Learn French With Music: 6 Modern Songs to Sing Your Way to Fluency

How do you learn French? Do you use some amusing techniques to memorize better and improve your language skills? And how about music?

It may sound strange that you can learn French with music, but it is true.

Music is a powerful instrument to calm you and give you positive energy, so why it wouldn’t be one of the efficient language learning tools too? Now think a little bit about French songs. How many of them do you know? How many French songs with lyrics popped into your head?

From La Vie En Rose by Edit Piaf to Derniere Dance by Indila, there are hundreds of beautiful French songs. Some are catchy, others are romantic, and some are ideal for dancing on the beach in the summertime. But one thing all of them have in common is the benefit to hear the French accent, learn new words and phrases, and have fun while singing along with singers.

And have you recalled some other French songs? Oh, there’s nothing to worry about. In the following lines, we will show you the 6 modern French songs ideal for language learning. And now, let’s stop talking and start singing en français.

Why You Should Learn French With Music

Learning French with music is an excellent way to get out of the routine and try something else.

Music is a universal language that impacts positively on people. There are many benefits from music, so we should use it as an efficient learning tool as well.

• Songs can help you learn French easier. When you put words and phrases together with music and rhythm, it makes them catchy and easy to remember. Don’t be surprised if you start singing in French without even realizing it.

• Repetitiveness makes you understand a song better. In almost every song, choruses are repeated, so you can listen to them several times, which gives you a place to understand the context. You can also listen to the song as many times as you want to, or until you understand it from the first sound to the last.

• With songs learning about French culture is amusing. Depending on the song, era, and singer, you can learn a lot about the singer, his way of spreading the words about French culture on the whole, as well as people’s opinions about love, romance, place in the world, and many other topics they want to emphasize with their songs.

• Even though they sing practically everything, lyrics from the songs are simple and straightforward with the goal for the listeners to remember them easily. Therefore, any French learner, no matter its proficiency level, can listen to the songs, learn the words, and sing along.

The 6 Modern Songs For Learning French With Music

Before you start searching for the French songs, do you know where you can find listening to them?

There are so many available websites and apps you can listen to the songs for free, such as YouTube, Spotify, Deezer, TuneIn, and many more. You can use them online, download them on your device and listen to them whenever and wherever you go. This way, you can fulfill your spare time, have fun, and learn French.

Je Veux- Zaz

Zaz is a French jazz-acoustic music band that became worldwide famous thanks to their song ‘Je veux.’

Even though this band isn’t for all ears, the ones who like a combination of unusual but so clear voice and soul, jazz, and upbeat tunes surely won’t regret listening to it.

In French-speaking countries, they became very famous and one of the favorites.

The song ‘Je veux’ is about the thing we all are aware of that money and wealth can’t help us if we don’t have love and happiness. Or at least, that’s what is important to the singer. But we will be free and say that she sings for all of us when saying ‘Ce n'est pas votre argent qui f'ra mon bonheur’ (Your money won't buy me happiness).

Besides simple and sincere words in their songs that touch the hearts of many, listening to the amazing French accent and practicing pronunciation while singing will make you feel like you’ve got the jackpot.

Variations sur le même t’aime- Vanesa Paradis

For many of you, Vanesa Paradis is more known as Johny Depp’s wife.

But in French-speaking countries in Africa and all over Europe, she is one of the popular songwriters and singers. 

Her big hit Joe le taxi opened her way to the musical career. 

This song comes from her second album, and it is the most popular one.

Her pure and girly voice and the tune of the song can help you hear the lyrics as they are supposed to be pronounced, and if you are already familiar with the language, to understand what she is singing about. In case you are a beginner, for a start, you can look at the lyrics both in French and English, read them, and start singing with Vanesa.

White And Black Blues- Joelle Ursule

For those who still don’t know that French aren’t just France, Canada, or Belgium, this song should be a reminder of how many French-speaking countries there are worldwide.

The song was performed in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1990 as a French representative and won second place.

Everything you can learn about the French culture and tradition is in the song’s tune. A perfect combination of European French and African rhythm, along with the topic about the skin color and prejudices people themselves do when it comes to this matter.

The singer’s voice is amazing. Her energy while singing the song will, undoubtedly, make you stand and dance while learning the words.

Racine Carrée — Stromae

Which fascinating things do you know about Belgian French? 

You don’t need to start googling now because you can follow the link from the above, listen to the song, and meet one of the most famous Belgian singers, Stromae.

Not only will you hear the Belgian version of French, but you will also want to dance immediately after you hear a dance mix. The song is about up-to-date things, such as social networks, cancer, and emotional problems expressed in a Caribbean and African way.

Even though the rhythm is catchy and makes you want to dance all day, words are clearly pronounced and easy to understand.

Quelqu’un M’a Dit — Carla Bruni

Carla Bruni is considered a French pride.

Not only that every French family knows about Carla, but they know at least one of her songs. 

She mostly sings about love and broken hearts, so the song ‘Quelqu’un m’a dit’ is all about love.

If you want to feel French and get to know the modern French culture, with this song, you’ll undoubtedly have a feeling that you are drinking a glass of fine wine in Champs-Elysses while listening to the romantic French accent.

On Ne Change Pas — Celine Dion

You probably know Celine Dion as an English songwriter and singer, but she also has plenty of great songs in French, precisely Canadian French.

For those who want to get to know Canadian French a little better, listening to Celine Dion’s French songs would be a perfect choice. 

Her singing abilities are remarkable, and her voice is so clear that any French learner can easily follow and understand what she is singing about.

Her song ‘On ne change pas’ in the meaning ‘One doesn’t change’ is the first comprehensive French language hit in French-speaking countries. 

Final Thoughts

These songs we’ve suggested for you are one of the favorites in Francophone countries. 

There are also so many great songs that you will, undoubtedly, want to hear. 

In case these songs aren’t your kind of music, you can always ask for help from French tutors. Since they are native French speakers, no better person can suggest French songs that suit your musical taste. They can also choose songs ideal for your current proficiency level.