Les Mots (Mylène Farmer)
Encyclopedia
Les Mots is the first compilation by French
singer Mylène Farmer
, released on November 26, 2001
. It contains most of the singer's hits and three new songs. It achieved a smash success: it sold more than 1.5 million copies in France only, achieving Diamond
status there, thus becoming to date the best-selling best-of album in France ever.
, for others it would be an acoustic compilation and for others, it would be a best of containing all Farmer's hits. Eventually, it was a best of, preceded by the release of the new single "Les Mots", the first international duet of Farmer. The best of was also entitled Les Mots and was released throughout Europe on November 28, 2001.
This album includes all Farmer's tracks released as singles since "Maman a tort
" until "L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
", except "On est tous des imbéciles
" (due to problems of copyright) and "My Mum Is Wrong". It also contains several B-sides (two of them for the general public, the other ones in the long box ; "L'Annonciation" and "Dernier Sourire" don't feature on the album due to problems of copyright) and three news songs. The live singles are not included in the track listing. In total, there are 30 tracks for the general public and 33 titles for the limited edition. A long box was made with four CD instead of two, including a DVD of the new Farmer's video.
The booklet is composed of very sexy and provocative photographs of Farmer, on which she has suggestive positions, and wears pearly stocking
s, a pink pants
and a silk négligée
. These photos were made by Ellen Von Unwerth, with a budget of 67,000 euros. However, unlike on the previous albums, the singer is smiling on these photos.
There were four singles from this best of: "L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
" (February 27, 2001), "Les Mots" (November 13, 2001), "C'est une belle journée
" (April 16, 2002) and "Pardonne-moi
" (October 21, 2002). The two first ones were released before the best of, and the two others after this one.
According to La Libre Belgique, the Farmer's work is "synthesized in a superb way" in this album. This compilation also "gives an idea of the real musical evolution" of the artist. The Swiss newspaper Le Matin described this album as "a superb compilation" and "a 'must' in the matter", containing "many hits", with "provocative" images. The French magazine Flèches Cool said that this album is an "imposing best of with 27 tracks, all very well known and appreciated by a wide public". Télé Star praised the first CD, saying it contains hits with "unstoppable melody", "flights of strings", and "tortured or sexy words", while it criticized the second CD, that "testifies the frayed inspiration of the singer". As for Voici
, "this double album stands out".
In France
, the best of debuted at #1 on Top Compilations on December 1, 2001 and remained there for 6 consecutive weeks. It appeared in the Top 10 for 39 weeks. It was ranked on this chart over one year, thanks to the release of the two new songs "C'est une belle journée
" and "Pardonne-moi
". It was the best-selling compilation in 2001 and 2002.
In Belgium
, the album went straight to #2 on December 12, 2001, and then became number 1 for four weeks. It remained in the Top 10 for 15 weeks and in the Top 40 for 43 weeks. The album featured at #28 and #14 on the 2001 and 2002 end of year chart.
In Switzerland
, the album got its highest position when it entered at # 6, on December 12, 2001, and remained on the chart (Top 100) for 38 weeks.
The best of was sold more than 500,000 copies in the first month, and 700,000 copies in two first months. In Europe, including France, over a million copies were sold in June 2002 and it won the World Platinum Award. Certified Diamond
in France, Platinum
in Belgium, and Gold
in Switzerland, it sold throughout Europe
more than 1.5 million copies, which is a record for a compilation.
(1) Contains also a third CD
(2) Only one CD with 15 songs
NEWLIN
Except: "Maman a tort
": Philippe Omnes; "Tristana
", "Sans contrefaçon
", "Ainsi soit je...
", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
", "Sans logique
", "À quoi je sers...
", "La Veuve noire", "Désenchantée
", "Regrets
", "Je t'aime mélancolie
", "Beyond My Control
" and "Que mon cœur lâche
"
Except: "Maman a tort
": Jérôme Dahan; "Libertine
": Laurent Boutonnat
Except: "Maman a tort
": Laurent Boutonnat and Jérôme Dahan; "Libertine
": Jean-Claude Déquéant; "Optimistique-moi
": Mylène Farmer
Except: "Maman a tort
": Cezame / BMG Music Publishing France; "Plus grandir
", "Libertine
", "Tristana
", "Sans contrefaçon
", "Ainsi soit je...
", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
", "Sans logique
", "À quoi je sers...
", "La Veuve noire" : Universal Music Publishing / BMG Music Publishing France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
singer Mylène Farmer
Mylène Farmer
Mylène Farmer, , born Marie-Hélène Jeanne Gautier, , , is a French singer, songwriter, occasional actress and author....
, released on November 26, 2001
2001 in music
See also:* 2001 in music Record labels established in 2001-Events:*January 1**Comeback of Guns N' Roses in House of Blues**Hum disbands.*January 17 – Bass player Jason Newsted leaves Metallica after 14 years with the band....
. It contains most of the singer's hits and three new songs. It achieved a smash success: it sold more than 1.5 million copies in France only, achieving Diamond
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
status there, thus becoming to date the best-selling best-of album in France ever.
Background and release
In 2001, rumours were launched that Farmer was doing her first compilation. However, while some people thought that it would be a remixes compilation as Dance RemixesDance Remixes
Dance Remixes is the first remix album by Mylène Farmer, released on November 23, 1992.- Background, writing and release :This album was made to make the fans wait until the following album, postponed because of the Giorgino 's shooting....
, for others it would be an acoustic compilation and for others, it would be a best of containing all Farmer's hits. Eventually, it was a best of, preceded by the release of the new single "Les Mots", the first international duet of Farmer. The best of was also entitled Les Mots and was released throughout Europe on November 28, 2001.
This album includes all Farmer's tracks released as singles since "Maman a tort
Maman a tort
"Maman a tort" is a 1984 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the debut single from Farmer's first studio album Cendres de Lune, and marked the beginning of her collaboration with her long-time composer, Laurent Boutonnat. With lyrics by Jérôme Dahan, who also helped compose the...
" until "L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
"L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est..." is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was one of the singles from the album Les Razmokets à Paris , a soundtrack from the movie of the same name...
", except "On est tous des imbéciles
On est tous des imbéciles
"On est tous des imbéciles" is a 1984 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was released in February 1985 as her second single after "Maman a tort" and its English-translated version "My Mum Is Wrong". Although the song was provocative and rather critical of the show business, it was...
" (due to problems of copyright) and "My Mum Is Wrong". It also contains several B-sides (two of them for the general public, the other ones in the long box ; "L'Annonciation" and "Dernier Sourire" don't feature on the album due to problems of copyright) and three news songs. The live singles are not included in the track listing. In total, there are 30 tracks for the general public and 33 titles for the limited edition. A long box was made with four CD instead of two, including a DVD of the new Farmer's video.
The booklet is composed of very sexy and provocative photographs of Farmer, on which she has suggestive positions, and wears pearly stocking
Stocking
A stocking, , is a close-fitting, variously elastic garment covering the foot and lower part of the leg. Stockings vary in color, design and transparency...
s, a pink pants
Trousers
Trousers are an item of clothing worn on the lower part of the body from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately...
and a silk négligée
Negligee
The negligee is a form of women's clothing consisting of a sheer usually long dressing gown. It is a form of nightgown intended for wear at night and in the bedroom...
. These photos were made by Ellen Von Unwerth, with a budget of 67,000 euros. However, unlike on the previous albums, the singer is smiling on these photos.
There were four singles from this best of: "L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
"L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est..." is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was one of the singles from the album Les Razmokets à Paris , a soundtrack from the movie of the same name...
" (February 27, 2001), "Les Mots" (November 13, 2001), "C'est une belle journée
C'est une belle journée
"C'est une belle journée" is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was the second single from her best of Les Mots and was released on 16 April 2002. The song deals with suicide on a dance music and was illustrated by a cartoon video produced by Farmer's boyfriend...
" (April 16, 2002) and "Pardonne-moi
Pardonne-moi
"Pardonne-moi" is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer, with lyrics written by herself and music composed by Laurent Boutonnat. It was the third and last single from Les Mots, and was released on 21 October 2002...
" (October 21, 2002). The two first ones were released before the best of, and the two others after this one.
