INVISIBLES (WOODKID / MYLÈNE FARMER)

INVISIBLES is a standout track from Mylène Farmer twelfth studio album “L’Emprise,” released on November 25, captivates listeners from the very beginning. The song’s powerful opening, characterized by gripping orchestration, immediately immerses the audience in its emotional depth. Sud Ouest describes this effect as a symphonic journey that transports the listener into the heart of a Gothic cathedral, showcasing Farmer’s evocative voice that has resonated with audiences for nearly four decades. The album’s narrative arc is beautifully encapsulated as it begins and concludes with “Invisibles,” presenting it as a melancholic yet sublime ballad, enhanced in its final rendition with a poignant piano accompaniment (Sud Ouest – 11/29/2022).

This song marks a significant collaboration as it is the first time Mylène Farmer has worked with the renowned composer Woodkid.

The lyrics of “Invisibles,” penned by Farmer herself, showcase her lyrical prowess and depth. The collaboration with Woodkid began when he took the initiative to reach out to Farmer. “It was me who took the first step towards her. Two years ago, I sent her my second album, ‘S16,’ and she asked to meet me. I then sent her a first song demo, which was going to become ‘Invisibles,’ the one that opens the record,” Woodkid shared in an interview with Le Parisien on November 24, 2022.

The song has garnered significant praise for its artistic merit. Le Parisien described it as “a crystalline prayer where the singer reaches high peaks on a flying carpet of violins” (11/24/2022). Similarly, Pure Charts highlighted the song’s emotional depth, noting, “From the first seconds of the song of introduction ‘Invisibles,’ of heartbreaking despair, the crystalline voice of the singer pierces the heart on flights of dizzying strings” (11/25/2022).

Le Point also commented on the track, observing the solemn nature of its opening and the almost overwhelming pitch of Farmer’s voice, likening it to a resonant echo in a church (11/25/2022).

La Voix du Nord emphasizes Farmer’s crystal-clear voice as a key element that captivates and transports the listener from the outset with “Invisibles” (La Voix du Nord – 02/12/2022). This clarity and emotional intensity are further echoed in the reviews by Ouest France, which highlight the thematic richness of Farmer’s lyrics, encompassing a spectrum of human experiences from existential anxieties and restless nights to the complexities of love and its redemptive power (Ouest France – 03/12/2022).

The composition by Woodkid, coupled with the rich symphonic and string arrangements, elevates the entire production to a level of sheer perfection. Mylène’s vocals are particularly noteworthy for their clarity and strength, reminiscent of a mountain spring, offering a refreshing and invigorating experience. The melody, though melancholic, masterfully paints an ethereal picture, perfectly aligning with the transcendent experience Mylène aims to deliver.

“Invisibles” by Mylène Farmer, with its haunting refrain “Entre nous c’est l’amour” (“Between us is love”), eloquently captures the essence of a higher power’s enduring love and our profound interconnectedness. This central theme of love acts as a beacon throughout the song, guiding listeners through a landscape where light and darkness, represented by celestial beings and earthbound wolves, coexist in a delicate balance. The song’s lyrical journey acknowledges that while life is fraught with challenges and shadowy elements, it is the omnipresence of love that empowers us to transcend and overcome these trials.

The song is a contemplative exploration of spirituality and the unseen forces that pervade our existence. Farmer’s lyrics in the opening verse paint our souls as ethereal, likening them to flowing water and aligning the invisible with celestial realms. This metaphorical imagery invites interpretations of spiritual beings or unseen guides that shepherd us through life’s journey.

The second verse introduces a mysterious, almost ethereal presence, akin to elusive forces that subtly influence our life’s path. The metaphor of wolves and their dwelling places evokes the darker, often hidden aspects of our existence, hinting at the complexities and dualities of life.

Throughout “Invisibles,” there is an overarching sense of guardianship and guidance—whether through spiritual entities or the nurturing power of love. The song’s narrative underscores the notion that love is an omnipresent and vital force, coursing through our veins and providing strength in adversity.

Farmer’s composition is both introspective and evocative, inviting listeners to reflect on the unseen influences in their lives. It paints a serene, almost otherworldly tableau of existence, emphasizing the profound impact of love and the subtle forces that shape our experiences. (Source: songtell.com)

There are intriguing references to “invisibility” cleverly woven into both the title and the lyrics of the song.

