[Download MP3] - Charles Trenet: Y'a d'la Joie

Singer / composer Charles Trenet, France’s philosopher of joy, brings his storied songs, clear-sighted vision, and compelling voice, redolent of young love and Paris in the summertime, to this momentous Arkadia Chansons album entitled Charles Trenet: Il Y’a d’La Joie.

Born in Paris, Charles Trenet (1913- 2001) started to make a career out of writing and singing his own songs in the mid 1930s. With his willful refusal to take a bleak view of life, despite the gloom which had gathered in the European atmosphere, Trenet quickly struck a chord with his compatriots. His songs exhibited a rare form of sophisticated optimism, which maintained a remarkably upbeat and happy tone without sounding naive or trite.

In the years following WWII, Trenet’s hopeful songs resonated with audiences around the globe as the wartime disposition evaporated.  By the 1950's he had become one of, if not the, leading contemporary French songwriters and vocalists. And unlike many popular French performers, his music boasts an international appeal, making waves throughout Europe and the world with songs that have become standards such as Beyond The Sea (La Mer), Boum!...,  and I Wish You Love (Que reste-t-il de nos amours?). The sensibility which inspired Trenet to craft his poetic songs and music enabled him to lift the spirits of audiences. Listening to the 18 songs in this collection, one feels that they have been brought into contact with a philosophical spirit that has arrived at the conclusion that the ultimate good in life is happiness, and that ideal beauty takes the form of a smile.

His classic songs and interpretations are celebrated on this digitally remastered album, Charles Trenet: Il Y’a d’La Joie (this recording is also available on CD). France's modern answer to the medieval troubadour, Charles Trenet continued to delight audiences well into his 80s; making him worshiped by his legion of fans until the day he died. This recording helps keep his cheerful legacy alive.