Les Mots (album)
{{Other uses|Les Mots (disambiguation){{!}}Les Mots}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Les mots
| type = Greatest hits
| artist = Mylène Farmer
| cover = Lesmots.jpg
| alt =
| released = 26 November 2001
| recorded = 1984-2001
| venue =
| studio =
| length = 139:59
| label = Polydor
| producer = Laurent Boutonnat
| prev_title = Mylenium Tour
| prev_year = 2000
| next_title = RemixeS
| next_year = 2003
| misc = {{Extra album cover
| header = Alternative cover
| type = Greatest hits
| cover = Les_mots_(long_box).JPG
| border =
| alt =
| caption = Long box (limited edition)
}}{{Singles
| name = Les mots
| type = Greatest hits
| single1 = L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
| single1date = 27 February 2001
| single2 = Les mots
| single2date = 13 November 2001
| single3 = C'est une belle journée
| single3date = 16 April 2002
| single4 = Pardonne-moi
| single4date = 21 October 2002
}}
}}
Les mots is the first compilation by French pop singer Mylène Farmer, released on 26 November 2001, released through the label Polydor. It contains most of the singer's hits and three new songs. It was certified diamond in France. The recurring themes throughout the compilation album is emotional introspection—touching deeply on love, loss, isolation, existential longing, and the fragility of the human condition. The compilation captures Mylène Farmer’s poetic and often melancholic worldview, using haunting melodies and symbolic lyricism to explore vulnerability, desire, and identity. Many songs reflect on the duality of light and darkness, sensuality and sadness, which are central to her artistic persona.
Upon release, Les mots was both a critical and commercial triumph, solidifying her status as one of France's most influential pop icons. The album brought together a comprehensive selection of her most iconic singles from 1984 to 2001, including hits like "Sans contrefaçon," "Désenchantée," and the new duet title track "Les mots" with Seal. Critics praised the compilation for showcasing the evolution of her sound and lyrical themes, blending synth-pop, dark romanticism, and poetic melancholy into a cohesive anthology. Commercially, Les mots debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart and was certified diamond by SNEP (Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique), with over 1.5 million copies sold in France alone. The album also saw success in Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, making it one of the best-selling French compilation albums of all time. The title track "Les mots" became a top-5 hit and was lauded for its emotional depth and the unique pairing of Farmer's ethereal voice with Seal's soulful tone.
The compilation album Les mots by Mylène Farmer produced several commercially successful singles in addition to the titular duet with Seal. “Les mots” peaked at number two in France, received a platinum certification from SNEP for over 300,000 units sold, and charted across Belgium, Switzerland, and other Francophone countries. Another standout was “C’est une belle journée,” a catchy electro-pop track that reached number three in France and became a radio staple, earning Gold certification. “Pardonne-moi,” a haunting ballad with emotional depth, was released as the third single and performed well commercially, peaking within the French top 20 and receiving favorable reviews for its raw vulnerability. “L’histoire d’une fée, c’est…” was released as a promotional single, originally tied to the animated film Rugrats in Paris in its French edition, and though it had a more playful and whimsical tone, it still resonated with her fanbase and demonstrated her versatility.
Background and release
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2023}}
In 2001, rumours circulated that Farmer's next album would be another remix compilation, or acoustic reworkings of her hits. Instead, Les mots was announced as a typical best of, preceded by the release of the single of the same name, Farmer's first duet with an international artist. The album was released throughout Europe on 28 November 2001.
The album includes nearly all of Farmer's French-language studio singles from "Maman a tort" through "L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...", omitting "On est tous des imbéciles" (due to licensing issues). "My Mum Is Wrong", the English version of "Maman a tort", is also excluded, while "My Soul Is Slashed", the English version of "Que mon cœur lâche", appears only on the collector's edition. The live singles "Allan" and "La Poupée qui fait non" are likewise excluded. It also contains several B-sides (two on the standard edition, four on the deluxe; "L'Annonciation" and "Dernier sourire" were also omitted due to licensing issues) and three new songs. The standard 2CD edition totals 30 tracks, while the 3CD collector's edition totals 33, plus a DVD including the title track's music video.
