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L'Alizé

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L'Alizé (Cover)
L'Alizé

Language

French

B-Side

"L'Alizé" (version instrumentale)

Released

3 December 2000

Recorded

2000

Studio

Studio Guillaume Tell (Suresnes)

Genre

French pop, dance-pop

Length

3:49

Label

Universal Music Group

Polydor Records

Producer(s)

Mylène Farmer

Laurent Boutonnat

"L'Alizé" (English: "The Trade Wind") is a song by French singer Alizée, released on 3 December 2000 as the second single from her debut studio album, Gourmandises (2000), through the label Polydor. The song was written and produced by Mylene Farmer and Laurent Boutonnat. The lyrics of the song employ the metaphor of the wind to convey themes related to youth, romantic longing, emotional tension, and a sense of personal autonomy. The song captures the tension between desire and independence, as she asserts herself while being swept up in the unpredictable intensity of affection.

Background[]

In 1999, Alizée appeared on the M6 channel's talent show Graines de star.[1][2] Initially she intended to sign up for the program's dance contest, but that category was reserved for groups only.[3] Alizée therefore joined the singing category instead, performing the song "Waiting for Tonight" by Jennifer Lopez and "Ma Prière" (a single released by Axelle Red in 1997).[4][5] She went on to win the Meilleure Graine award for most promising young singing star of tomorrow.[6] Her winning performance was seen by Mylène Farmer and Laurent Boutonnat, who were looking for a young, fresh voice to partake in their new project.[7][8] They approached Alizée, and she was selected after studio auditions.[9] In early May 2000, French media outlets revealed that singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer and composer Laurent Boutonnat were launching a new musical project with a previously unknown teenager named Alizée Jacotey, along the title headline of "Leur bébé s'appelle Alizée".[10] The announcement was notably made in the 8 May 2000 issue of Voici magazine, which referred to her as the duo’s “new protégée.”[11] Alizée had been selected following her participation in the talent show Graines de Star, where she caught the attention of Farmer and Boutonnat.[11]

Composition[]

Farmer penned the lyrics, while Boutonnat composed the music and co-produced the track, infusing it with a blend of French pop and dance-pop elements.[12] The song features a catchy melody and rhythmic beats that complement Alizée's youthful and airy vocals.[13] Recorded in 2000, "L'Alizé" showcases the signature style of Farmer and Boutonnat, combining poetic lyrics with contemporary pop sounds.[13][14] The production includes layered synthesizers and a steady dance rhythm.[15] The single's success further established Alizée's presence in the French pop music scene.[16][17] The single slightly sampled a background effect from a song released by Lyn Collins, "Think (About It)".[18] The song is composed in G minor, with a tempo of 112 beats per minute.[19]

Release and promotion[]

The single was released on 28 November 2000, just 7 days after her debut album was released. Alizée performed "L'Alizé" on a number of major European TV shows and concerts following the release of the single in 2000, helping solidify her image as France's newest pop darling. One of the most iconic appearances was on Top of the Pops in 2001, where she captivated international audiences with her stage presence and charisma.[20][21] Another notable performance took place on The Dome 21, a large German music television show, where she delivered a lively, high-energy rendition of the track.[22] She also appeared at the TMF Awards in 2001, a major music event in Belgium, which further showcased her growing popularity outside of France. Years later, in August 2024, she made a nostalgic return with a performance of "L'Alizé" at the La Kermesse Festival in La Seyne-sur-Mer, delighting longtime fans and proving the song's timeless charm.[23]

Critical reception[]

In a retrospective piece, Podcast Journal highlights the song’s enduring appeal and Alizée’s international reach.[24] They mention its lasting presence in charts (“#1 des hits”) and celebrate its evocative lyrics and breezy melody, crediting Mylène Farmer and Laurent Boutonnat for framing Alizée’s image as an artist navigating youthful love and autonomy.[24] RFI Musique observed that, following the massive success of her debut single “Moi… Lolita,” Alizée appeared poised to conquer French pop with “L’Alizé”.[25] They described her performance as “candide” yet commanding, noting that she “distills its undeniable seduction to both young and old alike”.[26]

Commercial performance[]