Critical reception
"Les Mots" was generally well received by contemporary musical critics and media.According to La Libre Belgique, the Farmer's work is "synthesized in a superb way" in this album. This compilation also "gives an idea of the real musical evolution" of the artist. The Swiss newspaper Le Matin described this album as "a superb compilation" and "a 'must' in the matter", containing "many hits", with "provocative" images. The French magazine Flèches Cool said that this album is an "imposing best of with 27 tracks, all very well known and appreciated by a wide public". Télé Star praised the first CD, saying it contains hits with "unstoppable melody", "flights of strings", and "tortured or sexy words", while it criticized the second CD, that "testifies the frayed inspiration of the singer". As for Voici
Voici
Voici is a French weekly celebrity, women's magazine and tabloid, published by Prisma Presse . It was founded in 1987, and believes television reality shows in 2002 boosted circulation to 12.4 million copies per month . It claims the title of best selling French celebrity magazine, and second or...
, "this double album stands out".
Chart performances
This best of reached the highest position in France and Belgium since its release. According to France Soir and La Lanterne, 670,000 copies of this album were sold in the first month in France, and 700,000 in the two first months, according to Jukebox.In France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, the best of debuted at #1 on Top Compilations on December 1, 2001 and remained there for 6 consecutive weeks. It appeared in the Top 10 for 39 weeks. It was ranked on this chart over one year, thanks to the release of the two new songs "C'est une belle journée
C'est une belle journée
"C'est une belle journée" is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was the second single from her best of Les Mots and was released on 16 April 2002. The song deals with suicide on a dance music and was illustrated by a cartoon video produced by Farmer's boyfriend...
" and "Pardonne-moi
Pardonne-moi
"Pardonne-moi" is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer, with lyrics written by herself and music composed by Laurent Boutonnat. It was the third and last single from Les Mots, and was released on 21 October 2002...
". It was the best-selling compilation in 2001 and 2002.
In 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...
, the album went straight to #2 on December 12, 2001, and then became number 1 for four weeks. It remained in the Top 10 for 15 weeks and in the Top 40 for 43 weeks. The album featured at #28 and #14 on the 2001 and 2002 end of year chart.
In Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, the album got its highest position when it entered at # 6, on December 12, 2001, and remained on the chart (Top 100) for 38 weeks.
The best of was sold more than 500,000 copies in the first month, and 700,000 copies in two first months. In Europe, including France, over a million copies were sold in June 2002 and it won the World Platinum Award. Certified Diamond
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
in France, Platinum
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
in Belgium, and Gold
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
in Switzerland, it sold throughout Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
more than 1.5 million copies, which is a record for a compilation.
Formats
- Double CD - Crystal case
- Double CD - Digipack - Limited edition (100,000)
- Cassette 1 - Double length
- Cassette 2 - Double length
- Quadruple 7"
- Collector edition - Long Box 3 CD + 1 DVD - Limited edition (30,000) (1)
- CD - European version (2)
- Double CD - Digipack - Promo
- Cassette 1 - Double length - Promo
- Cassette 2 - Double length - Promo
- Collector edition - Long Box 3 CD + 1 DVD - Promo (1)
(1) Contains also a third CD
(2) Only one CD with 15 songs
Track listing
Version CD / Cassette
|
NEWLIN Collector's edition Contains a third CD with new tracks and b-sides, while first and second CD's contain only a-sides.
|
NEWLIN European edition
|
Credits
- Produced by Laurent BoutonnatLaurent BoutonnatLaurent Pierre Marie Boutonnat is a French composer and film and music video director, best known as the songwriting partner of Mylène Farmer and the director of moody, provocative and literature-inspired music videos.- Career :...
- Mixed by Bertrand Châtenet
Except: "Maman a tort
Maman a tort
"Maman a tort" is a 1984 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the debut single from Farmer's first studio album Cendres de Lune, and marked the beginning of her collaboration with her long-time composer, Laurent Boutonnat. With lyrics by Jérôme Dahan, who also helped compose the...
": Philippe Omnes; "Tristana
Tristana (song)
"Tristana" is a 1987 song recorded by the French artist Mylène Farmer. Fourth single from her first studio album Cendres de Lune, the song was released in February 1987. As for the previous single "Libertine", the music video was produced as a film, with many extras and a huge budget...