The booklet includes photographs of Farmer in suggestive positions wearing pearly stockings, pink panties and a silk nightgown, taken from a photoshoot by Ellen von Unwerth on a budget of €67,000.Virgin Mega Press, February 2002 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2002/Virgin_mega_presse_63_022002.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 22 March 2008)Mylène Farmer, le culte – L'envers du décor, Sophie Khairallah, 2007, Why Not Ed., p. 58 Notably, Farmer is seen smiling and laughing in the photos, unlike in previous shoots.Le Dictionnaire des Chansons de Mylène Farmer, Benoît Cachin, 2006, Tournon Ed., p. 167-168
Critical reception
{{Album ratings
| rev1 = Allmusic
| rev1Score ={{Rating|4.5|5}} [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r566536|pure_url=yes}} link]
|rev2= Fnac|rev2Score= {{Rating|9|10}} [http://www4.fnac.com/Shelf/article.aspx?PRID=1258635&OrderInSession=1&Mn=6&SID=43955a2e-483b-f11c-d786-9f8855bc77fe&Origin=FnacAff&Ra=-28&To=0&Nu=1&UID=1C1B63DAA-D0BC-016B-82BB-732FB0B5E129&Fr=0 link]
|rev3=Amazon.fr|rev3Score= {{Rating|5|5}} [https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00005RD56 link]}}
Les mots was generally well received by contemporary musical critics and media. According to La Libre Belgique, the Farmer's work is "synthesized in a superb way" in this album. This compilation also "gives an idea of the real musical evolution" of the artist.La Libre Belgique, 12 December 2001 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2001/la_libre_belgique_12122001.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 22 March 2008) The Swiss newspaper Le Matin described this album as "a superb compilation" and "a 'must' in the matter", containing "many hits", with "provocative" images.Le Matin, 17 December 2001, "Les bas de Mylène", Ch. F. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241228152445/http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2001/le_matin_(suisse)_17122001.jpg Devant-soi.com] (Retrieved 22 March 2008) The French magazine Flèches Cool said that this album is an "imposing best of with 27 tracks, all very well known and appreciated by a wide public".Flèches Cool, 2 March 2002, "Les Mots" [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2002/Fleches_cool_11_02032002.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 22 March 2008) Télé Star praised the first CD, saying it contains hits with "unstoppable melody", "flights of strings", and "tortured or sexy words", while it criticized the second CD, that "testifies the frayed inspiration of the singer".Télé Star, No. 1323, 9–15 February 2002 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2002/Tele_star_1323_du_09_au_15022002.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 22 March 2008) As for Voici, "this double album stands out".Voici, February 2002 [https://web.archive.org/web/20241127084612/http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2002/Voice_022002.jpg Devant-soi.com] (Retrieved 22 March 2008)
Commercial performance
The album reached the highest position in France and Belgium since its release.{{huh|date=September 2022}}La Dernière Heure, 4 December 2001, "Farmer mène la bal...", L.L. [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2001/la_derniere_heure_04122001.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 22 March 2008) According to France Soir and La Lanterne, 670,000 copies of this album were sold in the first month in France,France Soir, 15 January 2002, "Ces chansons qui valent des millions", C.P. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241127083054/http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2002/France_soir_15012002.jpg Devant-soi.com] (Retrieved 22 March 2008)La Lanterne, 16 January 2002, "Farmer, 10,4 millions d'€" [https://web.archive.org/web/20241202135232/http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2002/La_lanterne_16012002.jpg Devant-soi.com] (Retrieved 22 March 2008) and 700,000 in the two first months, according to Jukebox.Jukebox, No. 179, June 2002 [http://www.devant-soi.com/Monde-de-Myl%E8ne/presse/articles-presse/2002/Jukebox_magazine_179_%20062002_4.jpg Devant-soi.com]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Retrieved 22 March 2008)
