Des Roses & Des Orties (2008)

"A popular singer/songwriter in France for the past three decades, Francis Cabrel is also a bit of a pastoral recluse. Unsurprisingly, his studio output has become less than prolific in recent years, with intervals of 4 or 5 years between records. His artistry and popularity, however, have not suffered in the least. These songs offer few surprises for either Cabrel fans or detractors, other than a keener emphasis on social issues. Most of the songs set Cabrel's soft spoken voice against his acoustic guitar, reinforced by bluesy electric guitar pickings, or stately piano accompaniment. A few tracks add a discreet ethnic flavor for variety, such as the tasteful flamenco guitar in the opening "La Robe et L'échelle." The inclusion of 3 covers, by Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and J.J. Cale, translated and sung in French by Cabrel, seems less fortunate as these songs feel somewhat out of place in the more somber context of this record. A typically well-crafted Cabrel album." (Mariano Prunes, Allmusic)