Gourmandises

Gourmandises (English: "Delicacies") is the debut studio album by French singer Alizée, released domestically on 28 November 2000, and worldwide on 13 March 2001 by Polydor Records. Production and composition was managed by Laurent Boutonnat, and lyrics were written by Mylene Farmer. The album features recurring themes of youth, sensuality, innocence, love, and curiosity, often expressed through playful and poetic language. The lyricism is filled with metaphor, double entendre, and whimsical imagery, creating a unique blend of suggestiveness and childlike wonder.

Upon release, the album achieved universal acclaim, both critically and commercially. The album debuted at number 10 on the French Albums Chart and reached number 1 in its ninth week, maintaining that position for an entire month. It was certified double platinum in France by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for sales exceeding 800,000 copies. Internationally, Gourmandises was certified platinum in Switzerland (50,000 copies) and gold in Belgium (25,000 copies). Across Europe, the album received a platinum certification from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) for sales surpassing 1 million copies in 29 countries. Globally, it has sold over 4 million copies.

Critically, Gourmandises was lauded as a standout in modern French pop. Reviewers praised Alizée’s vocal performance and the album’s musical direction, noting its blend of electronic and pop elements. The album's production, led by Laurent Boutonnat and Mylène Farmer, was compared to the work of English producer William Orbit, particularly his contributions to Madonna's 1998 album Ray of Light. Lauded by critics as a masterpiece in the contemporary French pop repertoire, the singer and the album were honored by one of the highest accolades given by SACEM, the Prix Vincent Scotto in 2002. The NRJ Music Awards, M6 and many others media and music institutions nominated the singer, including her nomination to the Victoires de la Musique in the "Revelation Album of the Year" category.

Four singles were released from Gourmandises, each achieving commercial success in various European markets. The lead single, "Moi... Lolita", peaked at number two on the French Singles Chart and was certified diamond by SNEP for sales exceeding one million copies. Internationally, it reached number one in Italy, number two in Spain and Belgium (Wallonia), number five in Germany, and number nine in the United Kingdom. The second single, "L'Alizé", debuted at number one in France, received a platinum certification, and charted in Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The third single, "Parler tout bas", peaked within the top 20 in France and charted in Belgium and Switzerland, and was certified gold for shipments of 250,000 units. The final single, "Gourmandises", reached the top 40 in France, was certified gold, and appeared on charts in Belgium and Switzerland.