The compilation series (It Was Better Before) is more than just a tracklist of 80s hits; it’s a curated exercise in French "nostalgic exceptionalism." Volume 3, in particular, captures the specific intersection of global New Wave and the unique, synth-heavy French pop scene of the mid-80s. The Myth of "Mieux Avant"
What makes Volume 3 interesting is the juxtaposition of styles: VA C'Г©tait Mieux Avant - Les AnnГ©es 80 vol 3 - ...
It’s a sonic time machine to an era of neon lights and shoulder pads, serving as a reminder that while things might not have actually been "better," they certainly sounded more optimistic. The compilation series (It Was Better Before) is
It captures the heavy influence of Italian and German production on the French charts, featuring tracks that lean into the Roland TR-808 drum machines and DX7 synthesizers. The title itself leans into le déclinisme —the
The title itself leans into le déclinisme —the popular French sentiment that the past was inherently more soulful than the present. By the third volume, the collection usually moves past the obvious global chart-toppers (like Michael Jackson or Madonna) and digs into the "Top 50" era of France. This was a time when the Minitel was high-tech, Canal+ was launching, and FM radio was newly liberated. The Sonic Signature
You often find tracks by artists like Indochine or Étienne Daho , blending Anglo-Saxon post-punk with a distinctly moody, Parisian romanticism.