1. A French… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least seven artists using the name Niagara:
1. A French duo active from the early 1980s until the early 1990s
2. A Portuguese electronic trio releasing on the Lisbon labels Príncipe and Ascender.
3. A German jazz/funk-percussion group active in the early 1970s
4. A Ukrainian group
5. A Spanish hard rock band
6. The pseudonym of Lynn Rovner, who was the lead singer in the 1970s experimental band Destroy All Monsters.
7. An Italian progressive rock band
1. The French Niagara, who emerged from the thriving pop'n'rock scene in Rennes (France) in the early 80s, went on to become one of the best-selling duos of the decade. However, after years of chart hits and successful international tours, the duo finally went their separate ways in 1993. Muriel and Daniel have both launched solo projects, but these have failed to live up to the success of the Niagara years.
In the early 80s Rennes, a lively student town in Brittany, was the scene of a veritable music revolution. In 1982 Muriel met Daniel Chenevez, a talented young amateur musician who, after a brief spell studying sociology, had also launched a serious music career. Chenevez, who played guitar and keyboards, also kept up with all the latest music technology, experimenting with synthesisers and videos right from the beginning of his career.
Daniel and Muriel went on to start a relationship and would later get married, Muriel taking the name Muriel Moreno. Around the same time the pair decided to become musical partners, teaming up as a duo under the name Ombre jaune (Yellow Shadow). Daniel and Muriel made their public debut at the "Trans Musicales" festival in December 1982 and soon went on to make a name for themselves on the thriving Rennes scene, playing in clubs and concert halls throughout the Brittany region.
In February 1984 the duo changed their name to Niagara and the following year the cultural centre in Rennes offered to finance the release of singles for four local artists. Niagara was one of the lucky four chosen and the duo went into the studio shortly afterwards to record the single "Tchiki Boum", which proved an instant hit with record-buyers and within a few weeks of its release, Niagara went shooting into the Top 50, and many more hits were soon to follow.
Muriel and Daniel made a perfect duo - Muriel, definitely the more extrovert and flamboyant of the two, made a great frontwoman, dressing up in sexy Barbarella-style stage costumes and charming audiences with her sultry vocals. Meanwhile Daniel, the more shy and reserved of the duo, took a back seat during performances. As for the Niagara sound, this was produced through a fusion of sweet, carefree pop melodies and Afro-Cuban, funk and soul rhythms.
In 1986 the pair released their debut album, "Encore un premier baiser", scoring another huge hit with the French public. Videos were all the rage in the mid-80s and Niagara came up with consistently good visuals, Chenevez stepping behind the camera to produce the videos for "L'amour a la plage" and "Je dois m'en aller".
In 1988 Niagara were back at the forefront of the French music scene with their second album, "Quel enfer" (What a Hell). This album marked a definite shift in Niagara's image and their musical direction, a chang from a riot of multi-coloured psychedelia to black. Fans appeared to appreciate this change of style, however, and "Assez !" soon went rocketing to the top of the charts and proved a big hit in clubs up and down the country. By this point Niagara were at the height of their career and, shortly after the release of their second album, they set off on an extensive tour sponsored by MTV. Accompanied by a dozen musicians in their tour bus, Muriel and Daniel played to audiences in fifteen different countries over the next five months.
In April 1990 the duo returned to the spotlight with their third album "Religion", mixing hard rock with catchy pop melodies. Muriel's stage outfits changed accordingly, the sultry star appearing in concert dressed in full leather gear. Niagara's new image was supported by aggressive vocals and hard-hitting lyrics and new songs included "Pendant que les champs brulent" (While Fields Are Burning), "le Ciel s'est dechire" (The Sky Ripped In Two) and "Chemin de Croix" (Stations of the Cross). The group's new single "J'ai vu" (I Have Seen) was a powerful track about war.
By 1992 the Niagara craze was beginning to subside. Muriel and Daniel's relationship came to an end, but they decided to continue working together in their professional life. Recording kicked off in the ICP studio in Brussels (where Niagara had recorded their last three albums) and finished up in New York in August in the Electric Ladyland Studio. "La Vérité" was the biggest production of Niagara's career - in fact, no less than forty-five musicians worked in the studio with the duo. But this time round Niagara's rock sound failed to impress either the critics or the record-buying public.
