Libertine (song)
Encyclopedia
"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 met success on the French chart, becoming thus Farmer's first big hit. In 2002, the song was successfully covered by Kate Ryan
, who reached the top 20 in several Europe
an countries.
, "L'Amour tutti frutti", composed in 1984 by Jean-Claude Déquéant. It had not achieved success at the time, but was appreciated by the duo Farmer / Boutonnat who wanted to use it for their next song. When Farmer did tests of singing on the music, she repeated "Je suis une catin" ("I am a whore") in the refrain; that inspired Boutonnat for the theme of the song. Two vinyl's covers were released: the first one, in April, shows dark-haired Farmer wearing an orange robe, and the second one, in June, using an image from the videoclip with red-haired Farmer with a pistol in her hand. The song became a hit, fortunately, because Polydor, the record label of Farmer, could at any time break off the contract signed with the singer for two albums if the song had not been successful. In addition, the song allowed the album Cendres de Lune
to be a success.
At the time, various remixes were produced by Boutonnat to the nightclub
s. An English
version of the song, "Bad Girl", was recorded, but unlike "My Mum Is Wrong
", it was not released as a single because the recording was not very conclusive.
. Some phrases are very obscure or seem inconsistent.
Produced by Polydor
and directed by Boutonnat, the video was shot in five days at the Château de Ferrières
and Château de Brou in France
, with a budget of what would now be about 46,000 euros (76,000 or 300,000 euros according to other sources). Farmer said at the time that the video had a derisory cost in comparison with the effect it produced. Presented on 18 June 1986 in preview at the cinema of the Champs-Elysées
, this music video was the first one whose length was so long (10:53). It is said to be the first instance of full frontal nudity made by a singer on a major music video. It was inspired by Stanley Kubrick
's film Barry Lyndon
. Most of the extras were actually employees of Polydor and Movie Box. Sophie Tellier, who plays the Woman in Red, was one of Farmer's dancers and also appeared in other singer's videos. She would also play Farmer's enemy in the video Tristana
. Appropriately enough, Rambo Kolawski, the man who raped Farmer's character in the video for "Plus grandir
", also appears as the man she kills in the duel.
Plot
The action takes place in mid-18th century France. Libertine (Farmer) is a young woman who dresses in male clothing and spends her time in debauched parties. When the film begins she and a man are about to engage in a duel
with pistol
s, witnessed by a Woman in Red. Libertine kills the man and runs away on a white horse, while the Woman in Red threatens revenge. Later, in a castle, Libertine has a bath with two other women, anatomies on full display. They then dress, Libertine in male attire, and go to a banquet hall filled with people engaged in various pleasures. A man sends Libertine a message and follows her to an upstairs room, rejecting the Woman in Red's advances. The man and Libertine make love
. (At this stage Farmer is shown fully naked, including full frontal, and the music stops to give way to sounds evoking eroticism, (moan
s and howles of wolves
)). When Libertine returns to the party she is attacked by the Woman in Red. They fight violently and some blood flows. Seriously hurt by a fireplace poker
, Libertine and the man manage to escape on horseback, but the Woman in Red stages an ambush
with accomplices and they are killed. The two murdered bodies are shown in close-up
. The bodies are later found in the video for "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
".
Viewings
The video was aired on many TV channels, but sometimes in a shortened version removing the scenes of violence and sex. The character played by Farmer embodies "the liberal ideas of the [18th century], to the borders of vice
and the loss of self", engaging in "extremes practices", such as the "sadomasochistic relationship" with the man. Thanks to this daring video, Farmer gained star status in France
. The music channel M6 which, at the time, was showing only music videos, broadcast the uncensored version. At the time, she had explained in an interview that she was bare in this video, but that it was for the first and the last time.
The music video is included on the videos albums Les Clips
and Music Videos I
.
In France
, the song debuted at the number 43 on the singles chart on 30 August 1986. It gained a fews places every week and reached number ten on 25 October. The song managed to remain for twelve weeks in the top 20 and for twenty weeks on the chart. The song was certified Silver disc
in 1986 by the SNEP
. It was thus the first Farmer's top ten hit, becoming a very popular song in France over the years and one of the ten best-selling singles of the singer.