In France, the best of debuted at #1 on Top Compilations on 1 December 2001 and remained there for 6 consecutive weeks. It appeared in the Top 10 for 39 weeks. It was ranked on this chart over one year, thanks to the release of the two new songs "C'est une belle journée" and "Pardonne-moi"."Les Mots", French SNEP Compilations Chart [http://www.ifop.com/europe/sondages/topcmp/cmp0148.stm Ifop.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013170115/http://www.ifop.com/europe/sondages/topcmp/cmp0148.stm |date=13 October 2007 }} (Retrieved 17 February 2008) It was the best-selling compilation in 20012001 French Compilations Chart [http://www.ifop.com/europe/sondages/discannu/compil01.stm Ifop.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027064507/http://www.ifop.com/europe/sondages/discannu/compil01.stm |date=27 October 2007 }} (Retrieved 17 February 2008) and 2002.2002 French Compilations Chart [http://www.ifop.com/europe/sondages/DISCANNU/compil02.stm Ifop.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016110317/http://www.ifop.com/europe/sondages/DISCANNU/compil02.stm |date=16 October 2007 }} (Retrieved 17 February 2008)
In Belgium, the album went straight to #2 on 12 December 2001, and then became number 1 for four weeks. It remained in the Top 10 for 15 weeks and in the Top 40 for 43 weeks."Les Mots", Belgian (Wallonia) Albums Chart [https://www.ultratop.be/fr/album/f56/Mylene-Farmer-Les-mots Ultratop.be] (Retrieved 17 February 2008) The album featured at #28 and #14 on the 20012001 Belgian Albums Chart [http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2001&cat=a Ultratop.be] (Retrieved 17 February 2008) and 20022002 Belgian Albums Chart [http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2002&cat=a Ultratop.be] (Retrieved 17 February 2008) end of year chart.
In Switzerland, the album got its highest position when it entered at # 6, on 12 December 2001, and remained on the chart (Top 100) for 38 weeks."Les Mots", Swiss Albums Chart [http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Myl%E8ne+Farmer&titel=Les+mots&cat=a Hitparade.ch] (Retrieved 17 February 2008)
The best of won the World Platinum Award. It was certified Diamond in France,Mylène Farmer certifications [https://archive.today/20121220191850/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/certifications/artiste-850.html Chartsinfrance.net] (Retrieved 17 February 2008) 2×Platinum in Belgium, and Gold in Switzerland.
Track listing
All music is written by Laurent Boutonnat and all lyrics by Mylène Farmer, except where noted.
=Standard edition=
{{Track listing
|headline = CD 1 / Cassette side A
|title1 = Maman a tort
|note1 = mix 2001
|lyrics1 = Jean Dahan
|music1 = {{hlist|Boutonnat|Dahan}}
|title2 = Plus grandir
|note2 = mix 2001
|title3 = Libertine
|note3 = mix 2001
|lyrics3 = Boutonnat
|music3 = {{ill|Jean-Claude Dequéant|fr}}
|title4 = Tristana
|title5 = Sans contrefaçon
|note5 = mix 2001
|title6 = Ainsi soit-je...
|note6 = mix 2001
|title7 = Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
|title8 = Sans logique
|note8 = mix 2001
|title9 = À quoi je sers...
|title10 = La Veuve noire
|title11 = Désenchantée
|note11 = mix 2001
|title12 = Regrets
|note12 = duet with Jean-Louis Murat
|title13 = Je t'aime mélancolie
|note13 = mix 2001
|title14 = Beyond My Control
|title15 = Que mon cœur lâche
}}
{{Track listing
|headline = CD 2 / Cassette side B
|title1 = Les mots
|note1 = duet with Seal
|title2 = California
|title3 = XXL
|title4 = L'Instant X
|title5 = Comme j'ai mal
|title6 = Rêver
|title7 = C'est une belle journée
|title8 = L'Âme-stram-gram
|title9 = Je te rends ton amour
|title10 = Effets secondaires
|title11 = Souviens-toi du jour
|title12 = Optimistique-moi
|title13 = Innamoramento
|title14 = L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
|title15 = Pardonne-moi
}}
=Collector's edition=
This edition moves the new recordings and B-sides to the third disc, along with two additional B-sides and an additional single.
