Moustaki ‎– Moustaki (Déclaration) (LP)

Side A opens with the title track "Déclaration"—full title: "Je déclare l'état de bonheur permanent" (I declare a state of permanent happiness). This song immediately sets the tone for the rest of the record. It is a gentle, almost whispered manifesto in which Moustaki proclaims this "permanent state of happiness." His voice is, as always, warm, intimate, and recorded close to the microphone.

Tracks such as "Les Enfants d'Hier" and "Nadjedja" demonstrate Moustaki's mastery of the art of restraint. The instrumentation remains sparse: acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and fluid basslines that give his poetic lyrics plenty of room to breathe. The wistful "Why" brings the first side to a beautiful close.

The absolute gem of Side B is "Les Eaux de Mars." This is Moustaki's legendary French adaptation of the bossa nova classic "Águas de Março" by Antônio Carlos Jobim. Moustaki succeeds in perfectly translating the hypnotic, rhythmic character of the Brazilian original into French; it sounds as if the song was always meant to be this way.

Along with tracks like "Xu Xu Beleza," this side brings a delightful, languid warmth to the record. Moustaki offers a self-deprecating take on his own status in the ironic "L'Apolitique." The album concludes on an atmospheric, instrumental note with "Ballade pour cinq instruments."

Label: Polydor

Country: France

Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Plays great but has superficial marks. Gatefold sleeve. Inner sleeve has large seam splits.