The Beau and The Beautiful | French Artists Converging in the U.S.

It isn't always the lyrics that get me hooked when I first hear a song...there are moments when it's the melody that hits me before anything else...and others where I'm immediately engaged with the artist's attitude.

French artists on the rise are no exception-and even though I'm not fully understanding what's being told to me...every time I hit play...I'm unhesitatingly renewed.

With "Lopez" as a last name, it surprised everyone in my family when I decided to flip the script and take four years of French in High School...although; it surprised almost no-one that those four years of said french lessons were never actually put into practice. We live, we learn.

Cheyenne High School, North Las Vegas

Our entire senior class had planned ahead, filling out forms to gather our passports and travel requirements before the big week-long field trip...but as all things go with organizations...the school decided foreign travel wasn't at the top of it's priority list that year...so instead, the school acquired a new gym.

Ironic how life works out though-it didn’t matter if the money went to a new gym…I was hauled off to another state before I could even say the words “Senior Year” anyway...but I digress….that’s a story for another time.

Still though, the experience and lessons stick with me-and have at times gotten to experiment with my poor annunciations when I meet others who are visiting America for the first time. Like at Disneyworld...Margot who never had a hot dog until that humid driven Florida afternoon-who ended up loving them....and we laughed for minutes over that. "How neat" I thought. The world really all is about perspective.

Despite being fluent in the language, there's just something about French music hitting the scene that makes me feel so retrospective.

Take "Oneiroi" by artist: Tallou. Freshly released within the past month...the song name translates to: "dream (animated painting)".

It's no wonder you're instantly whisked off into another nebula as you start nodding your head to the backing beat and her soft but determined vocality.

How on earth is it that she has less than a thousand listeners on Spotify?! After hearing music like this, it's almost disconcerting how many under-appreciated artists there are who are willing to climb mountains just for their songs to be heard.

Tallou (Photo Courtesy of Spotify)

I can't find the full english translation for this song anywhere-so if there's anyone out there reading this who understands more about what the song covers-fill me in! It's more overwhelming than not though, how often this melody makes me grin.

Another favorite of mine by Tallou is "Petite Flaque" translating to "Small Puddle"... which mentally brings me to my garden filled beds outlining a riverbank....where I normally visit to listen to "Frou Frou" or "Imogen Heap" whenever the mood may strike.

In this cerebral country there is only harmony, tranquility and consideration. Every second has a purpose, every purpose is fulfilled.

Tallou (Photo Courtesy of C-Lab)

Not even a minute into the song, you find yourself bouncing along wondering if this french artist ever aspired to join forces with the breathy introvert we're all so noticeably devoted to....Billie Eilish. That would make for one fantastic mashup and duo-I'm telling you right now.

If there's anyway to increase her current listens from Nantes, Lyon and Rennes...you best believe I'm willing to take that vow.

A talent of equivalent caliber comes from Caen....known as Malo'. I'm really digging his fluidity when moving in and out of bilingual verses...putting a little of both worlds and mixing it into one box pot to dance inside of.

Malo' (Photo Courtesy of Radio France)

It really makes you feel like all our stories are relatable...and even though he was off in another country...he too was facing a similar struggle...one of youth molded with maturity...as we've all faced tough conversations with our our parents.

He sings "Oh I believed in you....and I believed in me....why wouldn't this be just as easy? Yes, I believed in you....and I believed in me....is it hard to love your own son...?" Even though you're not caught up with all the french translations within the tune...you couldn't be more aware of the journey he's taking you on.

The grass may seem like it's greener on the other side of the fence....but we all have our issues and vices....they're just piled and hidden behind different yards. Another great track (with a wonderfully morose accompanied visuals) is his song "Seul".

Malo' (Photo Courtesy of Radio France)

Kinda makes me want to grab one of those nostalgic Flinstone's orange pops and chill on a park swing somewhere with pondering this week's biggest questions.

With such an abundance of hip and modish anthems....it's hard not to be overwhelmed with everything that's hot out there----so get at me....I'm always open to suggestions!