", "Sans contrefaçon
Sans contrefaçon
"Sans contrefaçon" is a 1987 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was released on 16 October 1987 as the first single from her second studio album, Ainsi soit je.... It was a big hit in 1987 and is one of her three best-selling singles. It became a very popular song in France over the...
", "Ainsi soit je...
Ainsi Soit Je...
Ainsi Soit Je... is the second album by Mylène Farmer, released in April 1988. It contains the hit singles "Sans contrefaçon", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces" and "Sans logique"...
", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
"Pourvu qu'elles soient douces" is a 1988 synthpop song by the French artist Mylène Farmer. Third single from her second studio album Ainsi soit je..., it was released on 12 September 1988. Very provocative, the song deals with sodomy and enjoys a very long music video which contains sexual and...
", "Sans logique
Sans logique
"Sans logique" is a 1988 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was released on 20 February 1989 as the fourth and last single from her second studio album Ainsi soit je.... The song deals with schizophrenia, death, love and religion and was accompanied by a cinematic video...
", "À quoi je sers...
À quoi je sers...
"À quoi je sers..." is a 1989 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. The single was a new song when it was released in July 1989, being not available on Farmer's studio albums, but only in a live version on En Concert...
", "La Veuve noire", "Désenchantée
Désenchantée
"Désenchantée" is a 1991 song recorded by the French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. First single from her third studio album L'Autre..., it was released on 18 March 1991 and achieved a great success in France, topping the chart for more than two months...
", "Regrets
Regrets (song)
"Regrets" is a 1991 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer as duet with musician Jean-Louis Murat. The song was released on 29 July 1989 and was the second single from her third studio album L'Autre.... The music video was shot in a cemetery in Budapest, as the song deals with a...
", "Je t'aime mélancolie
Je t'aime mélancolie
"Je t'aime mélancolie" is a 1991 song recorded by the French artist Mylène Farmer. Third single from her third studio album L'Autre..., the song was released in December 1991...
", "Beyond My Control
Beyond My Control
"Beyond My Control" is a 1991 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was the fourth single from her third studio album L'Autre... and was released in May 1992. The song probably remains well known for its music video that caused controversy and was censored at the time because...
" and "Que mon cœur lâche
Que mon cœur lâche
"Que mon cœur lâche" is a 1992 song recorded by the French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. The single was released on 23 November 1992 to promote Farmer's compilation album Dance Remixes. Farmer also recorded an English language version of the track, entitled "My Soul Is Slashed" which was...
"
- Programmation, keyboardKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
s and arrangement for "Les Mots", "C'est une belle journéeC'est une belle journée"C'est une belle journée" is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was the second single from her best of Les Mots and was released on 16 April 2002. The song deals with suicide on a dance music and was illustrated by a cartoon video produced by Farmer's boyfriend...
", "Pardonne-moiPardonne-moi"Pardonne-moi" is a 2001 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer, with lyrics written by herself and music composed by Laurent Boutonnat. It was the third and last single from Les Mots, and was released on 21 October 2002...
": Laurent Boutonnat - Sound: Bertrand Châtenet, Jérôme Devoise and Rik Pekkonen
- Strings arrangement: Jean-Jacques Charles
- Drum kitDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
: Karim Ziad and Abraham Laboriel Jr - Bass: Michel Alibo
- Guitar: Slim Pezin
- Recorded at Studio Guillaume Tell, Paris
- Management: Thierry Suc for TSM
- Executive production: Paul Van Parys for Stuffed Monkey
- Photographs: Ellen Von Unwerth / H&K
- Design: Henry Neu for Com'N.B
- Mastering: André Perriat, Top Master
- Lyrics: Mylène FarmerMylène FarmerMylène Farmer, , born Marie-Hélène Jeanne Gautier, , , is a French singer, songwriter, occasional actress and author....
Except: "Maman a tort
Maman a tort
"Maman a tort" is a 1984 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the debut single from Farmer's first studio album Cendres de Lune, and marked the beginning of her collaboration with her long-time composer, Laurent Boutonnat. With lyrics by Jérôme Dahan, who also helped compose the...
": Jérôme Dahan; "Libertine
Libertine (song)
"Libertine" is a 1986 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the third single from her first studio album Cendres de Lune and was released on 1 April 1986. It was particularly known for its huge music video, produced as a film and which contains explicit sexual and violent scenes. It...
