Dion chante Plamondon

Dion chante Plamondon
Canadian cover
Studio album by
Celine Dion
Released4 November 1991 (1991-11-04)
Recorded8 September – 6 October 1991
StudioFace B
GenrePop
Length45:08
LanguageFrench
Label
Producer
Celine Dion chronology
Unison
(1990) 		Dion chante Plamondon
(1991) 		Celine Dion
(1992)
Singles from Dion chante Plamondon
  1. "Je danse dans ma tête"
    Released: March 1992
  2. "Un garçon pas comme les autres (Ziggy)"
    Released: 5 July 1993
  3. "L'amour existe encore"
    Released: 24 January 1994

Dion chante Plamondon (lit. 'Dion sings Plamondon') is the ninth French‑language studio album by Canadian singer Celine Dion. Released on 4 November 1991 by Columbia Records and Epic Records, it consists entirely of songs written by French‑Canadian lyricist Luc Plamondon. In Europe, the album was issued under the title Des mots qui sonnent (lit. 'Words that resonate'). Four promotional singles were released in Quebec, while three commercial singles supported the album in France. Dion chante Plamondon received strong critical and commercial recognition, winning the Juno Award for Francophone Album of the Year and the Félix Award for Best Selling Album of the Year. It topped the chart in Quebec and reached number four in France.

Content and release

The album presents Dion's interpretations of lyrics by Luc Plamondon, a major figure in French‑language songwriting in Canada. It includes four new songs—"Des mots qui sonnent", "Je danse dans ma tête", "Quelqu'un que j'aime, quelqu'un qui m'aime", and "L'amour existe encore"—alongside eight covers, many drawn from the rock opera Starmania. These include "Le monde est stone", "Le blues du businessman", "Un garçon pas comme les autres (Ziggy)", and "Les uns contre les autres", originally performed by artists such as Fabienne Thibeault and Claude Dubois. Additional covers include Martine St-Clair's "Le fils de Superman", Diane Dufresne's "Oxygène" and "J'ai besoin d'un chum", and Marie Carmen's "Piaf chanterait du rock".

Dion chante Plamondon was released in Canada on 4 November 1991.[1] It was issued in France, Belgium, and Switzerland on 4 May 1992,[2] in Australia on 25 January 1993,[3] and worldwide in 1994, becoming Dion's first French‑language album to receive global distribution.[4][5] Four different cover artworks were produced for the Canadian, Francophone European, Japanese, and international editions.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[6]
Billboardpositive[7]
Entertainment WeeklyC[8]
Public17.5/20[9]

Dion chante Plamondon received a generally positive critical response, with many reviewers noting Dion's vocal assurance and the album's theatrical, rock‑opera‑influenced material. Billboard critic Larry LeBlanc named it one of the best albums of 1992, writing that "Dion's French‑language recordings outrank her English pop output".[7]

AllMusic highlighted Dion's vocal maturity and adaptability, pointing to the album's stylistic range—from the dramatic "Le fils de Superman" to the funk‑leaning "Je danse dans ma tête", the blues‑shaded "Les uns contre les autres", and the ballad "Le blues du businessman".[6]

Entertainment Weekly offered a more mixed view, describing the album as ambitious but uneven and suggesting that its theatrical approach may feel overwhelming to listeners less familiar with Plamondon's writing style.[8]

Retrospective assessments have been even more favourable. French magazine Public rated the album 17.5/20, praising its dramatic scope and Dion's expressive delivery.[9]

Commercial performance

1991–1992 in Canada

In Quebec, four promotional singles were issued to support the album, each helping increase its presence on provincial radio. In November 1991, "Des mots qui sonnent" reached number 10 on pop radio, becoming the album's first notable airplay success. It was followed by "L'amour existe encore", which peaked at number 16 on adult contemporary stations and maintained interest into early 1992. Momentum grew further in March 1992 when "Je danse dans ma tête" climbed to number three, becoming one of Dion's strongest Francophone radio hits of the period. The promotional campaign concluded in August 1992 with "Quelqu'un que j'aime, quelqu'un qui m'aime", which topped the airplay chart and reinforced the album's visibility across Quebec media.

