7e ciel

7e ciel
Studio album by Marc Lavoine
Released	6 September 1999
Recorded	Late 1998-1999
Studio	Various recording locations (Paris)
Genre	French pop chanson pop rock
Length	44:22
Language	French
Label	RCA BMG
Producer	Michel Cœuriot
Marc Lavoine chronology
Lavoine-Matic (1996) 7e ciel (1999) C’est ça Lavoine (2001)
Marc Lavoine studio chronology
Lavoine-Matic (1996) 7e ciel (1999) Marc Lavoine (2001)
Singles from 7e ciel
"Les tournesols" Released: 30 August 1999 "Fais semblant" Released: 23 October 1999 "J’écris des chansons" Released: April 2000

7e Ciel (Septième ciel or stylized as 7ᵉ Ciel) (English: "Seventh Heaven") is the seventh studio album by French singer-songwriter Marc Lavoine, released on 6 September 1999 through RCA Records and BMG. Production was handled by Michel Cœuriot, with contributions from Pascal Obispo, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Richard Mortier, Alain Lanty, and Jean-Pierre Lousteau. Lavoine penned all the lyrics himself, showcasing his evolution from a romantic pop singer to a more introspective songwriter. The album presents a cohesive blend of pop, rock, and ballad styles, occasionally infused with Caribbean rhythms. The lyrical themes delve into emotional intimacy, personal reflection, and the nuances of love, exploring its complexities, solitude, and the passage of time.

Upon its release, 7e ciel achieved moderate commercial success in France, reaching number 57 on the French Albums Chart and staying there for four weeks. The album's performance was largely concentrated in its domestic market, with limited international impact. Critically, it received generally positive reviews, with praise for Marc Lavoine's introspective songwriting and artistic maturity. Commentators noted his transition from a romantic pop figure to a more thoughtful and refined lyricist, particularly highlighting that he penned all twelve tracks himself. As of September 2016, 7e ciel has sold a total of 70,000 copies.

Three singles were released to promote the album: "Les tournesols," "Fais semblant," and "J'écris des chansons." The lead single "Les tournesols", was released on 30 August 1999. Despite not breaking into the Top 50, it peaked at number 62 on the French Singles Chart (SNEP), marking a notable entry in Lavoine's discography. The second single, "Fais semblant," did not chart, reflecting a more subdued commercial reception. "J'écris des chansons," released as the third single, similarly struggled to make a significant commercial impact, highlighting the album's mixed overall performance. However, both singles received airplay in 2001, as apart of his compilation album, C'est ça Lavoine (2001).

Background

Released in October 1996, Lavoine-Matic marked a pivotal moment in Marc Lavoine's musical evolution. Departing from his earlier romantic themes, this album delved into more socially conscious topics, addressing issues like national identity and societal challenges. The track "C'est ça la France" exemplifies this shift, promoting messages of tolerance and unity. The album's title, a play on "automatic," suggests a mechanized or systematic approach, possibly reflecting on contemporary societal dynamics. Musically, Lavoine-Matic blends French pop with elements of synth-pop and chanson, showcasing Lavoine's versatility and willingness to experiment with different styles. The album features collaborations with artists like Princess Erika on "Les hommes sont des femmes comme les autres," adding depth and diversity to the project.

Composition

Lavoine penned all the lyrics himself, reflecting a shift from his earlier romantic pop style to more introspective themes. The album's production was overseen by Michel Cœuriot, with musical contributions from various composers, including Pascal Obispo, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Richard Mortier, Alain Lanty, and Jean-Pierre Lousteau. The album blends French pop and chanson, with occasional infusions of Caribbean rhythms. Lavoine collaborated with different composers for each track, contributing to a diverse musical landscape. Notably, he co-composed six tracks himself, further emphasizing his hands-on approach to the album's creation. "7e ciel" reflects Lavoine's maturation as an artist, offering a cohesive collection of songs that delve into emotional intimacy, personal reflection, and the nuances of love. The album's production and lyrical content mark a significant step in Lavoine's musical journey, highlighting his commitment to artistic growth and authenticity.

Music and lyrics

"Si jamais" ("If Ever") captures the lingering uncertainty and longing of a relationship on the edge, where unspoken words and unfulfilled promises hang in the air. Its gentle, melodic arrangement pairs with Lavoine's reflective vocals to create an evocative emotional landscape. "Je suis fait pour l'amour" ("I Am Made for Love") is an upbeat, heartfelt declaration that embraces love as a defining force in life. The track combines catchy pop melodies with traditional French chanson elements, reflecting Lavoine's romantic optimism. "J'aime être seul" ("I Like Being Alone") explores the introspective solitude that can accompany self-discovery, embracing the peace found in moments of solitude. The song’s stripped-down instrumentation highlights its introspective tone.

