"My fundamental reason for writing songs was based on my conviction that the French chanson had insipid lyrics, " Aznavour said.

BBC: Aznavour bids adieu

They make a gleeful racket, smashing together French chanson, American garage rock, and Beatle-esque pop, with Casio keyboard vamps and quirky computer sampling.

NPR: Cosmopop: European Music with a Global Flavor

Homegrown French music isn't limited to pop, rock, or even more traditional chanson these days.

NPR: In France, a Revolution on the Pop Charts