Supported by this steady sequence of radio airplay, the album became one of the year's major commercial performers in Quebec, spending seven weeks at number one.[10] Although it reached only number 57 on the Canadian Albums Chart—because Quebec sales were excluded from the national tally at the time—it was certified double platinum in Canada, reflecting its strong regional impact and the depth of Dion's Francophone audience.

1992–1994 in France

In France, the album was released under the title Des mots qui sonnent and initially did not chart, receiving limited attention upon its debut. Its commercial trajectory shifted in 1993 when the single "Un garçon pas comme les autres (Ziggy)" became a major hit. The song peaked at number two, earned a gold certification, and introduced Dion to a wider French audience. An English‑language version of the track also appeared on the successful Tycoon compilation, further increasing its exposure.

Following the success of "Ziggy", the album entered the French charts for the first time in September 1993—nearly a year after its release. Its renewed momentum continued into 1994 with the third single, "L'amour existe encore", which reached number 31 in January. The album climbed steadily over the following months, eventually peaking at number four and remaining on the chart for a full year. It was certified double platinum in France and has sold more than one million copies in the country, becoming Dion's first major Francophone breakthrough in the French market.[11][12]

1994 worldwide

When the album was released internationally in 1994, it received no dedicated promotion, as Dion's English‑language career was beginning to expand rapidly. However, two tracks—"L'amour existe encore" and "Le monde est stone"—were included as B‑sides on the international single "Think Twice", giving the album indirect exposure outside Francophone markets.

Despite the absence of active marketing, worldwide sales of Dion chante Plamondon exceed two million copies.[13][14] The album also sold 275,000 copies in the United States as of June 2014, an uncommon result for a French‑language release.[15]

On the Belgian Wallonia chart, available since April 1995, the album peaked at number 17 and was certified gold in November 1995, further demonstrating its lasting appeal in Francophone regions.

Accolades

Dion chante Plamondon won the Juno Award for Francophone Album of the Year in 1993.[16] It also won the Félix Award for Best Selling Album of the Year in 1992 and was nominated for Pop/Rock Album of the Year.[17] "Quelqu'un que j'aime, quelqu'un qui m'aime" was nominated for Most Popular Song of the Year in 1993, and "L'amour existe encore" received a nomination for Video of the Year in 1994.[18] Dion was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1992, 1993, and 1994, winning in 1994.[19] "Je danse dans ma tête" won the MuchMusic Video Award for Best Adult Contemporary Video in 1992, and Dion received a nomination for Francophone Artist of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique in 1994.[20][21] The Dion chante Plamondon television special was also nominated for two Gémeaux Awards in 1992.[22]

Track listing

All tracks were produced by Jannick Top and Serge Perathoner, except "Je danse dans ma tête", produced by Romano Musumarra.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Des mots qui sonnent"
3:55
2."Le monde est stone"
3:40
3."J'ai besoin d'un chum"
  • Plamondon
  • François Cousineau
4:04
4."Le fils de Superman"
4:33
5."Je danse dans ma tête"
  • Plamondon
  • Musumarra
4:14
6."Le blues du businessman"
  • Plamondon
  • Berger
4:30
7."Piaf chanterait du rock"
  • Plamondon
  • Gauthier
3:22
8."Un garçon pas comme les autres (Ziggy)"
  • Plamondon
  • Berger
2:58
9."Quelqu'un que j'aime, quelqu'un qui m'aime"
  • Plamondon
  • Erown
3:40
10."Les uns contre les autres"
  • Plamondon
  • Berger
3:10
11."Oxygène"
  • Plamondon
  • Gauthier
6:00
12."L'amour existe encore"
3:52
Total length:45:08

Notes

  • The US, Australian and Asian editions omit "J'ai besoin d'un chum" and "Piaf chanterait du rock".

