Album: Après

Overview
"Après" is the fifteenth studio album by the renowned American singer-songwriter and actor Iggy Pop, launched on May 9, 2012. The album includes Iggy Pop carrying out 10 covers of a few of his favorite tunes, ranging from French classics to contemporary American hits. In contrast to his earlier recordings and the hard rock image with which he is typically associated, "Après" showcases a more mature and melodic side of the legendary artist. Throughout the album's release, Iggy took a threat by stepping away from his characteristic punk image to attempt something new. However, in doing so, Pop proved his adaptability and capability to adjust for many years.

Background
Iggy Pop, born James Newell Osterberg Jr., began his career in the late 1960s as the vocalist for the prominent protopunk band The Stooges. After the dissolution of The Stooges, Iggy embarked on an effective solo profession that established him as a crucial innovator of the punk rock category. Known for his vibrant phase presence and powerful voice, Iggy has actually had a significant influence on the world of music.

"Après" followed the release of the 2009 album "Préliminaires", another record that saw Iggy Pop venturing into brand-new musical territory. Influenced by the French author Michel Houellebecq, "Préliminaires" likewise contained a more subdued and reflective noise in contrast to the artist's previous work. In fact, the title "Après" (which translates to "after" in English) can be viewed as symbolic of Pop's continued expedition of diverse musical landscapes following the strong departure from his typical noise that began with "Préliminaires".

Track Listing and Highlights
"Après" includes 10 tracks, all of which display the diverse selection of tunes that have actually influenced Iggy Pop over the years. A few of the album's notable French performances consist of "La Javanaise" by Serge Gainsbourg, "Et Si Tu N'Existais Pas" (originally by Joe Dassin), and "Les Passantes" by Antoine Pol and set to music by Georges Brassens. These tracks highlight Pop's distinct vocal delivery and the romantic, poetic qualities of the original French structures.

In addition to French covers, "Après" also consists of some tunes in English, such as "Michelle" by The Beatles, "I'm Going Away Smiling" by Yoko Ono, and "Only the Lonely" by Frank Sinatra. These traditional tracks offer a surprising and fascinating twist, as they display Pop's ability to reinterpret cherished classics through his distinct singing style.

Perhaps the album's most unanticipated track is the rendition of the 2002 hit "Everybody's Talkin'", originally performed by Harry Nilsson. The reality that Pop picked to cover a song from such a current vintage even more highlights his daring spirit and determination to explore various categories and styles.

Critical Reception
"Après" received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising Pop's vocal abilities and distinctive handles the familiar tunes, while others felt that the album was an unfocused and disjointed departure from the artist's iconic punk rock roots. However, "Après" stands as a testament to Iggy Pop's versatility and enduring influence, showcasing his remarkable talent and ability to transform himself even after five decades in the music market.

In conclusion, "Après" marks a substantial departure from Iggy Pop's trademark punk image, as the album sees the renowned singer exploring brand-new areas and genres. With a varied selection of French and English songs, Pop's unique interpretations offer a refreshing take on these precious tracks. While the album may not have been generally well-known, "Après" showcases the artist's flexibility and development over his longstanding profession.