L'Aigle Noir

This album, originally recorded in 1961, serves as a good introduction to the work of Barbara, who was considered to be one of the most important figures of French chanson since Edith Piaf. The opening track, “Â Peine” (Hardly), sets the melancholy tone for much of the songs (most of them written by Barbara). The title song, “L’Aigle Noir” (The Black Eagle), was later performed as an instrumental piece by Paul Mauriat and his orchestra. – Yuri German