Couleurs sur Paris

Released in 2010, Couleurs sur Paris marks a thematic shift for Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux's Nouvelle Vague project. After three albums primarily covering English-language post-punk and new wave, this fourth installment focuses exclusively on the French repertoire of the 1970s and 80s (la chanson française and French New Wave). The album features a rotating cast of high-profile French vocalists, including Vanessa Paradis, Coeur de Pirate, and Lou Doillon, which adds a layer of authentic cultural heritage to the project. Sonically, it adheres to the band's established formula of bossa nova, jazz, and 60s pop arrangements, but the shift to French lyrics provides a more cohesive, 'chanson' feel compared to their previous work. Critics noted that while the novelty of the bossa-cover concept had leveled off, the execution here was remarkably polished, with AllMusic praising the 'chic' and 'sultry' reinterpretations that successfully bridged the gap between punk rebellion and lounge sophistication.