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.