the French Albums Chart, from number 119 to number 16 (a total 103 levels) with Luminescence Special Edition.
In December 2006, Anggun released her Best-Of
Best-Of (Anggun album)
Best-Of is a greatest hits compilation album by Anggun. The album was released on December 2006 in Indonesia, May 2007 in Malaysia and June 2007 in Italy....
album in Indonesia. This album compiled all of her biggest international hits (including three re-worked versions of her old Indonesian hits). A new version of "Mimpi
Mimpi
Mimpi is a compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun, features 2 hit singles "Mimpi" and "Bayang Bayang Ilusi". The album was released in 1990 under label Atlantic Records, Indonesia...
" was released as a radio single and became a huge hit in Indonesia from late 2006 to early 2007. It again peaked at number one on the Indonesian Airplays Chart, Anggun's eighth single to top the chart since her international career, and her longest one (along with "In Your Mind"), remaining there for one full month. The album was certified Double Platinum in Indonesia after one month. In the same month, Anggun received a special award, "Best International Artist", at Anugerah Musik Indonesia
Anugerah Musik Indonesia
Anugerah Musik Indonesia , also known as AMI or colloquially AMI Awards is an annual Indonesian major music awards...
(a Grammy Award equivalent in Indonesia) for her international fame, and for her success in raising up the Asian and Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
n music industries worldwide.
Within the same period, the final single from Luminescence, entitled "Garde-moi"/"A Crime" (the original French version was a duet with David Hallyday
David Hallyday
David Hallyday is a French singer/songwriter and amateur sports car racer. He was born in Boulogne-Billancourt and is the son of the French singers Sylvie Vartan and Johnny Hallyday....
, who also composed the song), was released. It was Anggun's least successful single of the album, although it reached number 5 in Indonesia.
Anggun then released a best-of album in Italy (with a different track-listing than the Indonesian version) with "I'll Be Alright" as its lead single. She also released a single entitled "Tonight" (a collaboration with a German band, Reamonn
Reamonn
Reamonn is a German rock and pop band. They have recorded six albums.-History:In 1997, Rea Garvey left his band The Reckless Pedestrians and home town of Tralee, Ireland to go to Germany with not a lot of money and a demo CD in his pocket...
) and a charity single with several female French stars, titled "Pour que tu sois libre".
2007–2008: Elevation
In September 2007, Anggun was involved in a documentary film entitled Un jour sur terre (Earth). She became the documentary narrator and released the soundtrack single "Un jour sur terre". She has also been appointed as "Marraine de l'environnement" (ambassador of Micro-environment) and awarded "Le Grand Couer de l'annee" from Filles TV, France for her contribution in some social and environmental events. In December 2007, she again received an invitation from the VaticanHoly See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
to perform in the Christmas concert in Verona
Verona
Verona ; German Bern, Dietrichsbern or Welschbern) is a city in the Veneto, northern Italy, with approx. 265,000 inhabitants and one of the seven chef-lieus of the region. It is the second largest city municipality in the region and the third of North-Eastern Italy. The metropolitan area of Verona...
, Italy, along with Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton is an American singer and songwriter. Bolton originally performed in the hard rock and heavy metal genres from the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s, both on his early solo albums and those recorded as the frontman of the band Blackjack...
. She performed her hit "Snow on the Sahara" at the concert, which took place at the Philharmonic Theater of the Arena.
Anggun gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Kirana, on 8 November 2007 in Paris, a product of her relationship with French writer, Cyril Montana.
In late 2008, Anggun released her fourth international studio album, Elevation
Elevation (Anggun album)
Elevation is the fourth international studio album by Anggun. The album was recorded in English and French.-French Version:* France Standard Edition#"J'ignorais tout" – 4:22#"Si tu l'avoues" – 3:59#"Hymne à la vie" – 4:24...
