Moving away from the big theaters and flourishing in clubs and small cafés, French Song had its summit in the mid-20th Century, when figures such as Édith Piaf, Charles Trenet, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Léo Ferré, Dalida, Charles Aznavour, Henri Salvador, Juliette Gréco, and Serge Gainsbourg, disseminated their art first in Paris, and then throughout the world. It was a new kind of song, influenced by literary realism and the naturalist movement, and its lyrics frequently focused on the lives of socially marginalized people. 26 of the best exponents of the genre are included on this splendid collection.

1. Serge Gainsbourg: La Chanson De Prevert
2. Yves Montand: Les Feuilles Mortes
3. Patachou: Mon Homme
4. Catherine Sauvage: Paris Canaille
5. Charles Aznavour: a Tout Jamais
6. Dalida: Quand Tu Dors Pres De Moi
7. Jean Sablon: Syracuse
8. Edith Piaf: La Foule
9. Gilbert Becaud: Et Maintenant
10. Frangoise Hardy: Le Temps De L'amour
11. Georges Brassens: La Mauvaise Reputation
12. Juliette Greco: Sous Le Ciel De Paris
13. Leo Ferre: Est-Ce Ainsi Que Les Hommes Vivent?
14. Michele Arnaud: Il Etait Une Oie
15. Mouloudji: Un Jour, Tu Verras
16. Leny Escudero: Pour Une Amourette
17. Charles Trenet: Que Reste T-Il De Nous Amours
18. Henri Salvador: Petite Fleur
19. Serge Gainsbourg: Le Poingonneur Des Lilas
20. Juliette Greco: On N'oublie Rien
21. Gilbert Becaud: L'absent
22. Leo Ferre: Paname
23. Charles Trenet: L'bme Des Poetes
24. Jeanne Moreau: Le Tourbillon
25. Jacques Brel: Ne Me Quitte Pas
26. Edith Piaf: La Vie En Rose