À contre-courant

"À contre-courant" (English: "Against the Current") is a song by French pop singer Alizée, released on 7 October 2003. as the third and final single for her second studio album, Mes courants électriques (2003), through the label Polydor. The song was written by Mylene Farmer and Boutonnat, and production was managed by Laurent Boutonnat and Farmer as well. Lyrically, it explores the theme of going against societal expectations and resisting conformity. The title itself translates to "Against the Current," symbolizing a personal journey of rebellion, independence, and self-assertion.

Upon release, the song experienced moderate commercial success following its release in late 2003 as the third single from her album Mes courants électriques. In France, it peaked at #22 on the SNEP Singles Chart, and although it didn’t reach the top ten like her previous singles, it still maintained chart presence for several weeks, reflecting steady popularity. The single also charted in Belgium (both Flanders and Wallonia), reaching the top 30, and in Switzerland, where it entered the top 50, showcasing her cross-border appeal in Francophone europe. While it didn’t achieve certifications like gold or platinum in these regions, it solidified Alizée’s position as a consistent pop figure in early 2000s French music.

The music video presents a dreamlike and surreal underwater aesthetic that visually mirrors the emotional depth of the song. Set in an abstract, almost otherworldly pool environment, Alizée is seen performing elegant choreography beneath shimmering lights, creating a feeling of being submerged or drifting—an apt visual metaphor for going “against the current.” The video’s use of reflective surfaces, flowing fabric, and fluid camera movements enhances its ethereal quality, while subtle symbolic elements, like water and mirrors, reinforce themes of inner conflict and emotional resistance.

On 21 November 2000, Alizée released her debut album, "Gourmandises" (2000) in France, and released the album internationally on 13 March 2001. The album produced four singles, including the global top-five hits "Moi... Lolita," "L'Alizé," and "Gourmandises," each of which received notable commercial success. "Moi... Lolita" reached diamond status in France,^[1] while "L'Alizé" was certified platinum,^[2] and "Gourmandises" also achieved success, receiving significant chart positions across multiple countries.^[3][4][5] To promote "Gourmandises" and her subsequent album, Alizée embarked on the En concert Tour in late 2003, which helped boost the later success of Mes courants électriques.^[6] Music critics and scholars have highlighted the album's lasting influence on popular music, particularly for its role in reintroducing electronic music into the mainstream pop scene.^[7] Praised by critics as a standout in modern French pop, the album received widespread acclaim upon its release, with reviewers highlighting the singer's vocal performance and musical direction.^[8][9]

"À contre-courant" is a blend of introspective pop with elements of atmospheric electronica, reflecting the song’s contemplative and emotional tone.^[10] Written and composed by Laurent Boutonnat, with lyrics by Mylène Farmer,^[11] the track showcases their signature synergy—combining poetic lyricism with moody, immersive soundscapes.^[12] The song opens with soft, ambient synths and builds into a more layered arrangement featuring subdued electronic beats, melodic piano lines, and gentle string accents.^[13] The mixing process took place at Studio Guillaume Tell, ensuring a polished and cohesive sound throughout the album.^[14] The song is composed in A minor, with a tempo of 120 bpm.^[15]

The final single experienced moderate chart performance in several territories. In France, the single peaked at number 22 on the French Singles Chart and remained on the chart for 11 weeks.^[16] It also charted in Belgium (Wallonia), where it reached number 32 and stayed for 7 weeks,^[17] and in the Flanders region, the single peaked at number 60.^[18] In Switzerland, it peaked at number 64 and lasted 4 weeks on the chart.^[19] The single also appeared briefly in Germany, reaching number 95.^[20] While "À contre-courant" did not achieve the commercial impact of the album’s earlier singles, it continued to contribute to Alizée’s presence in the European pop scene during this period.^[21][22]

The music video was shot in Triage-Lavoir de Péronnes, in Péronnes-lez-Binche, in Belgium.^[23] The video was directed by Pierre Stine, who also suggested the filming location.^[24] The video features Alizée following a young man through an old coal washing plant, while he performs acrobatics. The video was produced by Belgian production company Blueberry^[25][26] and AdnStudio.^[27] The video was filmed on 35mm film and the length of the video is 3:54. The video premiered on M6 channel on 1 October 2003.

French CD Single

1. "À contre-courant" – 4:32
2. "I'm Not Twenty" – 4:15

French CD maxi single

1. "À contre-courant" - 4:25
2. "À contre-courant" (Azzibo Da Bass Remix) – 7:15
3. "À contre-courant" (Steve Helstrip Club Remix) – 6:55
4. "À contre-courant" (Azzibo Da Bass Dub) – 6:05

French promotional CD

1. "À contre-courant" (radio edit) - 3:47

French promotional vinyl

1. "À contre-courant" (Azzibo Da Bass Remix) – 7:15
2. "À contre-courant" (Steve Helstrip Club Remix) – 6:55

French promotional VHS

1. "À contre-courant" - 3:54