On 25 March 1993 Niagara performed at Le Zénith in Paris, but later that year Muriel and Daniel finally decided to go their separate ways.
Subsequently, Moreno and Chenevez went on to put out a series of individual solo albums, none of which managed to achieve the same success as the Niagara records. Muriel experimented with electronic influences, Chenevez was also busy in the studio, working on his debut solo album, "Excentrique", released in 1996, which made as little impact as Muriel's solo album, however, neither the critics nor the record-buying public taking much interest in it.
Meanwhile, a compilation of the duo's greatest hits was released on 9 April 2002. Entitled "Flammes", the album proved a huge hit with the French public. Indeed, burgeoning sales meant the album went gold within two months of its release. But Muriel and Daniel refused to come out of Niagara "retirement" and promote their greatest hits compilation - as far as the duo are concerned their Niagara days are well and truly over.
2. Niagara is a Portuguese electronic trio releasing music on the Lisbon labels Príncipe and Ascender, the latter being their own imprint. Its members are Alberto Arruda, António Arruda and Sara Eckerson. They also record as Novo Mundo.
3. The German jazz/funk-percussion group, Niagara, existing between 1971-1973. The group featured artists including, on percussion: Klaus Weiss, Udo Lindenberg, Cotch Blackmon, Keith Forsey, Juan Romero, Danny Fichelscher, Joe Harris, George Green; on bass: Gary Unwin, Milan Pilar; on guitar: Paul Vincent; on horns: Ack van Royen; on sax & flute: Ferdinand Povel; on keyboard: Christian Schulze. They produced three albums: Niagara (1971), S.U.B. (1972) and Afire (1973). It is extremely difficult to find more information on the project, even in the official biographies of Klaus Weiss and Udo Lindenberg.
Psychotrope
Niagara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mais je vais bientôt disjoncter
Sur la boîte il y a écrit respectez la dose indiquée
J’ai envie de tout avaler
Et quand les murs se mettent à trembler
Dans la tourmente je m’accroche à un comprimé
Dès que vient l’ennui je prends le paquet
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Encore une autre pilule qui me met la tête au placard
Je me sens mieux dans le brouillard
Échouée sur l’oreiller comme une baleine sans cauchemar
J’atterris sur un nénuphar
Des monstres verts se mettent à grimper
Moi je reste enfermée je ne veux pas y penser
Des roses des bleues c’est mon chapelet
Le futur me promet d’être un peu plus parfait
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Les pieds du lit se sont envolés
Et la vie m’apparaît beaucoup plus colorée
Des roses des bleues c’est mon chapelet
Le futur me promet d’être un peu plus parfait
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
The song "Psychotrope" by Niagara is an introspective exploration of the effects of mental health medication on the singer's perception of reality. The lyrics portray a sense of frustration and desperation that comes from feeling like things are not going well, but finding solace in taking medication. The opening lines describe the ups and downs of life, with some moments being straightforward and easy, and others feeling more complicated. The singer then alludes to their increasing reliance on their medication by referencing the label on the package, which warns to only take the recommended dose. This warning is juxtaposed with the singer's desire to "swallow it all" and escape through the use of the medication.
The chorus of the song describes the effects the medication has on the singer's perception of reality. They feel like they are floating on a "ball of cotton," which makes everything feel clear and colorful. This heightened perception of reality allows the singer to escape their worries and feel lighter. The second verse of the song repeats this theme, with the singer describing taking another pill and feeling better in the fog of medication. They describe being visited by dreams and visions, with roses and blues appearing in their mind, promising a more perfect future.
Overall, "Psychotrope" is a poignant look at the complexities and contradictions of mental health medication. While it can offer short-term relief and escape, it also presents a challenge for those who become dependent on its effects as a means of coping with their problems. The song also hints at the isolating nature of mental health struggles, as the singer retreats from the world and relies on medication to deal with their issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Y’a des jours où tout va bien d’autres où c’est un peu compliqué
There are days when everything is going well, and others when it's a little complicated.
Mais je vais bientôt disjoncter
But I'm going to short circuit soon.
Sur la boîte il y a écrit respectez la dose indiquée
On the box, it says to respect the recommended dosage.
J’ai envie de tout avaler
I want to swallow everything.
Et quand les murs se mettent à trembler
And when the walls start shaking.