. It was her second album to share the same title both in English and French. A departure from the style of her previous albums, Elevation experimented with Urban music and Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
as well as R&B. The album was produced by hip hop producer pair Tefa and Masta. The album also featured several rappers, including Pras Michel, (The Fugees
The Fugees
Fugees were a Haitian American hip hop group who rose to fame in the mid-1990s. Their repertoire included elements of Hip hop, soul and Caribbean music, particularly reggae. The members of the group were rapper/singer/producer Wyclef Jean, rapper/singer/producer Lauryn Hill, and rapper Pras Michel...
), Sinik
Sinik
Thomas Idir a.k.a. Sinik is a French-language rap artist. His father is Algerian while his mother is French.His meeting with Diam's at 14 was the turning point of his career...
, and Big Ali
Big Ali
Big Ali is an American singer-songwriter, DJ, and rapper born in Queens, New York and based in Paris, France since 2001. He is signed to Up Music, a Warner Music label, and has released his debut album Louder in May 2009 on the record label. The album featuring numerous French and international...
. Anggun moved from major label Sony BMG to Warner Music. However, Sony BMG still holds the rights to distribute this album in the Asian market.
The French version of Elevation
Elevation (Anggun album)
Elevation is the fourth international studio album by Anggun. The album was recorded in English and French.-French Version:* France Standard Edition#"J'ignorais tout" – 4:22#"Si tu l'avoues" – 3:59#"Hymne à la vie" – 4:24...
was released in France on 20 October 2008. The album debuted at number 36 on the French Albums Chart, giving Anggun her second-highest debut on the chart. The album spawned its first single "Si tu l'avoues
Si tu l'avoues
"Si Tu L'avoues" is the first French single from her fourth French album, Elevation by Anggun. There's also an English version of the song, "Crazy", for the international edition and "Jadi Milikmu" for Indonesian and Malaysian edition...
" which was chosen as "Song of the Year" by Radio France International. In Indonesia, Elevation
Elevation (Anggun album)
Elevation is the fourth international studio album by Anggun. The album was recorded in English and French.-French Version:* France Standard Edition#"J'ignorais tout" – 4:22#"Si tu l'avoues" – 3:59#"Hymne à la vie" – 4:24...
was released in December 2008, with three additional songs recorded in Indonesian along with English songs. The first single released for Indonesia and Malaysia was "Jadi Milikmu". Anggun's appearances in Indonesia in late January 2009 also boosted up sales, giving the album a certification of Double Platinum two months after its release date.
Anggun's four-year ambassadress contract with Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is a manufacturer of prestige Swiss watches which compete with Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin.-Foundation:...
was subsequently extended. She was also chosen by international hair care brand, Pantene
Pantene
Pantene is a brand of hair care products owned by Procter & Gamble. The product line was first introduced in Europe in 1947 by Hoffman-LaRoche of Switzerland, which branded the name based on panthenol as a shampoo ingredient...
, and New Zealand-based dairy product, Anlene, as their ambassador. Anggun's songs which were used for the products' campaigns were "Shine" (available on the Indonesian edition of Elevation) for Pantene and "Stronger" for Anelene.
On 9 November 2008, Anggun performed at the World Music Awards
World Music Awards
The World Music Awards is an international awards show founded in 1989 that annually honors recording artists based on worldwide sales figures provided by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry . John Martinotti is an executive producer and co-founder of the show...
with Laurent Wolf
Laurent Wolf
Laurent Wolf 1973 in Toulouse Is a French electro-house producer and DJ. He is the author of several compilations that contain his own tracks and also his remixes. He reached the top of the charts with his "Saxo" and "Calinda" compositions. Laurent Wolf was the winner of the DJ category in the...
. She lent vocals to Wolf's dance hit, "No Stress
No Stress
"No Stress" is the name of a 2008 song recorded by the French house producer and DJ Laurent Wolf. It was the first single from his sixth album Wash My World, on which it features as first track in its radio edit version, and as tenth track in the Zen @ Acoustic version...
". Anggun's version of "No Stress" is available as a bonus track on the Indonesian edition of Elevation
Elevation (Anggun album)
Elevation is the fourth international studio album by Anggun. The album was recorded in English and French.-French Version:* France Standard Edition#"J'ignorais tout" – 4:22#"Si tu l'avoues" – 3:59#"Hymne à la vie" – 4:24...