, Antenne 2
, FR3
, RTBF Belgium, La 5
, RTL TV), "Libertine" is to date Farmer's song which was the most promoted on television. At certain performances, she also sang - in playback - "Maman a tort
" and "Greta", and was sometimes interviewed.
The song was performed on 1989
, 1996 and 2009 concerts tours. It was also included in a medley during the Mylenium Tour
.
and alternative rock
Ludwig von 88
on its album 17 plombs pour péter les tubes, in 1994, Edwige Chandelier, one of the dancers on the 1989 tour
, in 1996, for the album Les Plus Belles Chansons françaises - 1986, Les Enfoirés
, in 2000 (the song was performed by Liane Foly
, Karen Mulder
, Axelle Red
and Michèle Laroque
and their version is available on the album Enfoirés en 2000, released on 28 February 2000), Kate Ryan
, in 2003 (see below), and Les Dindes Suprêmes, in 2007. In 2009, French band La Pompe Moderne released its album Greatest Hits with a cover version of "Libertine".
7" single - First and second covers - France, Canada
7" single - Promo - France
7" maxi - First cover - France
7" maxi - Remix club - France
7" maxi - Remix club - Promo - France
7" maxi - Soundtrack - France
Cassette - Promo - France
Digital download (since 2005)
", Kate Ryan did another one of "Libertine" and released it as single in late 2002. The single also reached the top 20 in several countries, but was less successful than Ryan's previous Farmer's cover version.
In Belgium (Flanders
), the single entered the chart on 14 December 2002 at number 25, then it climbed directly to the top 10 and reached a peak at number seven in the following week, then dropping quickly. Staying sic weeks in the top ten and for a total of 13 weeks on the chart (top 50), it had an average chart running in comparison with the other singles from the album Different
.
In Germany
, the single reached the top ten in its first week at number nine, then climbed to number seven, its peak position, a few weeks later. Spending a total of 15 weeks in the top 100, it had the second-best chart running for a single of Kate Ryan in this country. It also reached number seven in Austria
and stayed even for 17 weeks on the chart, including seven weeks in the top ten.
CD maxi 1
CD maxi 2
12" maxi
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...
artist Mylène Farmer
Mylène Farmer
Mylène Farmer, , born Marie-Hélène Jeanne Gautier, , , is a French singer, songwriter, occasional actress and author....
. It was the third single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
from her first studio album Cendres de Lune
Cendres de Lune
Cendres de Lune is the debut album by the French singer/songwriter Mylène Farmer, released on April 1, 1986. The album was precedeed by the hit single "Libertine", and the album was rereleased in 1987 preceded by the song "Tristana"...
and was released on 1 April 1986. It was particularly known for its huge music video, produced as a film
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
and which contains explicit sexual and violent scenes. It met success on the French chart, becoming thus Farmer's first big hit. In 2002, the song was successfully covered by Kate Ryan
Kate Ryan
Kate Ryan is a Belgian World Music Award winner. She began her singing career in 2001 and later found fame with a string of dance hits. These included covers, mostly of Mylène Farmer and France Gall, such as "Désenchantée", "Libertine" and "Ella, elle l'a" as well as new material...
, who reached the top 20 in several 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...
an countries.
Background and writing
The song was inspired by a rock musicRock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
, "L'Amour tutti frutti", composed in 1984 by Jean-Claude Déquéant. It had not achieved success at the time, but was appreciated by the duo Farmer / Boutonnat who wanted to use it for their next song. When Farmer did tests of singing on the music, she repeated "Je suis une catin" ("I am a whore") in the refrain; that inspired Boutonnat for the theme of the song. Two vinyl's covers were released: the first one, in April, shows dark-haired Farmer wearing an orange robe, and the second one, in June, using an image from the videoclip with red-haired Farmer with a pistol in her hand. The song became a hit, fortunately, because Polydor, the record label of Farmer, could at any time break off the contract signed with the singer for two albums if the song had not been successful. In addition, the song allowed the album Cendres de Lune
Cendres de Lune
Cendres de Lune is the debut album by the French singer/songwriter Mylène Farmer, released on April 1, 1986. The album was precedeed by the hit single "Libertine", and the album was rereleased in 1987 preceded by the song "Tristana"...
to be a success.
