Allmusic eloquently described Francoise Hardy's performance on this album as though “she perpetually seems to be singing as though she's gazing out of a deserted chateau on a rainy afternoon”. I couldn't have said it better myself, only if I said it, I would mean it entirely as a compliment. Which they do not.
For the most part, I haven't always heard and read the most flattering things in the world about Hardy as a musical artist, “middle of the road” is often bandied about to describe her, but the same could be said for many of my beloved performers like Scott Walker and Bread.
For my money, though, at least on Comment te Dire Adieu, she shines as a melancholy vocalist who sounds every bit as beautiful and dreamy as she looks. And, if you take a look at her, you'll know that's no easy feat.
On this album she performs mostly covers, like the soft focus Suzanne by Leonard Cohen and the Gainsbourg title song which she playfully whispers passionately and longingly.
But what do you think?