{{Track listing
|headline = CD 1
|title1 = Maman a tort
|note1 = mix 2001
|lyrics1 = Dahan
|music1 = {{hlist|Boutonnat|Dahan}}
|title2 = Plus grandir
|note2 = mix 2001
|title3 = Libertine
|note3 = mix 2001
|lyrics3 = Boutonnat
|music3 = Dequéant
|title4 = Tristana
|title5 = Sans contrefaçon
|note5 = mix 2001
|title6 = Ainsi soit-je...
|note6 = mix 2001
|title7 = Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
|title8 = Sans logique
|note8 = mix 2001
|title9 = À quoi je sers...
|title10 = Désenchantée
|note10 = mix 2001
|title11 = Regrets
|note11 = duet with Jean-Louis Murat
|title12 = Je t'aime mélancolie
|note12 = mix 2001
|title13 = Beyond My Control
|title14 = Que mon cœur lâche
}}
{{Track listing
|headline = CD 2
|title1 = California
|title2 = XXL
|title3 = L'Instant X
|title4 = Comme j'ai mal
|title5 = Rêver
|title6 = L'Âme-stram-gram
|title7 = Je te rends ton amour
|title8 = Souviens-toi du jour
|title9 = Optimistique-moi
|title10 = Innamoramento
|title11 = L'Histoire d'une fée, c'est...
}}
{{Track listing
|headline = CD 3
|title1 = Les Mots
|note1 = duet with Seal
|title2 = C'est une belle journée
|title3 = Pardonne-moi
|title4 = La Veuve noire
|title5 = Mylène Is Calling
|title6 = Effets secondaires
|title7 = Puisque...
|title8 = My Soul Is Slashed
}}
{{Track listing
|headline = DVD
|title1 = Les Mots
|note1 = duet with Seal) (music video
}}
=International edition=
{{Track listing
|headline = Les Mots international edition track listing
|title1 = Les Mots
|title2 = Sans contrefaçon
|note2 = mix 2001
|title3 = Libertine
|note3 = mix 2001
|lyrics3 = Boutonnat
|music3 = Dequéant
|title4 = Pourvu qu'elles soient douces
|title5 = Désenchantée
|note5 = mix 2001
|title6 = Je t'aime mélancolie
|note6 = mix 2001
|title7 = California
|title8 = XXL
|title9 = L'Instant X
|title10 = Rêver
|title11 = L'Âme-stram-gram
|title12 = Je te rends ton amour
|title13 = Souviens-toi du jour
|title14 = Innamoramento
|title15 = C'est une belle journée
|title16 = Pardonne-moi
}}
Personnel
{{Div col}}
- Produced by Laurent Boutonnat
- Mixed by Bertrand Châtenet
- Except: "Maman a tort": Philippe Omnes; "Tristana", "Sans contrefaçon", "Ainsi soit je...", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces", "Sans logique", "À quoi je sers...", "La Veuve noire", "Désenchantée", "Regrets", "Je t'aime mélancolie", "Beyond My Control" and "Que mon cœur lâche"
- Programmation, keyboards and arrangement for "Les Mots", "C'est une belle journée", "Pardonne-moi": Laurent Boutonnat
- Sound: Bertrand Châtenet, Jérôme Devoise and Rik Pekkonen
- Strings arrangement: Jean-Jacques Charles
- Drum kit: Karim Ziad and Abraham Laboriel Jr
- Bass: Michel Alibo
- Guitar: Slim Pezin
- Recorded at Studio Guillaume Tell, Paris
- Management: Thierry Suc for TSM
- Executive production: Paul Van Parys for Stuffed Monkey
- Photographs: Ellen Von Unwerth / H&K
- Design: Henry Neu for Com'N.B
- Mastering: André Perriat, Top Master
- Lyrics: Mylène Farmer
- Except: "Maman a tort": Jérôme Dahan; "Libertine": Laurent Boutonnat
- Music: Laurent Boutonnat
- Except: "Maman a tort": Laurent Boutonnat and Jérôme Dahan; "Libertine": Jean-Claude Déquéant; "Optimistique-moi": Mylène Farmer
