Putumayo Discovery is proud to announce the release of French Groove, a dynamic compilation that showcases the fresh face of French music—blending retro flair with global rhythms and irresistible energy. Out Friday, August 22nd as a digital-only release, French Groove features an exciting lineup of contemporary French artists who infuse chanson with samba, funk, soul, and tropical grooves.

France has long been a cultural melting pot and musical crossroads. From Henri Salvador’s Caribbean classics and the bossa nova wave of the 1960s to Serge Gainsbourg’s reggae experiments and the rise of “world music” in 1980s Paris, French musicians have consistently embraced global sounds. French Groove carries this legacy into the present, where a new generation of artists continues to push boundaries while celebrating the country’s multicultural spirit.

The compilation opens with Arnold, whose “Palace au Soleil” channels French chanson through the lens of samba and 60s ye ye pop. Ireke, a duo inspired by Afrobeat and French jazz, offers “Oh Ma Chérie – Petit à petit part 2,” an invitation to dance with featured vocalists Agnès Hélène and Cameroonian singer Charly Sanga. Bazar et Bémols reflect on quiet resilience in the face of adversity with the upbeat and poetic “Soleil dans l’orage.”

The Loire Valley Calypsos deliver a playful blend of calypso and swing on “Samos,” while Alambic’s “Bossa” mixes ironic lyrics with upbeat ska, jazz, and samba rhythms. Singer-songwriter Mathieu Gattuso offers a more reflective mood with “À la vie,” a song about finding inner peace in a chaotic world. Paris-based Sainte-Croix adds a funky R&B groove to “Sirène,” capturing moments of solitude and emotional vulnerability. Normandy’s Captain Sparks & Royal Company sing about feminine independence in tango flavored “Une blondinette.”

Sister duo Malaka blend folk simplicity with Afrobeat pulse on “Ulo,” inspired by their Guadeloupean roots and the Igbo word for “home.” The collection closes with Berlin-based Antoine Villoutreix and Super Antena Tropical, whose “Petite idée” is a breezy escape song with Afro-Caribbean rhythms and French charm.

French Groove will be available for streaming and download worldwide on Friday, August 22nd, and subscribers to Putumayo’s subscription series receive a digital booklet with English translations and cultural context for each song along with a 20% discount on all Putumayo merchandise. The album is part of Putumayo Discovery’s ongoing monthly release series, spotlighting innovative global music with a human touch.

For media inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please contact: jocelyn@putumayo.com.