At the time, various remixes were produced by Boutonnat to the nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
s. An English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
version of the song, "Bad Girl", was recorded, but unlike "My Mum Is Wrong
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...
", it was not released as a single because the recording was not very conclusive.
Lyrics and music
"Libertine", one of the few songs whose lyrics were not composed by Farmer, contains many explicit references to sexualityHuman sexuality
Human sexuality is the awareness of gender differences, and the capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. Human sexuality can also be described as the way someone is sexually attracted to another person whether it is to opposite sexes , to the same sex , to either sexes , or not being...
. Some phrases are very obscure or seem inconsistent.
Music video
ProductionProduced by Polydor
Polydor Records
Polydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
and directed by Boutonnat, the video was shot in five days at the Château de Ferrières
Château de Ferrières
Château de Ferrières is a French château built between 1855 and 1859 by Baron James de Rothschild in the Goût Rothschild. Rothschild ownership of the Château de Ferrières was passed down through the male line according to the rule of primogeniture...
and Château de Brou 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...
, with a budget of what would now be about 46,000 euros (76,000 or 300,000 euros according to other sources). Farmer said at the time that the video had a derisory cost in comparison with the effect it produced. Presented on 18 June 1986 in preview at the cinema of the Champs-Elysées
Champs-Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a prestigious avenue in Paris, France. With its cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets and one of the most expensive strip of real estate in the world. The name is...
, this music video was the first one whose length was so long (10:53). It is said to be the first instance of full frontal nudity made by a singer on a major music video. It was inspired by Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick was an American film director, writer, producer, and photographer who lived in England during most of the last four decades of his career...
's film Barry Lyndon
Barry Lyndon
Barry Lyndon is a 1975 British-American period romantic war film produced, written, and directed by Stanley Kubrick based on the 1844 novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray which recounts the exploits of an 18th century Irish adventurer...
. Most of the extras were actually employees of Polydor and Movie Box. Sophie Tellier, who plays the Woman in Red, was one of Farmer's dancers and also appeared in other singer's videos. She would also play Farmer's enemy in the video 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...
. Appropriately enough, Rambo Kolawski, the man who raped Farmer's character in the video for "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...
", also appears as the man she kills in the duel.
Plot
The action takes place in mid-18th century France. Libertine (Farmer) is a young woman who dresses in male clothing and spends her time in debauched parties. When the film begins she and a man are about to engage in a duel
Duel
A duel is an arranged engagement in combat between two individuals, with matched weapons in accordance with agreed-upon rules.Duels in this form were chiefly practised in Early Modern Europe, with precedents in the medieval code of chivalry, and continued into the modern period especially among...
with pistol
Handgun
A handgun is a firearm designed to be held and operated by one hand. This characteristic differentiates handguns as a general class of firearms from long guns such as rifles and shotguns ....
s, witnessed by a Woman in Red. Libertine kills the man and runs away on a white horse, while the Woman in Red threatens revenge. Later, in a castle, Libertine has a bath with two other women, anatomies on full display. They then dress, Libertine in male attire, and go to a banquet hall filled with people engaged in various pleasures. A man sends Libertine a message and follows her to an upstairs room, rejecting the Woman in Red's advances. The man and Libertine make love
Sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse, also known as copulation or coitus, commonly refers to the act in which a male's penis enters a female's vagina for the purposes of sexual pleasure or reproduction. The entities may be of opposite sexes, or they may be hermaphroditic, as is the case with snails...
