Civilization (2021)

Upon its release, "Civilisation" made a record-breaking debut on the French Albums Chart, selling more units than any other album in 2021. The album topped the charts in France and Belgium (Wallonia), and reached second place on the Swiss charts during its best week. Within just five months, the album was certified diamond by the SNEP, becoming the fastest album in the history of French rap to achieve this feat.

"Civilisation" maintained its success in 2022, with the SNEP reporting that it was the highest-selling album in France for two consecutive years. The album's first three days saw it sell 94,306 units, setting a new record that beat PNL's "Deux frères" from 2019. The album debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart, selling 138,929 units in its first week, with physical sales accounting for 96,615 of those units. This total reset the record for the largest opening week in France for an album in 2021, surpassing Adele's "30," which debuted at number two the same week.

Notably, all of the tracks on "Civilisation" entered the French Singles Chart Top 20 in its first week, with nine of those tracks reaching the Top 10. The lead single, "L'odeur de l'essence," even reached number one on the French Singles Chart, while the other lead single, "Jour Meilleur," reached the top spot the following week.

Overall, "Civilisation" has cemented Orelsan's place as a major force in French rap, breaking records and garnering critical acclaim. With its diverse range of tracks and guest appearances, it is a testament to Orelsan's talent and enduring popularity within the French music scene. ...Read Less