Upon release, the single achieved considerable commercial success following the breakout momentum of "Moi... Lolita". Upon its release in late 2000, the track quickly climbed charts across Europe,[27][28] debuting at number one on the French Singles Chart and staying in the top position for two consecutive weeks.[29] It earned a platinum certification in France for selling over 300,000 copies, showcasing Alizée’s growing popularity in the Francophone pop scene.[30][31] Beyond France, the single performed well in countries such as Belgium, where it reached the top 5,[32] and Switzerland, where it also entered the top 20.[33] Its euro-pop composition and Alizée’s vocals contributed to the song's widespread radio play and music video rotation, solidifying her music image as a pop figure.[34][35]

Music video[]

The video for the single is a rather simple video compared to the videos for the rest of her Gourmandises singles. Set against a pink backdrop, this time it features Alizée dressed in white and playing with bubbles.[36] There is one scene in the video where she sings (with the band playing in the background).[36] A lot of machinery (especially bubble machines) and slow camera movement were needed to put the video together.[37] The video was directed by Pierre Stine and was first aired on 6 December 2000 during the show M6's Morning Live.[38][39]

Track listings[]

CD single – France[40]

  1. "L'alizé" – 4:15
  2. "L'alizé" (version instrumentale) – 4:15

CD maxi – France[41]

  1. "L'alizé" – 4:15
  2. "L'alizé" (vent d'amour club remix) – 5:15
  3. "L'alizé" (sirocco house remix) – 4:50
  4. "L'alizé" (sweet brise slow remix) – 4:55
  5. "L'alizé" (dans le vent dance mix) – 5:16

CD maxi – Germany[42]

  1. "L'alizé" (radio edit) – 3:35
  2. "L'alizé" (vent d'amour club remix) – 5:15
  3. "L'alizé" (sunny season mix) – 5:25
  4. "L'alizé" (sweet brise slow remix) – 4:55
  5. "L'alizé" (dans le vent dance mix) – 5:16
  6. "L'alizé" (single version) – 4:15

12" maxi – France[43]

A side

  1. "L'alizé" (vent d'amour club remix) – 5:15
  2. "L'alizé" (single) – 4:15

B Side

  1. "L'alizé" (sirocco house remix) – 4:50
  2. "L'alizé" (sweet brise slow remix) – 4:55

Charts[]

Certifications and sales[]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
France (SNEP)[56] Platinum 500,000*
* Sales figures based on certification alone.

References[]

