Émilie Simon is alone and wears her own grief. Her gaze seems distant and desolate in the midst of a recording studio, so it's predictable how sad is the message on 'Franky Knight'. The title is an English translation of François Chevallier, the name of her fiancé, who died in 2009 victimized by complications of Influenza A (H1N1). Nothing would fit so well in this new work: it is a masterpiece, the ULTIMATE DECLARATION OF LOVE from one of the greatest talents of France.
The opening track and first single, "Mon Chevalier" ("My Knight"), gives tone to the tortuous confidences of Simon. Verses like
You took my soul away with you, the night you went, you gave me yours are an
unique and sensitive way to warn the listener that everything in 'Franky Knight' is about François, after all,
I wrote some songs, they're all for you. There's nothing else that I can do.
Despite the lyrics laden on her passionate pain, the album isn't gloomy at all. One example is the romantic "I Call It Love", which sounds very similar to 50's classic jazz and it's a good choice for Oldies lovers.
Baby, can't you see how much you meant to me? I call it love!.
The rhythms experienced in "Holy Pool Of Memories" and "Something More" reminded me of Émilie's early works. The message, especially in the last song, follows her impressions on hope and conformism, it's simply brilliant.
I know there's something more. Tell me why do I see you everywhere, every step that I take..."Franky's Princess" is my favourite song! It brought me to tears several times, though indiscriminately this is the most electronic one. It's a very personal moment - Émilie declares her love for Franky / François and exposes her struggle against loneliness, then concludes still being "the Franky's princess":
I don't want you to go, I tried so hard, but I miss you so! Still your princess, still your princess.
The most urgent vocals and fast beats are in "Walking With You", perhaps it's the time when ingenuity is gone and this new version of Juliet fits the remains of her memories, while she still dreaming about François.
After the excellent "The Big Machine', she keeps looking for new audiences, so there are not many songs in French in this effort, but they all are really beautiful: "Bel Amour" ("Beautiful Love"), "Sous Les Etoiles" ("Under The Stars") and "Jetaimejetaimejetaime" ("Iloveyouiloveyouiloveyou"). There is also an instrumental song, "Même Les Amants Du Jour" ("The Lovers of the Same Day").
So, "Franky Knight" is the most beautiful and intimate musical expression heard in 2011, I think. A perfect junction of her remembrance and sorrowful feelings; a magnificent highlight to an already perfect discography. 10/10
The emotion gives the album such a cinematic feel, especially on opener Mon Chevalier. This makes the album so endearing and worthy of several chances.
Hope you like the album as well!