It’s almost three years since he cut a fierce figure on the reality talent show Nouvelle Star, where from 2007 to 2009 he gave out judgements and shrewd advice as member of the jury. His smouldering blue gaze and harsh words were enough to turn many candidates to jelly.

Ça tourne dans ma tête Sinclair "Sinclair" (Warner) 2011 Listen Full discography

Musically speaking, Sinclair has always been demanding, and in terms of instrumentation and production, this new album is no exception. He has always been influenced by American black music, including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone and Prince, but his new collection moves away from funk and instead plays around with a disconcerting mix of genres.

The guitar riffs have gone, replaced by disco accents on Ça tourne dans ma tête and electro twang on La fête est finie, brushing dangerously close to boy band music. Funk flashbacks in the form of Ta petite liste and Funky drama are suffocated by slow dances set to eighties-style tunes (Ailleurs, Monde idéal) and old-style crooning (Victime du bonheur).

There’s an original touch in the way Sinclair reworks the arrangement of Piaf’s La vie en rose on his track Rose, etc…, and his quotes from Prince’s Purple Rain and Sinatra (twice). Yet although the album is clearly aimed at a broader public (Dangereuse, Envie de Toi), the result is a far cry from the simple but rousing lyrics of Ensemble and Si c’est bon comme ça, and their irresistible energy. It’s always been a challenge to groove in French, but this album borders on the bland.

Sinclair Sinclair (Warner Music) 2011

On tour in France from March 2012 and at the Zénith de Paris on 30 March 2012.

Transaltion by : Anne-Marie Harper