Charlotte Gainsbourg

It is always difficult to follow a successful parent's steps in a creative field. Such is the case for Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. Twenty years since her last musical endeavor, Gainsbourg attempts another full-length with 5:55. Singing primarily in English helps in distancing herself from her father. But it puts her closer to her mother as their monotone, whispery style is quite similar. She enlists the help of French group Air to compose the music, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon to write the lyrics. Cocker's and Hannon's well-known dry and dark comedic approach is lightened by Gainsbourg's breathy delivery. Sentiments such as "What is your favorite cuss?" are wrapped in giggles and sinister piano stabs on "Everything I Cannot See." Her British-tinged accent gives a seductive feel to songs on which it is more audible, such as "Morning Songs." Air's subtle atmospherics, particularly on the title track, provide acres of space for Gainsbourg to glide through unhindered. 5 stars.