“The Invisibles,” originally titled “Die Unsichtbaren,” is a poignant film released in 2017. Set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II, the film reveals a lesser-known aspect of history. Despite Joseph Goebbels’ notorious proclamation in 1943 that Berlin was “free of Jews,” approximately 1,700 Jewish individuals miraculously survived in the Nazi stronghold until the war’s end. “The Invisibles” meticulously traces the harrowing tales of four young people who mastered the art of concealment in the most perilous of environments, surviving by becoming virtually invisible in plain sight.

It wouldn’t be surprising if “The Invisibles,” a film that masterfully portrays the resilience and courage of individuals during one of history’s darkest periods, left a lasting impression on Mylène Farmer. Such a poignant and powerful narrative could very well have been a source of inspiration for her, compelling her to echo the theme of invisibility in her new album.

Adding to the multifaceted nature of Mylène Farmer’s artistic journey is her role in the animated film “Arthur and the Invisibles” (original title: “Arthur et les Minimoys,”) released in 2006, where she lent her voice to the character Selenia. Directed by Luc Besson, known for his acclaimed film “Léon: The Professional” featuring a young Natalie Portman with Jean Reno, the animated film delves into the adventure of ten-year-old Arthur. In an effort to save his grandfather’s house from demolition, Arthur embarks on a quest to find a legendary treasure in the land of the Minimoys, a diminutive and harmonious people living in tune with nature.

In the context of Farmer’s music, the recurring motif of the “wolf” (loup) in her lyrics is a noteworthy element. The complexity and depth of this allegory, which originated in the music video for “Beyond My Control,”(1991) have continuously evolved throughout her career. This theme has woven its way through the labyrinth of Farmer’s stage presence and acting roles, including the film “Giorgino,” and has found its place in more recent hits like the “Rolling Stone”(2018) video and “Des larmes” (2018).

In many of these works, her now deceased Swiss Shepherd, Liloup, played a significant role, adding a personal and poignant layer to the wolf imagery.

The theme of angels holds a profound personal significance for Mylène Farmer, suggesting a deep connection with the concept of an “invisible” energy in her life. This idea resonates with many, though not everyone acknowledges it, often due to preconceived notions shaped by societal norms and expectations. In a world increasingly governed by scientific and materialistic viewpoints, belief in angels or similar entities can be perceived as a deviation from intelligence or rationality. However, personal experiences and beliefs often transcend such societal judgments.

I, too, firmly believe in and have experienced the presence of angelic forces in my life, an experience shared by many across the globe. This presence can be interpreted in various ways: as an invisible spirit or energy (like prana), or even as an extraterrestrial influence. Regardless of the terminology one is comfortable with, the essence remains the same – an invisible force of love and protection that constantly surrounds us.

Mylène Farmer’s song “Ange, parle-moi” “Angel, talk to me” from her album “Avant que l’ombre…” (2005) instantly comes to mind when discussing this theme. It reflects her openness and dedication to her spiritual beliefs, showcasing her unique perspective in the realm of music and art. Her candidness about her spiritual repertoire not only endears her to many who share similar beliefs but also distinctly sets her apart from those who are more agnostic or who reside comfortably in the absence of such beliefs.

This dichotomy in belief systems is indeed a matter of personal choice and perception. Farmer’s artistic expressions, through her music and other endeavors, offer a window into her spiritual world, appealing to a wide audience while also firmly standing by her personal convictions. Her ability to weave these spiritual themes into her work speaks to the depth of her artistry and her commitment to exploring and sharing her spiritual journey with her audience.

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NEVERMORE TOUR

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Although “Invisibles” has never been performed live in concert, its presence was subtly felt throughout the Nevermore tour (2023). In an intriguing twist, the song made its “invisible” appearance at each show, played in an instrumental version as a postlude after the concert’s conclusion. This unique approach allowed the essence of “Invisibles” to resonate with the audience, creating a lingering and ethereal atmosphere even as the show ended, cementing its integral role in the tour’s overall experience,

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lyrics with translation

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