2013 in French music

2013 in French music was a year marked by significant developments in the country's music scene.

Overview

2013 in French music featured major releases, domestic chart success, international recognition, and a range of styles from pop music and electronic music to hip hop and chanson. Artists such as Daft Punk, Stromae, and Vanessa Paradis were among the most visible, and the Victoires de la Musique awards highlighted both established and emerging talents.

Notable events and highlights

Daft Punk released the album Random Access Memories, including the single “Get Lucky” with Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers. The album reached number one in France, received critical acclaim, and won multiple Grammy Awards the following year.

Stromae released Racine carrée, which became one of the best-selling albums of the year in France. It included major hits such as “Papaoutai” and “Formidable”.

Maître Gims released his solo debut album Subliminal, which included the number-one single “J’me tire” and marked his emergence as a leading figure in French-language hip hop.

The 2013 Victoires de la Musique awarded artists such as Vanessa Paradis, Benjamin Biolay, Lou Doillon and Orelsan.

Chart performance

Top singles

Based on SNEP year-end data, these were among the highest-selling singles in France in 2013:

1. “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams
2. “Papaoutai” – Stromae
3. “Formidable” – Stromae
4. “J’me tire” – Maître Gims
5. “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell
6. “Thrift Shop” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
7. “Let Her Go” – Passenger
8. “Wake Me Up” – Avicii
9. “Roar” – Katy Perry
10. “Il y a” – Vanessa Paradis

Top albums

Several albums achieved commercial success in France during 2013:

• Random Access Memories – Daft Punk
• Racine carrée – Stromae
• Subliminal – Maître Gims
• Love Songs – Vanessa Paradis
• Recto Verso – Zaz
• Løve – Julien Doré
• Îl – M
• O Filles de l’eau – Nolwenn Leroy

Major awards

Victoires de la Musique 2013 (selected)

• Best female artist: Lou Doillon
• Best male artist: Benjamin Biolay
• Best album: Love Songs – Vanessa Paradis
• Best original song: “Formidable” – Stromae
• Revelation of the year: Orelsan
• Show of the year: M – Îl

Notable deaths

• Henri Dutilleux (born 1916), composer known for his orchestral and chamber works, died on 22 May 2013.

• Georges Moustaki (born 1934), singer-songwriter known for “Le Métèque”, died on 23 May 2013.

See also

• 2013 in music
• List of number-one hits of 2013 (France)
• Victoires de la Musique
• 2013 in French television