Jacques Dutronc – Il est Cinq Heures

Il est cinq heures, released in 1968, is the second studio album by Jacques Dutronc and a defining statement of 1960s French pop. Blending garage rock, chanson, and satire, Dutronc captures the restless spirit of Paris through clever wordplay and vibrant arrangements. The album’s title track, Il est cinq heures, Paris s’éveille, became an anthem—its vivid depiction of the city at dawn reflecting both affection and irony. Elsewhere, the record moves between swaggering rockers and more reflective songs, showcasing Dutronc’s knack for balancing humor with sophistication.

What makes Il est cinq heures remarkable is its wit and cultural resonance. Dutronc’s delivery—half smirk, half poetry—paired with Jacques Lanzmann’s sharp lyrics and bold production, gives the album a timeless energy. It’s an essential piece of French pop history, a record that captures the cool confidence and sly intelligence of its era while still feeling alive and immediate today.