French singer-songwriter Benjamin Biolay is making a highly anticipated comeback with a new single titled Juste avant de tomber, released on Thursday, May 21. The track serves as a preview of a forthcoming double album slated for release this fall, marking his return after nearly two years away from the public eye.
Biolay spoke to BFMTV about this expansive new project, which was crafted across continents, from France to Latin America. During his time out of the spotlight, he stayed creatively busy, writing and recording 24 tracks between Paris, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro. The result is a body of work titled Disque bleu—literally “Blue Record.”
“There are so many shades of blue,” Biolay explained to BFMTV. “In French, we say things like ‘light blue’ or ‘blue something,’ but in Spanish, you have ‘azul’ and ‘celeste,’ and those are not even the same colors.”
A Project Born Far from Paris
The color blue takes on deeper meaning in this project, representing more than just a visual or thematic motif. It reflects Biolay’s desire to escape the gray skies and anxious atmosphere of Paris, a city he chose to leave behind while working on this record. Collaborating with top Brazilian musicians, Biolay found new energy and freedom in Latin America. This departure is reflected in Adieu Paris, the album’s first preview track released two weeks ago.
Adieu Paris will open side A of Disque bleu, which Biolay has structured into two parts: the first half features richly orchestrated compositions, while the second leans into a more stripped-down, minimalist sound.
Continuing a Streak of Success
Disque bleu follows Saint-Clair, Biolay’s 2022 album that earned gold certification, and Grand Prix, his critically acclaimed 2020 release that achieved platinum status. With the standout single Comment est ta peine?, Grand Prix topped French music charts and further cemented his place among France’s most celebrated contemporary artists.
In the interim, Biolay has kept busy writing for others as well. He contributed to Jeanne, the seventh album by Jeanne Cherhal, and penned songs for Julien Clerc’s most recent album Une vie. This marks a reunion for Biolay and Clerc, who last collaborated 17 years ago on the album Où s’en vont les avions?, which Biolay also produced.
With Juste avant de tomber as its powerful opening note, Disque bleu is shaping up to be one of Biolay’s most ambitious and personal works to date, blending rich orchestration with emotional depth and international flair. Fans eagerly await the full release this autumn.