Yé-yé is the young, charming pop that colored early-1960s France. It adapted Anglo-American rock and roll and girl-group pop into French, foregrounding brisk rhythms, sweet melodies, and the lovely voices of young women singers. Lyrics often follow the feelings of a girl in love; the mood is bright, innocent, and somehow chic.

It emerged around 1962 from a youth culture buzzing with rock and roll, propelled by the popular radio show 'Salut les copains.' The name comes from the 'yeah yeah' refrain of Anglo-American songs. Composers like Serge Gainsbourg supplied quality material, and France Gall and Françoise Hardy became stars.

The contrast between an innocent voice and the grown-up cleverness hidden behind it is the key. The lyrics Gainsbourg wrote for young singers often hide double meanings beneath their breezy sound. The bright arrangements and chorus harmonies are a pleasure, too.

Françoise Hardy's 'Tous les Garçons et les Filles' (1962) is a wistful, lovely entry point. For the more glittering side, hear France Gall's 'Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son' (1965).

France Gall's Eurovision-winning 'Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son' was written by Gainsbourg, whose later songs for teenage singers, laden with double meanings, frequently caused controversy.