If you are a fellow French teacher and you are looking for some groovy French songs, this post is for you! This blog post contains super groooovy French song recommendations that my students have LOVED. I wrote a part one a few years ago and it has remained one of my most popular blog posts. This is a part two of that post.
What to do with French songs in French class
The opportunities are truly endless! There are a multitude of ways in which you can incorporate French songs and French music into your French pedagogy.
From joining the yearly Manie Musicale, chanson de la semaine, a French music unit, or just listening to French songs for fun – there’s no wrong answer. There is a reason why humans love music so much.
ARRÊTEZ ! Before you scroll, download this free resource
Celebrate Francophone musicians in your classroom with this inspiring poster set
1. Après-vous Madame (Gims & Soolking)
My students LOVED this French song this past year. It is so catchy!
Themes to explore in French class: the racism that Black and Arab men experience on a night out in the city, the juxtaposition of modern music and beloved classics.
2. Ma soeur (Amel Bent, Camélia Jordana, Vitaa)
I taught a group of amazing students for three+ years. Several groups of them chose this French song in particular to recreate their own music video.
Keep in mind that I play this French song in high school. The theme is cheating so I don’t know how appropriate it would be for a younger audience. Please do watch it and ensure it is the right fit for you!
My students love it so much that they made their own version of the music video (AND IT WAS SOOO good too).
Themes to explore in French class: revenge, cheating, vengence, relationships, love
3. Laissez-moi danser (Monday, Tuesday) – Dalida
This French song was introduced to me by my work bestie! It is super catchy!
Themes to explore in French class: danser, les jours dans la semaine, la vie, l’amour
4. Molle Twist Vanille-Vanille (Bleu Jeans Bleu)
Okay – I am not going to lie. My teenage students actually stated that they hated this particular French song.
However, when they were watching the video, they were giggling uncontrollably because it is just so silly.
And because laughter is an important part of French class, I am including this French song on this list.
Also, it is illegal to be Canadian and not love Bleu Jean Bleu. Only kidding. Welll maybe not 😉.
Themes to explore in French class: Québec, les desserts, la crême glacée
5. Fever (Angèle et Dua Lipa)
Okay this next one is a personal favourite of mine. Full disclosure, the music video may not be suitable for all audiences.
I play this video for my Grade 10s and they are normally mature enough for it. You may also censure the two bits and just skip over them.
Themes to explore in French class: l’amour, le bilinguisme
6. Prends ma main (Gims et Vitaa)
Another French song from these two legends!
7. New Kids on the Block (Soprano)
My students are OBSESSED with this song. It was an instant hit with them!
Themes to explore in French class: le rap
8. Jour J (DJ Kayz feat. Wassila & Scridge)
I looove this French song for so many reasons.
I love it because you see what weddings look like in different cultures.
Themes to explore in French class : la diversité culturelle, le mariage, les pratiques culturelles