. (At this stage Farmer is shown fully naked, including full frontal, and the music stops to give way to sounds evoking eroticism, (moan
Human voice
The human voice consists of sound made by a human being using the vocal folds for talking, singing, laughing, crying, screaming, etc. Its frequency ranges from about 60 to 7000 Hz. The human voice is specifically that part of human sound production in which the vocal folds are the primary...
s and howles of wolves
Gray Wolf
The gray wolf , also known as the wolf, is the largest extant wild member of the Canidae family...
)). When Libertine returns to the party she is attacked by the Woman in Red. They fight violently and some blood flows. Seriously hurt by a fireplace poker
Fire iron
A fire iron is any metal instrument for tending to a fire.-Types of fire irons:There are three types of tools commonly used to tend a small fire, such as an indoor fireplace fire, or yule log: the spade, the tongs and the poker itself...
, Libertine and the man manage to escape on horseback, but the Woman in Red stages an ambush
Ambush
An ambush is a long-established military tactic, in which the aggressors take advantage of concealment and the element of surprise to attack an unsuspecting enemy from concealed positions, such as among dense underbrush or behind hilltops...
with accomplices and they are killed. The two murdered bodies are shown in close-up
Close-up
In filmmaking, television production, still photography and the comic strip medium a close-up tightly frames a person or an object. Close-ups are one of the standard shots used regularly with medium shots and long shots . Close-ups display the most detail, but they do not include the broader scene...
. The bodies are later found in the video for "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...
".
Viewings
The video was aired on many TV channels, but sometimes in a shortened version removing the scenes of violence and sex. The character played by Farmer embodies "the liberal ideas of the [18th century], to the borders of vice
Vice
Vice is a practice or a behavior or habit considered immoral, depraved, or degrading in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a defect, an infirmity, or merely a bad habit. Synonyms for vice include fault, depravity, sin, iniquity, wickedness, and corruption...
and the loss of self", engaging in "extremes practices", such as the "sadomasochistic relationship" with the man. Thanks to this daring video, Farmer gained star status 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 music channel M6 which, at the time, was showing only music videos, broadcast the uncensored version. At the time, she had explained in an interview that she was bare in this video, but that it was for the first and the last time.
The music video is included on the videos albums Les Clips
Les Clips
Les Clips is a VHS recorded by the French singer Mylène Farmer, containing all the singer's videoclips from 1984 to 1987. It was released in November 1987 in France....
and Music Videos I
Music Videos I
Music Videos I is a VHS / DVD recorded by the French singer Mylène Farmer, containing all the singer's videoclips from 1985 to 1992. It was released in April 1997 in France....
.
Critical reception
"Libertine" was generally well received by contemporary media. France Soir considered this song has "a little music that puts in a good mood from the awakening". The video was much discussed in the media and caused the stir. It was described as a "detonating videoclip", "a real gem directed as a mini-movie", the music video "the most complete and the longest", "more a mini-movie than a videoclip", "the videoclip the strongest of the year".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 song debuted at the number 43 on the singles chart on 30 August 1986. It gained a fews places every week and reached number ten on 25 October. The song managed to remain for twelve weeks in the top 20 and for twenty weeks on the chart. The song was certified Silver disc
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 1986 by the SNEP
Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique
The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry...
. It was thus the first Farmer's top ten hit, becoming a very popular song in France over the years and one of the ten best-selling singles of the singer.
Promotion and live performances
Farmer performed the song in numerous TV shows at the time, between 20 January 1986 and 22 January 1987. With more than 25 appearances in different programmes on various French and Belgian channels (TF1TF1
TF1 is a national French TV channel, controlled by TF1 Group, whose major share-holder is Bouygues. TF1's average market share of 24% makes it the most popular domestic network...
, Antenne 2
France 2
France 2 is a French public national television channel. It is part of the state-owned France Télévisions group, along with France 3, France 4, France 5 and France Ô...
, FR3
France 3
France 3 is the second largest French public television channel and part of the France Télévisions group, which also includes France 2, France 4, France 5, and France Ô....
, RTBF Belgium, La 5
France 5
France 5 is a public television network in France, part of the France Télévisions group. Principally featuring educational programming, the channel's motto is la chaîne de la connaissance et du savoir...
