Gabriel Yacoub has always amazed people with his mastery of haunting emotion. Since his early days with Alan Stivell, through the years with his group Malicorne, he has always pushed the boundaries of unique and inventive stylizations. Daringness performed with evocative nuance. His music ranges from ancient craggy vocalizations and instrumentations to modern and avant garde, and sometimes all of those elements mixed. It is difficult to describe how that can work musically, but it does. Definately French, never cliche. A few of his recordings, either solo or with Malicorne are mixed bags, but even these have gems on them. Try any of the Malicorne recordings if you can find them.

"BEL" is, in my opinion, his finest solo work. Beginning with a slow song of romantic melancholy, it has an ancient yet contemporary sound. My two favorite songs are 'Je Pense A Toi' and 'Words.' The first is a simple contemporary acoustic/vocal arrangement expressing his 'irrational love of New York City.' The first time my wife heard the refrain her face became flushed and she exlaimed, 'That is so rich!' She is in love with 'Words.' Transporting is how she describes it. It has a craggy ancient/contemporary sound with rich sonorous vocalizations. More a chant than a melody. Can't be described. Has to be experienced. If you are looking for muzak or pop go somewhere else!