French Music Monday: Five songs to break up to

Another Monday, another column – welcome back to French Music Monday!

Because if you’re going to force yourself through a Monday, it might as well have theme music.

This Monday, we’re giving a shout out to all the lonely hearts out there. Or perhaps, like me, you just really like listening to sad music. So let us take you on the path to recovery and rediscovery with our top 5 French songs to break up to.

Asa – ‘Questions’

This is for the depths of your depression. It’s not uplifting, but it’s a great song to eat endless tubs of ice cream to, to drive home in the rain sobbing to, and is altogether more existentially aware than ‘All By Myself’. Although that is a pretty great song.

Keren Ann – ‘Hallelujah’

I just put this version in because sadly, Jeff Buckley isn’t French. But Keren Ann is. She was the first French singer I ever discovered, and writes beautiful, haunting music. But alas I’ve chosen a cover, so be sure to check out her originals. ‘Not Going Anywhere’ is a personal favourite.

Cocoon – ‘In My Boat’

This adorable little French duo is one of my favourite groups. With gorgeous songs, perfect harmonies and mesmerising guitars, you can listen to them all day.

This is for anyone dealing with an ex who left for someone else, or perhaps an unrequited love you’re a little angry at. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a better YouTube clip than this…

Yann Tiersen – ‘Summer of 78’

Go and stand in a really beautiful spot, and put this song on – feel a little overwhelmed. Yann Tiersen is hands down my favourite modern classical composer. You’ll probably recognise him as the composer for ‘Amélie‘ and ‘Goodbye Lenin’, from which this song comes.

Edith Piaf – ‘Je ne me regrette rien’

This song is for that morning you wake up and feel like you can get on with your life. There’s an extra spring in your step, and the world feels like new. March to work listening to this – never let anyone hold you back. Non – je ne me regrette rien !