, RTL TV), "Libertine" is to date Farmer's song which was the most promoted on television. At certain performances, she also sang - in playback - "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...
" and "Greta", and was sometimes interviewed.
The song was performed on 1989
Mylène Farmer en concert
Mylène Farmer en concert is Mylène Farmer's 1989 concert tour in support of her second studio album, Ainsi soit je.... It was the first tour of the singer.- Introduction :...
, 1996 and 2009 concerts tours. It was also included in a medley during the Mylenium Tour
Mylenium Tour (tour)
Mylenium Tour is Mylène Farmer's 1999-2000 concert tour in support of her fifth studio album, Innamoramento.-Critical reception and commercial success:...
.
Cover versions
Several artists covered the song including French punk rockPunk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
and alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
Ludwig von 88
Ludwig von 88
Ludwig von 88 is a French punk rock and alternative rock band mostly active in the 1980s and 1990s, and which gained an important success in the underground scene of its country. The band has not released any new material since 2001, but has not disbanded and is thus officially still active...
on its album 17 plombs pour péter les tubes, in 1994, Edwige Chandelier, one of the dancers on the 1989 tour
Mylène Farmer en concert
Mylène Farmer en concert is Mylène Farmer's 1989 concert tour in support of her second studio album, Ainsi soit je.... It was the first tour of the singer.- Introduction :...
, in 1996, for the album Les Plus Belles Chansons françaises - 1986, Les Enfoirés
Les Enfoirés
Les Enfoirés , is the name given to the singers and performers in the yearly charity concert for the Restaurants du Cœur .-History:...
, in 2000 (the song was performed by Liane Foly
Liane Foly
Liane Foly, is an popular French blues and jazz singer, actress, presenter and impressionist.-Early years:Foly was born the 16 December 1962 in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon. Her parents, a merchant family in French Algeria, returned to France in 1962 with the Pied-Noir community and moved to...
, Karen Mulder
Karen Mulder
Karen Mulder is a Dutch former model and singer. During the 90s, she had a successful modeling career and was recognized as a world-class "supermodel" by various media...
, Axelle Red
Axelle Red
Axelle Red is a Belgian singer-songwriter.-Biography:She was born at Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium, the daughter of Roland Demal, a solicitor in Hasselt and Councillor for the Flemish Liberals and Democrats in the City Council.Nowadays a committed artist and a militant humanist, back in 1993 Axelle...
and Michèle Laroque
Michèle Laroque
Michèle Laroque is a French actress, comedian and humorist, who has appeared in almost 60 film and television productions since 1988.She was born in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France...
and their version is available on the album Enfoirés en 2000, released on 28 February 2000), Kate Ryan
Kate Ryan
Kate Ryan is a Belgian World Music Award winner. She began her singing career in 2001 and later found fame with a string of dance hits. These included covers, mostly of Mylène Farmer and France Gall, such as "Désenchantée", "Libertine" and "Ella, elle l'a" as well as new material...
, in 2003 (see below), and Les Dindes Suprêmes, in 2007. In 2009, French band La Pompe Moderne released its album Greatest Hits with a cover version of "Libertine".