"Elle déserte" ("She Deserts") paints a portrait of emotional loss and the void left behind by a departing lover. With its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, the song captures the heartbreak of abandonment. "J'use mes souliers" ("I Wear Out My Shoes") uses the metaphor of worn-out shoes to symbolize the passage of time and the emotional journey of life. Its folk-inspired arrangement and poetic lyrics emphasize the resilience of the human spirit. "J'entends la musique" ("I Hear the Music") captures the omnipresence of music in daily life, celebrating its role as both a soundtrack and a source of inspiration. Its upbeat tempo and vibrant instrumentation create an uplifting, celebratory tone.

"Je dirai que j'ai rêvé" ("I Will Say That I Dreamed") blurs the line between dreams and reality, capturing the surreal, almost otherworldly nature of deep, passionate love. Its atmospheric production adds a layer of wistfulness to the lyrics. "Le bonheur de perdre du temps" ("The Joy of Wasting Time") celebrates the small, seemingly insignificant moments that give life meaning, embracing a slower, more deliberate pace. The song's relaxed melody complements its reflective lyrics. Les Mots ("The Words") examines the power and limitations of language in expressing deep emotions, highlighting the struggle to articulate the most profound feelings. The song's poetic lyrics are supported by a minimalist, introspective arrangement.

Singles

Les tournesols

"Les tournesols" is a song by French singer Marc Lavoine, released as the lead single on 30 August 1999. The track was co-written by Marc Lavoine and Michel Cœuriot, who also handled production and arrangement. It was released under the RCA/BMG label, with "Elle déserte" as its B-side. Upon its release, "Les tournesols" experienced moderate commercial success, peaking at number 62 on the French Singles Chart (SNEP), and continued its presence on the chart for 12 weeks.

Fais semblant

"Fais semblant" is a song by Marc Lavoine, released in 23 October 1999 as the second single. The track features lyrics penned by Lavoine himself and music composed by Pascal Obispo. Production was handled by Michel Cœuriot, who also contributed to the arrangement and conducting of the piece. The single was issued by BMG France, with "Les mots" serving as its B-side. The single failed to chart anywhere. However, it did receive radio airplay in 2001, as apart of his compilation album C'est ça Lavoine (2001). Specifically, it was playing on radios such as Radio Des Ballons and Radio Bouton in France, and was played in Belgium, on La Cible.

J’écris des chansons

"J'écris des chansons" is a song released in April 2000 as the third and final single from his seventh studio album, 7e ciel. The lyrics were written by Lavoine, with music composed by Jean-Jacques Goldman. The track was produced by Michel Cœuriot, who also contributed to its arrangement. Like the previous single, the song did not chart. The single did receive airplay, as apart of his compilation album C'est ça Lavoine (2001), specifically in France, on Joeff Radio.

Commercial performance

Upon its release, 7e ciel experienced moderate commercial success in France, peaking at number 57 on the SNEP Albums Chart and remaining on the chart for four weeks. While it did not achieve the same level of success as some of Marc Lavoine’s previous albums, it maintained a presence on the chart for a sustained period.

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
SACEM/SNEP	(positive)
RFI Musique	(positive)

7e ciel received mixed to moderately positive reviews upon its release. Critics noted a maturation in Marc Lavoine's songwriting, highlighting his transition from a romantic pop singer to a more introspective lyricist. Gilles Rio of RFI Musique observed that Lavoine had evolved "from a status of singer for midinettes to that of an author whose texts have refined over the years," emphasizing that he wrote all twelve tracks on the album himself.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Marc Lavoine, with music composed by Michel Cœuriot.

CD

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Les tournesols"	4:07
2.	"J'écris des chansons"	4:03
3.	"Si jamais"	4:12
4.	"Fais semblant"	3:20
5.	"Je suis fait pour l'amour"	4:04
6.	"J'aime être seul"	4:11
7.	"Elle déserte"	4:05
8.	"J'use mes souliers"	3:56
9.	"Je dirai que j'ai rêvé"	3:39
10.	"Le bonheur de perdre du temps"	4:18
11.	"Les mots"	4:17
12.	"J'entends la musique"	4:17
Total length:		44:22

Personnel

Credits adapted from 7e ciel liner notes.

• Engineer – Didier Lozaïc
• Graphic Design – La Cité/Le Book
• Mastered By – Michel Geiss
• Photography By – Derrick Santini
• Producer, Arranged By, Conductor – Michel Cœuriot
• Strings, Cello – Claude Giron, Laurence Allalah-Al-Irol
• Strings, Viola – Fanny Coupé, Laurent Jouanneau
• Strings, Violin – Anne Gravoin, Anne Villette, Annie Morel, Arnaud Nuvolone, Françoise Perrin (2), Hélène Blazy

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for 7e ciel

Charts (1999)	Peak position
French Albums Chart (SNEP)	57

Monthly charts

Monthly chart performance for 7e ciel

Charts (1999)	Peak position
French Albums Chart (SNEP)	71

Certifications and sales

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
France (SNEP)	——————	70,000

Release history

Release history and formats for "7e ciel"

Region	Date	Label	Format
France	20 September 1999	RCA	CD
Canada	1 August 2001	Sony Music Canada

External links

• Septième ciel on Spotify