The French Connection compiles Rod McKuen's translations of French songs, French translations of his originals, songs he set to French melodies, songs he co-wrote with French songwriters, a few French artists performing his songs (most notably Jacques Brel), and even a couple of songs on which McKuen sings in French. The recordings by other artists were cross-licensed from various French labels and McKuen's recordings are drawn from albums made for various labels from the '50s through the '80s. All in all, a lot of work went into assembling what is a very inexpensive compact disc. Despite the effort, it is a peculiar collection that will be of primary interest only to most dedicated fans. Some of the individual tracks are quite good, but the French theme is a little half-baked (many of the songs sound no different from McKuen's other recordings, despite their sometimes vague associations with "France") and none of these recordings, with the possible exception of "Blessings of the Day," rank among his best-known work. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide
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