. The performance was so well-received by audiences that Wolf eventually added Anggun's version of the song onto the Deluxe Edition of his hit record Wash My World
Wash My World
"Wash My World" is a 2008 song recorded by French DJ Laurent Wolf, and performed by Éric Carter. It was the second single from his album of the same name on which it features as second track, and was released on August 22, 2008...
.
On 16 October 2009, Anggun was nominated Goodwill Ambassador
FAO Goodwill Ambassador
The FAO Goodwill Ambassadors Programme was initiated in 1999. The main purpose of the programme is to increase public awareness and to disseminate information on issues related to food security, hunger and poverty in the world...
of the Food and Agriculture Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and...
of the United Nations (FAO).
Recently, Anggun co-wrote and contributed vocals to two tracks ("Blind" and "Always You" – the latter track which also appears as a reprise
Reprise
Reprise is a fundamental device in the history of art. In literature, a reprise consists of the rewriting of another work; in music, a reprise is the repetition or reiteration of the opening material later in a composition as occurs in the recapitulation of sonata form, though—originally in the...
) on the album Atemlos
Atemlos
Atemlos is the sixth studio album of German Electronica and Global Pop artist Christopher Von Deylen under his principle project "Schiller". The album was released on March 12, 2010...
by Schiller
Schiller (band)
Schiller is the main project of Christopher von Deylen , a German musician, composer and producer. He won the ECHO award in 2002 for the Best Dance Single of the Year.. Schiller has sold over 7 million albums worldwide.Christopher Von Deylen does not provide vocals for any of his compositions...
, released in Germany on 12 March 2010.
2011: Echoes & Eurovision
On 2 March 2011, Anggun announced the title of her upcoming album: "Echoes" (International & Indonesian version) with the French release titled "Echos".The first single is called Only Love (English version), Mon meilleur amour (French version) and Hanyalah Cinta (Indonesian version). It became available 11 April 2011 on iTunes France.
"Only Love" & "Hanyalah Cinta" reached #1 in Indonesia Airplay Charts and its French version Mon meilleur amour reached #1 French International Airplay Chart.
On 8 July 2011, a second single, "Je Partirai" was released on iTunes France.
Anggun speaks to NRJ Paris TV about her brand new album 'Echoes' to be released in France on 7 November.
Following the official first single "Je Partirai", Anggun releases an updated version of "Mon Meilleur Amour" as her second single. The new and revised version lacks on the original organic naturalistic influence and is replaced with heavier guitar additions.
In November 2011 it was announced that she will be the French representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012
Eurovision Song Contest 2012
The Eurovision Song Contest 2012 will be the 57th annual Eurovision Song Contest. It will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, following Azerbaijan's win in the 2011 Contest with Ell & Nikki's song "Running Scared". The two semi-finals will be held on 22 May and 24 May 2012, with the final on 26 May 2012,...
in Azerbaijan.
Indonesian-language albums
- 1986: Dunia Aku PunyaDunia Aku PunyaDunia Aku Punya is a debut Indonesian studio album by Anggun. It was released by Billboard Indonesia in 1986.-Album informaiton:The album was produced by Indonesian famous rock gitarist and producer, Ian Antono...
- 1990: MimpiMimpiMimpi is a compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun, features 2 hit singles "Mimpi" and "Bayang Bayang Ilusi". The album was released in 1990 under label Atlantic Records, Indonesia...
- 1990: Tua Tua KeladiTua Tua KeladiTua Tua Keladi is a compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun, features hit single "Tua Tua Keladi". The album was released in 1990 under label Atlantic Records.-Album information:...
- 1990: TakutTakutTakut is a 1990 compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun, released in 1990 under label Harpa Records. It features the hit single "Takut".-Album information:...