": Laurent Boutonnat
- Music: Laurent Boutonnat
Except: "Maman a tort
Maman a tort
"Maman a tort" is a 1984 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the debut single from Farmer's first studio album Cendres de Lune, and marked the beginning of her collaboration with her long-time composer, Laurent Boutonnat. With lyrics by Jérôme Dahan, who also helped compose the...
": Laurent Boutonnat and Jérôme Dahan; "Libertine
Libertine (song)
"Libertine" is a 1986 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the third single from her first studio album Cendres de Lune and was released on 1 April 1986. It was particularly known for its huge music video, produced as a film and which contains explicit sexual and violent scenes. It...
": Jean-Claude Déquéant; "Optimistique-moi
Optimistique-moi
"Optimistique-moi" is a 1999 song recorded by the French artist Mylène Farmer. The fourth single from her fifth studio album, Innamoramento, it was released on 22 February 2000...
": Mylène Farmer
- Editions : Requiem Publishing
Except: "Maman a tort
Maman a tort
"Maman a tort" is a 1984 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the debut single from Farmer's first studio album Cendres de Lune, and marked the beginning of her collaboration with her long-time composer, Laurent Boutonnat. With lyrics by Jérôme Dahan, who also helped compose the...
": Cezame / BMG Music Publishing France; "Plus grandir
Plus grandir
"Plus grandir" is a 1985 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer and is the first song written by the singer. It was released twice: first, on 25 September 1985 in a studio version as second single from Farmer's debut album Cendres de Lune, then on 12 May 1990 in a live mix version...
", "Libertine
Libertine (song)
"Libertine" is a 1986 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was the third single from her first studio album Cendres de Lune and was released on 1 April 1986. It was particularly known for its huge music video, produced as a film and which contains explicit sexual and violent scenes. It...
", "Tristana
Tristana (song)
"Tristana" is a 1987 song recorded by the French artist Mylène Farmer. Fourth single from her first studio album Cendres de Lune, the song was released in February 1987. As for the previous single "Libertine", the music video was produced as a film, with many extras and a huge budget...
", "Sans contrefaçon
Sans contrefaçon
"Sans contrefaçon" is a 1987 song recorded by French artist Mylène Farmer. It was released on 16 October 1987 as the first single from her second studio album, Ainsi soit je.... It was a big hit in 1987 and is one of her three best-selling singles. It became a very popular song in France over the...
", "Ainsi soit je...
Ainsi Soit Je...
Ainsi Soit Je... is the second album by Mylène Farmer, released in April 1988. It contains the hit singles "Sans contrefaçon", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces" and "Sans logique"...
", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
"Pourvu qu'elles soient douces" is a 1988 synthpop song by the French artist Mylène Farmer. Third single from her second studio album Ainsi soit je..., it was released on 12 September 1988. Very provocative, the song deals with sodomy and enjoys a very long music video which contains sexual and...
", "Sans logique
Sans logique
"Sans logique" is a 1988 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. It was released on 20 February 1989 as the fourth and last single from her second studio album Ainsi soit je.... The song deals with schizophrenia, death, love and religion and was accompanied by a cinematic video...
", "À quoi je sers...
À quoi je sers...
"À quoi je sers..." is a 1989 song recorded by French singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer. The single was a new song when it was released in July 1989, being not available on Farmer's studio albums, but only in a live version on En Concert...
", "La Veuve noire" : Universal Music Publishing / BMG Music Publishing France
Certifications and sales
| Country | Certification | Date | Sales certified | Physical sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 2 x Platinum | September 18, 2009 | 100,000 | |
| France | Diamond | April 9, 2003 | 1,000,000 | 1,800,000+ |
| Switzerland | Gold | 2001 | 25,000 | |
Charts
| Chart (2001–2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgian (Wallonia) Albums Chart | 1 |
| French SNEP Compilations Chart | 1 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 6 |
| End of year chart (2001) | Position |
|---|---|
| Belgian (Wallonia) Albums Chart | 28 |
| French Compilations Chart | 1 |
| End of year chart (2002) | Position |
| Belgian (Wallonia) Albums Chart | 14 |
| French Compilations Chart | 1 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 55 |