Barbara Pravi – La Pieva
Eurovision Song Contest runner-up Barbara Pravi, the rising star of French chanson, has delivered an album with “La Pieva” that further strengthens her reputation as a talented storyteller. After her impressive debut and near-victory at the 2021 Song Contest, Pravi proves she’s more than a one-hit wonder in the music world.
“La Pieva”, which means both “the singer” in French and “the storyteller” in Serbian, is a conceptual album deeply rooted in Pravi’s family history. Inspired by one of her ancestors, Gypsy widow Milovanovic, a traveling singer from the Serbian mountains, Pravi weaves a tapestry of stories encompassing tradition, memory, strength, and freedom. Her music stays true to the rich tradition of French chanson, with clear influences from icons like Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf. Yet, she manages to refresh this classic style with a modern approach. Her voice, powerful and emotionally charged, effortlessly carries the listener through the album’s twelve tracks.
Bravo!
The opening track “Bravo” sets the tone for the album right away. With a powerful vocal performance, Pravi immediately showcases her impressive range and emotional depth. The song gradually builds from a subdued start to a captivating chorus, with Pravi’s voice supported by subtle but effective instrumentation. “Bravo” serves as a perfect introduction to the album’s themes, showing that Pravi isn’t afraid to give it her all vocally.
One of the most touching moments on the album is undoubtedly “Maman”. In this heartfelt tribute to motherhood and family tradition, Pravi shows her vulnerable side. The lyrics, intertwining personal memories with universal feelings of love and gratitude, are carried by a melancholic melody. The production is deliberately kept simple, allowing full focus on Pravi’s voice and the emotional weight of her words. “Maman” perfectly illustrates how Pravi can tell personal stories that are universally relatable.
La Pieva (Chez moi)
The title track “La Pieva (Chez moi)” forms the thematic core of the album. Here, Pravi’s conceptual approach is at its strongest. The lyrics, playing with the double meaning of the title, explore Pravi’s identity as a singer and storyteller. Musically, it’s one of the most ambitious tracks on the album. The arrangement blends elements of traditional French chanson with subtle Balkan sounds, a nod to Pravi’s Serbian roots. The song’s progression, from an intimate start to a grand, sweeping finale, mirrors Pravi’s journey as an artist.
The album closes with the reflective “Si ce monde est fou”. This track serves as a fitting epilogue for “La Pieva”, where Pravi brings together the album’s themes while also looking ahead. The lyrics are both personal and socially critical, a balance that Pravi maintains throughout the album. Musically, it’s one of the most accessible tracks, with a melody that lingers. The production is more elaborate here, with orchestral elements evoking the feeling of a grand finale.
Emotional Barbara Pravi
The production of “La Pieva” is carefully executed throughout. It features subtle arrangements that support Pravi’s voice without ever overpowering it. The instrumentation varies from intimate, acoustic settings to more expansive, orchestral moments, creating a dynamic listening experience. This contributes to the album’s storytelling nature, with each track having its own atmosphere and emotional weight.
With “La Pieva”, Barbara Pravi cements her status as one of the most exciting new voices in French music. The album is an ambitious project that succeeds in weaving personal stories with universal themes, packaged in accessible yet artistic chansons. Pravi’s ability to convey emotion is unmatched, and her growth as an artist is clearly audible. For lovers of French chanson and those seeking authentic, narrative-driven music, “La Pieva” is a must-listen. The slightly husky voice of Pravi, breathing emotion into every note, remains a joy to listen to. (8/10) (Universal)