- Editions : Requiem Publishing
- Except: "Maman a tort": Cezame / BMG Music Publishing France; "Plus grandir", "Libertine", "Tristana", "Sans contrefaçon", "Ainsi soit je...", "Pourvu qu'elles soient douces", "Sans logique", "À quoi je sers...", "La Veuve noire" : Universal Music Publishing / BMG Music Publishing France
{{Div col end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
| scope="col"|Chart (2001)
!scope="col"|Peak |
|---|
| {{album chart|Wallonia|1|artist=Mylène Farmer|album=Les Mots|rowheader=true|accessdate=19 June 2016|refname=belgw}} |
| scope="row"|European Albums (Music & Media){{cite magazine|date=15 December 2001|title=European Top 100 Albums|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-12-15.pdf|magazine=Music & Media|access-date=7 December 2022|volume=19|issue=51|page=12}}
|98 |
| scope="row"|French Compilations (SNEP){{cite web|url=http://www.infodisc.fr/Album_ChartRuns.php|title=Les "Charts Runs" de chaque Album Classé|publisher=InfoDisc|language=French|accessdate=19 June 2016}}
|1 |
| {{album chart|Switzerland|6|artist=Mylène Farmer|album=Les Mots|rowheader=true|accessdate=19 June 2016}} |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications and sales
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=album|title=Les Mots|artist=Mylène Farmer|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2009|certmonth=9|relyear=2001}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=compilation|title=Best Of|artist=Mylène Farmer|award=Diamond|certyear=2003|relyear=2001|salesamount=1,500,000|salesref={{cite web|title=Mylène Farmer : quel est son album le mieux vendu ?|url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Mylene-Farmer/news-100370.html|publisher=Webedia|language=French|author=Jonathan Hamard|date=3 January 2016|accessdate=19 June 2016}}}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|type=album|title=Les Mots|artist=Farmer|award=Gold|certyear=2001|relyear=2001}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Europe|type=album|title=Les Mots|artist=Mylène Farmer|award=Platinum|certyear=2002|relyear=2001}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|salesamount=2,000,000|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.mylene.net/presse/presse2015/mylene-farmer-presse-gael-magazine-janvier-2016-003.jpg|title=Mylène Farmer: Interview|work=Gael|date=15 January 2016|accessdate=5 February 2018|language=French}}|nocert=yes}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}
Formats
{{Div col}}
- Double CD – Crystal case
- Double CD – Digipack – Limited edition (100,000)
- Cassette 1 – Double length
- Cassette 2 – Double length
- Quadruple LP
- Collector edition – Long Box 3 CD + 1 DVD – Limited edition (30,000) (1)
- CD – European version (2)
- Double CD – Digipack – Promo
- Cassette 1 – Double length – Promo
- Cassette 2 – Double length – Promo
- Collector edition – Long Box 3 CD + 1 DVD – Promo (1)
(1) Contains also a third CD
(2) Only one CD with 16 songs
{{Div col end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Mylène Farmer}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mots, Les}}
Category:2001 greatest hits albums
Category:Music video compilation albums