  1. ↑ https://www.public.fr/alizee-emouvante-face-a-nikos-aliagas-harcelement-scolaire-mylene-farmer-la-chanteuse-de-38-ans-deballe-tout-dans-50-inside
  2. ↑ https://www.public.fr/alizee-emouvante-face-a-nikos-aliagas-harcelement-scolaire-mylene-farmer-la-chanteuse-de-38-ans-deballe-tout-dans-50-inside
  3. ↑ https://www.public.fr/alizee-emouvante-face-a-nikos-aliagas-harcelement-scolaire-mylene-farmer-la-chanteuse-de-38-ans-deballe-tout-dans-50-inside
  4. ↑ https://www.purebreak.com/news/alizee-arrete-la-chanson-je-n-ai-plus-envie-de-faire-d-album/138157
  5. ↑ https://www.konbini.com/popculture/on-a-classe-objectivement-les-plus-grandes-stars-sorties-de-graines-de-star-et-pourtant-ca-commencait-mal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  6. ↑ https://www.cheriefm.fr/artistes/alizee/biographie?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  7. ↑ https://www.rtbf.be/article/ils-deviennent-quoi-le-retour-d-alizee-sur-scene-25-ans-apres-la-sortie-de-son-tube-moi-lolita-11346327?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  8. ↑ https://amomama.fr/274372-alize-38-ans-a-chang-de-carri-pour-vivre.html
  9. ↑ https://academia-lab.com/encyclopedia/alizee/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  10. ↑ https://nostalgie2000s.com/index.php/lincroyable-histoire-du-tube-moi-lolita-dalizee/
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 https://tetu.com/2025/07/04/musique-moi-lolita-tube-alizee-album-gourmandises-25-ans-pop-culture/
  12. ↑ Alizée - L'Alizé, 2000, retrieved 13 April 2025
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Template:Cite web"Alizée - L'Alizé (English translation)". lyricstranslate.com. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  14. ↑ "L'histoire d'une chanson: L'Alizé - Alizée". Call Me Fred Radio (in French). Retrieved 15 June 2025.
  15. ↑ "RFI Musique - - Alizée". www1.rfi.fr. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  16. ↑ "Les certifications". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  17. ↑ Public (8 April 2025). "Alizée : actualités et infos". Public (in French). Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  18. ↑ "Alizée's 'L'Alizé' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  19. ↑ "BPM and key for L'Alizé by Alizée | Tempo for L'Alizé". SongBPM. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  20. ↑ Template:Cite AV mediaBULLET777 (16 August 2019). ALIZEE - L'Alize (Top Of The Pops, England, 2002) [Full HD, 60 fps]. Retrieved 13 April 2025 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ↑ EURODANCE HD Clips (30 December 2021). Alizée - L'Alize (Live Top Of The Pops) (2002) HD 4K 60-fps. Retrieved 13 April 2025 – via YouTube.
  22. ↑ Template:Cite AV mediaData4664 (28 April 2011). Alizée - L'Alize Live (2002-03-02 - The Dome 21 - MTV2). Retrieved 13 April 2025 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. ↑ "Alizée 7-8.09.2025 L'Olympia Paris". alizee-officiel.com. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Duilhé, Maryse. "Chanson à la une - L'alizé, par Alizée". Podcast Journal, l'information internationale diffusée en podcast (in French). Retrieved 15 June 2025.
  25. ↑ "Alizée". RFI (in French). 28 February 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
  26. ↑ "Alizée". RFI Musique (in French). 26 January 2001. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
  27. ↑ "Dutch Charts - dutchcharts.nl". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  28. ↑ "Das österreichische Hitparaden- und Musik-Portal". austriancharts.at. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  29. ↑ Template:Cite web"lescharts L'alize". lescharts France. 2000. Retrieved 15 April 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  30. ↑ "Les certifications". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  31. ↑ "InfoDisc : Les Certifications Officielles d'un Artiste (Depuis 1973)". infodisc.fr. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
  32. ↑ "Alizée - L'Alizé - ultratop.be". www.ultratop.be. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  33. ↑ Alizée - L'Alizé, retrieved 16 April 2025
  34. ↑ "This Day in Pop: Alizée's debut single 'Moi... Lolita' is released in 2000 (July 4)". BreatheHeavy | Exhale. 4 July 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  35. ↑ "Les Chiffres & Ventes d'Alizée | 2000 - 2014". Pure Charts. 17 March 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Template:Cite AV mediaAlizée (3 July 2018). Alizée - L'Alizé (Clip Officiel HD). Retrieved 13 April 2025 – via YouTube.
  37. ↑ "RFI Musique - - Alizée". www1.rfi.fr. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  38. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  39. ↑ Template:Cite AV mediaJosué Martínez Trujillo (1 December 2022). Alizée - L'Alizé - Hit Machine, M6: 02/12/2000. Retrieved 16 April 2025 – via YouTube.
  40. ↑ ""L'Alizé (CD Single)" by Alizée". musicbrainz.org. 2000. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  41. ↑ ""L'Alizé (Maxi CD Francais)" by Alizée". musicbrainz.org. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  42. ↑ ""L'Alizé (Maxi CD)" by Alizée". musicbrainz.org. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  43. ↑ ""L'Alizé : 12" Vinyl Remixes" by Alizée". musicbrainz.org. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  44. ↑ https://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Aliz%E9e&titel=L%27Aliz%E9&cat=s
  45. ↑ https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Aliz%E9e&titel=L%27Aliz%E9&cat=s
  46. ↑ https://www.ultratop.be/fr/showitem.asp?interpret=Aliz%E9e&titel=L%27Aliz%E9&cat=s
  47. ↑ https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Aliz%E9e&titel=L%27Aliz%E9&cat=s
  48. ↑ https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/titel-details-4549
  49. ↑ https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Aliz%E9e&titel=L%27Aliz%E9&cat=s
  50. ↑ https://bibnum2.banq.qc.ca/bna/palmares/2010-Franco/Franco-Compilation_succes_ordre_alpha_interpretes.pdf
  51. ↑ http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Aliz%E9e&titel=L%27Aliz%E9&cat=s
  52. ↑ https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-singles-annee/?annee=2000
  53. ↑ https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2001
  54. ↑ https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-12-22.pdf
  55. ↑ https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-singles-annee/?annee=2001
  56. ↑ https://snepmusique.com/les-certifications/?categorie=Tout&interprete=Aliz%C3%A9e&titre=L%27Aliz%C3%A9
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