Formats and track listings
These are the formats and track listings of single releases of "Libertine":7" single - First and second covers - France, Canada
7" single - Promo - France
7" maxi - First cover - France
7" maxi - Remix club - France
7" maxi - Remix club - Promo - France
7" maxi - Soundtrack - France
Cassette - Promo - France
Digital download (since 2005)
Release history
| Date | Label | Region | Format | Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1986 | Polydor | France | 7" single | 883 829-7 |
| 12" maxi | 883 829-1 | |||
| 7" single - Promo | 883 868-7 | |||
| 12" maxi - Promo | 885 077-1 | |||
| Canada | 7" single | 87184 | ||
| June 1986 | France | 7" single | 883 829-7 | |
| 12" maxi - Remixes | 883 829-1 | |||
| 12" maxi - Soundtrack | 885 380-1 | |||
Official versions
| Version | Length | Album | Remixed by | Year | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Album version | 3:49 | Cendres de Lune Cendres de Lune Cendres de Lune is the debut album by the French singer/songwriter Mylène Farmer, released on April 1, 1986. The album was precedeed by the hit single "Libertine", and the album was rereleased in 1987 preceded by the song "Tristana"... |
Laurent Boutonnat Laurent Boutonnat Laurent 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 :... |
1986 | See the previous sections |
| Single version | 3:30 | — | — | 1986 | One refrain is deleted. |
| Long version | 4:30 | — | Laurent Boutonnat | 1986 | The introduction and the musical bridges Bridge (music) In music, especially western popular music, a bridge is a contrasting section which also prepares for the return of the original material section... are extended. |
| Instrumental | 3:31 | Les Clips Les Clips Les Clips is a VHS recorded by the French singer Mylène Farmer, containing all the singer's videoclips from 1984 to 1987. It was released in November 1987 in France.... , Music Videos I Music Videos I Music Videos I is a VHS / DVD recorded by the French singer Mylène Farmer, containing all the singer's videoclips from 1985 to 1992. It was released in April 1997 in France.... |
— | 1986 | All the lyrics are deleted, except background vocals in the introduction and during the last minute. |
| Remix | 4:35 | — | Laurent Boutonnat | 1986 | Specially intended to discothèques, the song is fully remixed, but has extended musical introduction and bridges. |
| New remix | 3:35 | — | Thierry Rogen | 1986 | The introduction is played on saxophone Saxophone The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846... . A musical bridge is added. |
| Soundtrack from the video | 3:22 | Les Clips Les Clips Les Clips is a VHS recorded by the French singer Mylène Farmer, containing all the singer's videoclips from 1984 to 1987. It was released in November 1987 in France.... , Music Videos I Music Videos I Music Videos I is a VHS / DVD recorded by the French singer Mylène Farmer, containing all the singer's videoclips from 1985 to 1992. It was released in April 1997 in France.... |
— | 1986 | |
| Remix special club | 5:53 | Cendres de Lune Cendres de Lune Cendres de Lune is the debut album by the French singer/songwriter Mylène Farmer, released on April 1, 1986. The album was precedeed by the hit single "Libertine", and the album was rereleased in 1987 preceded by the song "Tristana"... |
Laurent Boutonnat | 1986 | This remix uses many drum machine Drum machine A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument designed to imitate the sound of drums or other percussion instruments. They are used in a variety of musical genres, not just purely electronic music... s. |
| Live version (recorded in 1989) |
12:00 | En Concert | — | 1989 | The song begins with the shot of a pistol. See Mylène Farmer en concert Mylène Farmer en concert Mylène Farmer en concert is Mylène Farmer's 1989 concert tour in support of her second studio album, Ainsi soit je.... It was the first tour of the singer.- Introduction :... |
| Carnal sins remix | 7:00 | Dance Remixes Dance 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.... |
Laurent Boutonnat | 1992 | This version adds suggestive sighs and cries of Farmer. |
| Live version (recorded in 1996) |
5:40 | Live à Bercy Live à Bercy Live à Bercy is the second live album by Mylène Farmer, released on May 21, 1997. It was also produced as a video.-Background:After the successful concerts tour of 1996, whose shows were spread out from May 25 to December 15, a live album was recorded and produced by Thierry Suc, and sponsored by... |
— | 1996 | See 1996 Bercy |
| Live version (recorded in 2000) |
0:30 | Mylenium Tour Mylenium Tour Mylènium Tour is the third live album by Mylène Farmer, released on December 5, 2000.-Background:After having ending her third successful tour whose last shows were held in Russia on March 7, 2000, Farmer rested, and then decided to release an album and a DVD retracing her concert... |