- 1991: Anak Putih Abu AbuAnak Putih Abu AbuAnak Putih Abu Abu is the second Indonesian studio album by Anggun. The album was released in 1991 under label Harpa Records. The album spawned hits singles "Nafas Cinta", "Anak Putih Abu Abu" and "Pesta Kita".-Track listing:# "Nafas Cinta"...
- 1992: NocturnoNocturnoNocturno is the third Indonesian studio album by Anggun. The album was released in 1992 under label Harpa Records. The album spawned hit singles such as "Nocturno" and "Sentuhan Dewata".- Track listing :# "Problema Cinta"# "Ku Tak Ingin"# "Nocturno"...
- 1993: Anggun C. Sasmi... Lah!!!Anggun C. Sasmi... Lah!!!Anggun C. Sasmi... Lah!!! is the fourth studio album by Indonesian recording artist Anggun. It was self-produced and released in 1993 on her own label, Bali Cipta Records.-Album information:...
- 1994: Yang HilangYang HilangYang Hilang is the greatest hits compilation album by Indonesian singer Anggun. It was released in 1994 by her own record company, Bali Cipta Record.-History:...
French-language albums
- 1997: Au nom de la luneAu nom de la luneAu nom de la lune is the first French studio album by Indonesian singer Anggun. The album was released in France and french-speaking nations on June 24, 1997 under Columbia France...
- 2000: Désirs ContrairesDésirs contrairesDésirs contraires is the second French studio album by Anggun. The album was released in September 2000 by Sony Music France.The album only stayed in the French albums chart for 2 weeks.-Track listing:# "Derrière la porte" – 3:51...
- 2005: LuminescenceLuminescence (album)Luminescence is the third international studio album by Anggun. The French-language version was released in February 2005 and the English-language version, also with the same title, was released in the fall of 2005...
- 2006: Luminescence Edition SpecialeLuminescence (album)Luminescence is the third international studio album by Anggun. The French-language version was released in February 2005 and the English-language version, also with the same title, was released in the fall of 2005...
- 2008: ElévationElevation (Anggun album)Elevation is the fourth international studio album by Anggun. The album was recorded in English and French.-French Version:* France Standard Edition#"J'ignorais tout" – 4:22#"Si tu l'avoues" – 3:59#"Hymne à la vie" – 4:24...
- 2011: Echos (November)
English-language albums
- 1998: Snow on the Sahara
- 1999: Anggun
- 2000: ChrysalisChrysalis (album)Chrysalis is the second international studio album by Anggun. The album was released in 2000 by Sony Music.-Album information:Following the success of her international breakthrough album, Snow on the Sahara, in 1998, Anggun returned to prominence with her second international album entitled...
- 2002: Open HeartsOpen Hearts (album)Open Hearts is the soundtrack album of Scandinavian 2002 movie, Open Hearts by Indonesian singer Anggun. The album was released in 2002 - 2004 by Columbia and Sony Music...
- 2005: LuminescenceLuminescence (album)Luminescence is the third international studio album by Anggun. The French-language version was released in February 2005 and the English-language version, also with the same title, was released in the fall of 2005...
- 2006: Luminescence Special EditionLuminescence (album)Luminescence is the third international studio album by Anggun. The French-language version was released in February 2005 and the English-language version, also with the same title, was released in the fall of 2005...
- 2007: Best OfBest-Of (Anggun album)Best-Of is a greatest hits compilation album by Anggun. The album was released on December 2006 in Indonesia, May 2007 in Malaysia and June 2007 in Italy....
- 2008: ElevationElevation (Anggun album)Elevation is the fourth international studio album by Anggun. The album was recorded in English and French.-French Version:* France Standard Edition#"J'ignorais tout" – 4:22#"Si tu l'avoues" – 3:59#"Hymne à la vie" – 4:24...
- 2011: Echoes (TBA)
External links
- Anggun – Official Website
- AnggunWorld – Anggun International Fansite &
- Anggunesia – Anggun Indonesia Fansite
- ANGGUN-ID – Anggun Social Networking Fansite
- AnggunFrance – Anggun France Fansite
- FAO Goodwill Ambassador website