Yes, you could say that! You see, Volver the name of the new album from Benjamin Biolay, a big name on the French music scene, could be translated in a number of ways - come back, comeback, begin again, start again, return resume or here we go again. I’m not sure what Benjamin himself had in mind, he’s had quite a few albums out since the beginning of the century (more than 12, for sure). It could be any and all of those definitions given. But one thing is for sure, after all this time, Benjamin is not going to be too amused to be compared to Serge Gainsbourg. Again.
On one side, unfortunately for him, those comparisons are inevitable. On the other, the more fortunate one, all those comparisons should have favorable connotations - Biolay is definitely one of the better composers on the French music scene from the time of Gainsbourg, showing the same musical diversity by including every imaginable musical style into what he does. He is a great singer, you could even say better than Gainsbourg, and he also works with quite a few French female singers like widely known ones as Francoise Hardy and Jan Birkin (of course) or a bit less known outside France like Coralie Clement and Karen Ann (both deserving wider recognition).
In personal opinion, Biolay’s key album is Trash Yeye from exactly 10 years ago, showing all the musical diversity and invention he possesses. So how does Volver, this new one compare? Frankly, you would be hard pressed to find much fault with any of his album - Biolay kept maintaining quality throughout so far, and the new album is no exception. From the orchestral/ Spaghetti Western combination of the title song, through Latin-inspired Malo Siempre (shades of Manu Chao), through the usual series of duets, including the one with inimitable beauty Catherine Deneuve (Happy Hour), Biolay is at his best game and a joy to listen too.
Knowing the French language would be a serious advantage for the appreciation of his music, but like, ahem, Gainsbourg, it is definitely essential. Biolay is able to transmit the qualities of all he has to say, particularly his music with real ease. A great album. Again.