— | 2000 | The song is included in a medley. See Mylenium Tour Mylenium Tour (tour) Mylenium Tour is Mylène Farmer's 1999-2000 concert tour in support of her fifth studio album, Innamoramento.-Critical reception and commercial success:... |
| Album version | 3:30 | Les Mots | Laurent Boutonnat | 2001 | The song is remastered and is slightly shortened in comparison with the original version. |
| Y-Front remix | 4:02 | RemixeS RemixeS RemixeS is a compilation of French singer Mylène Farmer's singles by various famous DJ's, including JXL, Felix Da Housecat and Paul Oakenfold.-Brackground, writing and release:... |
Y-Front | 2003 | This is a techno Techno Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid to late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno, in reference to a genre of music, was in 1988... remix which has many electronic sounds. |
| Live version (recorded in 2009) |
5:35 | N°5 on Tour N°5 on Tour Nº5 on Tour is a double live album by French singer Mylène Farmer which documents her 2009 tour Mylène Farmer en tournée. It is her fifth live album and her 15th album overall. It was released on 7 December 2009, and it includes the standard set list that she sang during the indoor shows in France... |
— | 2009 | |
Credits and personnel
These are the credits and the personnel as they appear on the back of the single:- Laurent Boutonnat – lyrics, photo (first cover)
- Jean-Claude Déquéant – music
- Bertrand Le Page and Toutankhamon – editions
- PolydorPolydor RecordsPolydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
– recording company - Éric Caro – photo (second cover)
- Studio Bonne Mine – design
Charts and certifications
| Chart (1987) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| French SNEP Singles Chart | 10 |
| Country | Certification | Date | Sales certified | Physical sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | Silver | 1986 | 200,000 | 400,000+ |
Kate Ryan version
Following the success of her cover version of "DésenchantéeDésenchantée
"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...
", Kate Ryan did another one of "Libertine" and released it as single in late 2002. The single also reached the top 20 in several countries, but was less successful than Ryan's previous Farmer's cover version.
In Belgium (Flanders
Flanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
), the single entered the chart on 14 December 2002 at number 25, then it climbed directly to the top 10 and reached a peak at number seven in the following week, then dropping quickly. Staying sic weeks in the top ten and for a total of 13 weeks on the chart (top 50), it had an average chart running in comparison with the other singles from the album Different
Different (Kate Ryan album)
Different is the debut studio album by Belgian singer Kate Ryan. It was released in 2002 by EMI Records. The album was produced by AJ Duncan and Phil Wilde. It peaked at number eight in Belgium and was certified Gold...
.
In Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, the single reached the top ten in its first week at number nine, then climbed to number seven, its peak position, a few weeks later. Spending a total of 15 weeks in the top 100, it had the second-best chart running for a single of Kate Ryan in this country. It also reached number seven in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
and stayed even for 17 weeks on the chart, including seven weeks in the top ten.
Formats and track listings
CD singleCD maxi 1
CD maxi 2
12" maxi
Personnel
- Paul van der Jonckheyd – mastering
- Peter Bulkens – mixing
- Philippe Mathys – photo
- AJ Duncan, Phil Wilde – production
Charts
| Chart (2002/03) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Austrian Singles Chart Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 is the name of the official Austrian singles chart, as well as the radio show which presents it, aired Fridays on Hitradio Ö3. The show presents the Austrian singles, ringtones and downloads chart. It premiered on 26 November 1968 as Disc Parade and was presented by Ernst Grissemann... |
7 |
| Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart Ultratop 50 Ultratop 50 singles, often just Ultratop 50, is the weekly chart of fifty best-selling singles in Flanders, Belgium, and is produced and published by the Ultratop organization. The chart has existed since March 31, 1995... |
7 |
| Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart Ultratop Ultratop is an organization which generates and publishes the official record charts in Belgium, and it is also the name of most of those charts... |
34 |
| Danish Singles Chart | 15 |
| Finnish Singles Chart | 20 |
| French SNEP Singles Chart Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... |
48 |
| German Singles Chart | 7 |
| Hungarian Airplay Chart Mahasz Mahasz is the Hungarian music industry association, founded in 1992. Mahasz hands out the Hungarian Music Awards and maintains the music charts for Hungary.... |
5 |
| Norwegian Singles Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
15 |
| Swedish Singles Chart | 16 |
| Swiss Singles Chart | 26 |