"You're Under Arrest" is a studio album by a reputed French singer-songwriter, Serge Gainsbourg, solidifying his legacy in the music sphere. The album was released in 1987, making it one of the last projects Gainsbourg released before his unfortunate death in 1991.
The album serves as a beacon of Gainsbourg's musical versatility, exploring prominent genres of the time, including funk, jazz, and pop. The unique backdrop of diverse musical styles across the whole album sets it apart in Gainsbourg’s extensive discography. The central theme revolves around an intriguing metaphorical take on police and criminals, a classic cat and mouse chase, adding depth to his lyrical narratives.
It features 12 tracks with compelling titles, including "You're Under Arrest", "Shotgun (5ème étage)" and "Mon légionnaire". One of the premier critiques of the album is it signaled a departure from Gainsbourg’s classic, cinematic style, instead favoring a modern, electronic sound that divided some fans and critics.
Notable songs include "Five Easy Pisseuses" and "Gloomy Sunday," featuring a rendition of Billie Holiday's original song. The album was appreciated for its ingenious combination of noir-ish narratives, mixed with feverish jazz tangents and searing electronic rhythms.
"You're Under Arrest" exemplifies Gainsbourg's career-long flair for theatrical narrative in music, enunciated by his eclectic choice of musical styles that carry each song's theme. This album is one of his enigmatic creations that display a modern-day Noir, with classic Gainsbourg lyricism underlining each track.