Personnel

Adapted from AllMusic.[23]

Charts

Certifications and sales

Certifications
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BRMA)[33] Gold 25,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[34] 2× Platinum 200,000^
France (SNEP)[11] 2× Platinum 1,000,000[12]
United States — 275,000[15]
Summaries
Worldwide — 2,000,000[13][14]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release history
Region Date Label Format Catalog Edition
Canada[1] 4 November 1991 Columbia
80168 Dion chante Plamondon (12 tracks)
  • France
  • Belgium
  • Switzerland
[2][11] 		4 May 1992
  • CD
  • cassette
 471344 Des mots qui sonnent (12 tracks)
Australia[3] 25 January 1993 Epic 477215 Dion chante Plamondon (10 tracks)
United Kingdom[35] 16 May 1994 CD 4713442
United States[4] 31 May 1994
  • CD
  • cassette
 64363
Japan[5] 21 November 1994 SMEJ CD ESCA-6101

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Celine Dion: Music – Dion chante Plamondon". celinedion.com. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  2. ^ a b LeBlanc, Larry; Nunziata, Susan (16 May 1992). "Dion's Language Is Universal" (PDF). Billboard. p. 40. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  3. ^ a b Gavin Ryan (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  4. ^ a b "Sonymusicstore.com: Celine Dion – Dion chante Plamondon". Sony Music. Archived from the original on 16 November 2003. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  5. ^ a b "フランス物語 〜セリーヌ・ディオン, プラモンドンを歌う" (in Japanese). Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  6. ^ a b Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Dion chante Plamondon – review". AllMusic. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
  7. ^ a b LeBlanc, Larry (26 December 1992). "The Critic's Choice" (PDF). Billboard. p. 28. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  8. ^ a b Browne, David (24 June 1994). "Dion Chante Plamondon". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 21 April 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
  9. ^ a b Charhi, Issam (26 August 2016). "Celine Dion : Quel est son meilleur album ? Notre avis !". Public (in French). Retrieved 31 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Compilation des ventes d'albums par ordre alphabétique d'interprètes" (PDF) (in French). BAnQ. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  11. ^ a b c "French album certifications – Celine Dion – Des mots qui sonnent" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  12. ^ a b "Luc Plamondon". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  13. ^ a b Juan Rodriguez (25 November 2010). "A soundtrack of Quebec history". The Gazette. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  14. ^ a b "Dans l'univers de Luc Plamondon / 4 décembre 2010" (in French). Société Radio-Canada. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  15. ^ a b Charles des Portes (20 June 2014). "Vidéos. Stromae en concert à New York : peut-il rejoindre le club très fermé des stars mondiales francophones?". HuffPost (in French). Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  16. ^ "Awards: Artist Summary". CARAS. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  17. ^ "Gala de l'ADISQ - 1992". ADISQ. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  18. ^ "Gala de l'ADISQ - 1993". ADISQ. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  19. ^ "Gala de l'ADISQ - 1994". ADISQ. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  20. ^ "Celine Dion: Timeline". Rock On The Net. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  21. ^ "9eme cérémonie des Victoires de la Musique". France Télévisions. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  22. ^ "Canada's Awards Database: Dion, 1992" (in French). Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  23. ^ "Dion Chante Plamondon – Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  24. ^ "Ultratop.be – Céline Dion – Des mots qui sonnent" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  25. ^ "Top RPM Albums: Image 2065". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  26. ^ Nanda Lwin (1999). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. ISBN 1-896594-13-1.
  27. ^ "Les "Charts Runs" de chaque Album Classé" (in French). InfoDisc. Archived from the original on 30 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  28. ^ "Palmarès des ventes d'albums au Québec" (in French). BAnQ. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  29. ^ "Les Albums (CD) de 1993 par InfoDisc" (in French). InfoDisc. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  30. ^ "Tops de l'année - Top Albums 1994" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
  31. ^ "Rapports annuels 1995" (in French). Ultratop. Archived from the original on 19 October 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  32. ^ "Rapports annuels 1995 - Albums francophones" (in French). Ultratop. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  33. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 1995". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  34. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Celine Dion – Dion chante Plamondon". Music Canada. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  35. ^ "Album Releases" (PDF). Music Week. 14 May 1994. p. 26. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
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