About this album

Sound: "A delicate tapestry of minimalist melodies woven with introspective piano and evocative string arrangements."

Where they were

Released in 1996, 'Rue des cascades' was Yann Tiersen's second album, following his debut 'La Valse des monstres.' At this point, Tiersen was beginning to carve out a unique niche within the French music scene, blending classical influences with contemporary minimalism.

Why it matters

This album helped solidify Tiersen's reputation as an innovative composer, eventually leading to his work on film scores like 'Amélie.' 'Rue des cascades' received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and simplicity, paving the way for the minimalist movement in modern French music.

Essential tracks

  • "Comptine d’été n°2" — This track exemplifies Tiersen's signature melodic style, blending nostalgia with a hauntingly beautiful piano arrangement that resonates deeply with listeners.
  • "Rue des cascades" — The title track captures the essence of the album, featuring delicate instrumentation that evokes imagery of serene landscapes and introspection.
  • "Déjà loin" — With its gentle flow and rich harmonies, this piece showcases Tiersen's ability to convey emotion through simplicity, marking a high point in the album.

Release Date

April 1, 1996

Artist Origin

France

Tracklist

  1. 1 J’y suis jamais allé 1:35
  2. 2 Rue des cascades 4:02
  3. 3 Pas si simple 1:54
  4. 4 Comptine d’été n°2 2:13
  5. 5 Comptine d’été n°3 1:53
  6. 6 Déjà loin 2:53
  7. 7 La Chambre 1:49
  8. 8 Mouvement introductif 2:22
  9. 9 La Muette 3:35
  10. 10 Naomi 4:05
  11. 11 Soir de fête 2:54
  12. 12 Le vieux en veut encore 1:44
  13. 13 Toujours là 1:10
  14. 14 C’était ici 1:38
  15. 15 Prière n°2 1:27
  16. 16 Comptine d’été n°1 2:17
  17. 17 La Fenêtre 2:50
  18. 18 Prière n°3 1:04
  19. 19 La Pièce vide 1:42
  20. 20 La Vie quotidienne 7:35