La Voix Du Bon Dieu

Release Date: 1981
Singles : Ce N’Etait Qu’Un Rêve, L'Amour Viendra

Being a Céline fan, it might sound a bit strange to you when I say I had some reservations about reviewing this, Céline's very first album. Maybe it's because it was released so long ago when Céline was only 13 years old, maybe it's because it's completely in French or maybe (and most likely) it's because it's the first album review I have ever done! Anyway here goes ...

This album is the very first step of a child into the show business world. Even at her tender age, Célines voice sounds distinguished and little did anyone know that this was the birth of the biggest megastar Québec had EVER seen Eddy Marnay wrote all the tracks with the notable exception of 'Ce N'Etait Qu'Un Rêve' which was written by Thérèse, Célines mother. Céline and one of her brothers, Jacques wrote the music and up until 'Let's Talk About Love', this is the only album on which Céline contributed to her songs.

The album opens with the title track, 'La Voix Du Bon Dieu'. This is a fairly powerful record which starts slowly and gradually leads into a rousing chorus. Right from this track, Célines voice sounds tuneful and strong. 'Au Secours' opens with piano and is a much slower record but has quite a dramatic ending.

'L'Amour Viendra' and personally speaking, this is the track I liked least. Another slowie but never culminating in any sort of peak. 'Autour De Moi' is a jolly, happy sounding track, backed by piano throughout. 'Grand Maman'. This has a great intro and superb tune. Very sad lyrics, about remembering a Grandmother who has died. Recalling all the good times when she was alive and things they did together.

'Ce N'Etait Qu'un Rêve' has to be the best known track on the album even for those fans who haven't heard all the early albums. The well known story of Jacques Dion sending a demo tape to René Angelil, Céline and her mum going to see him and Céline singing as René sat listining with a tear in his eye. He knew he was hearing the voice of a future star so he promptly re-mortgaged his home and the rest as they say is history.

'Seul Un Oiseau Blanc' is another slow track about daydreaming and telling someone all your crazy thoughts. 'Tire L'Aiguille', the penultimate song and the album is surprisingly different. It sounds to me as if it would be very much at home in the Eurovision Song Contest. Having said that, perfectly listen able but unlike anything else I have heard from Céline. Very upbeat and even speeds up towards the end. Puts a smile on your face if nothing else.

The last track 'Les Roses Blanches' which is an amazing sombre song, as reflected in Céline’s voice. One of my favourites off the album, although it needs a few listens. It tells the story of a young boy and his mother. On Sunday he used to buy his mother flowers (white roses) with his pocket money, instead of spending it on himself. One day she fell ill and was taken to hospital, the boy had no pocket money to buy roses and so he stole some. By the time he got to the hospital his mother had died. A sad ending to an impressive debut album. Overall, the words and the music are very simple, but as always the voice stands out. Hard to believe that it belongs to a petite, slender thirteen year old girl. A voice that held so much potential, which some 17 years later is finally getting the truly, international recognition it deserves.

Track Listing:

La Voix Du Bon Dieu
Au Secours
L’Amour Viendra
Autour De Moi
Grand Maman
Ce N’Etait Qu‘Un Rêve
Seul Un Oiseau Blanc
Tire L’Aiguille
Les Roses Blanches