Dans la tourmente je m’accroche à un comprimé
In the turmoil, I cling to a pill.
Dès que vient l’ennui je prends le paquet
As soon as boredom comes, I take the package.
Et la vie m’apparaît beaucoup plus colorée
And life appears much more colorful to me.
Encore une autre pilule qui me met la tête au placard
Another pill that puts my head in the closet.
Je me sens mieux dans le brouillard
I feel better in the fog.
Échouée sur l’oreiller comme une baleine sans cauchemar
Stranded on the pillow like a whale without nightmares.
J’atterris sur un nénuphar
I land on a water lily.
Des monstres verts se mettent à grimper
Green monsters start to climb.
Moi je reste enfermée je ne veux pas y penser
I stay locked up, I don't want to think about it.
Des roses des bleues c’est mon chapelet
Red ones, blue ones, it's my rosary.
Le futur me promet d’être un peu plus parfait
The future promises to be a little more perfect for me.
Les pieds du lit se sont envolés
The feet of the bed have flown away.
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
And everything is clear, clear as crystal.
Oh pour des millénaires
Oh, for millennia.
Je me sens plus légère
I feel lighter.
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
And I rise high, high, oh yes.
Sur ma balle de coton
On my cotton ball.
Juste avant le plongeon
Just before the plunge.
Contributed by Aaliyah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@claudegarcia312
Niagara - Psychotrope (1990) paroles corrigées
Intro
Y'a des jours où tout va bien d'autres c'est un peu compliqué
Mais je vais bientôt disjoncter
Sur la boîte il y a écrit respectez la dose indiquée
J'ai envie de tout avaler
Quand les murs se mettent à trembler
Dans la tourmente je m'accroche à un comprimé
Dès que vient l'ennui je prends le paquet
Et la vie m'apparaît beaucoup plus colorée
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma bulle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Break
Encore une autre pilule qui me met la tête au placard
Je me sens mieux dans le brouillard
Échouée sur l'oreiller comme une baleine sans cauchemar
J'atterris sur un nénuphar
Des monstres verts commencent à grimper
Moi je reste enfermée je ne veux pas y penser
Des roses des bleues c'est mon chapelet
Le futur me promet d'être un peu plus parfait
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma bulle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair, si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Oooh... Oooh... Oooh...
Break II
Les pieds du lit se sont envolés
Et la vie m'apparaît beaucoup plus colorée
Des roses des bleues c'est mon chapelet
Le futur me promet d'être un peu plus parfait
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma bulle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma bulle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Oooh... Oooh... Oooh...
Paroliers : Daniel Chenevez / Muriel Laporte
@nuahes8112
Y’a des jours où tout va bien d’autres où c’est un peu compliqué
Mais je vais bientôt disjoncter
Sur la boîte il y a écrit respectez la dose indiquée
J’ai envie de tout avaler
Et quand les murs se mettent à trembler
Dans la tourmente je m’accroche à un comprimé
Dès que vient l’ennui je prends le paquet
Et la vie m’apparaît beaucoup plus colorée
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Encore une autre pilule qui me met la tête au placard
Je me sens mieux dans le brouillard
Échouée sur l’oreiller comme une baleine sans cauchemar
J’atterris sur un nénuphar
Des monstres verts se mettent à grimper
Moi je reste enfermée je ne veux pas y penser
Des roses des bleues c’est mon chapelet
Le futur me promet d’être un peu plus parfait
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Les pieds du lit se sont envolés
Et la vie m’apparaît beaucoup plus colorée
Des roses des bleues c’est mon chapelet
Le futur me promet d’être un peu plus parfait
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
Et je monte haut, haut, oh oui
Sur ma balle de coton
Juste avant le plongeon
Et tout est clair, clair si clair
Oh pour des millénaires
Je me sens plus légère
@craftingmat5425
Surprised it only has 1.5k likes. It is definitely one of my favs (maybe along with le chien rouge).
@advan1832
La classe ! Respect
@user-bu4uh8ig1e
Niagara КЛАСС!!!
@Septimanien
Puissance, talent, inspiration.......la classe !
@franzllattner
Very good music, singing, performing and arrangements as in all Niagara Videos. Number one in Continental Europe in their time if you ask me.
@geoffreyvandeuren1229
Un des meilleurs groupe rock français.
@unutwoman
Mes premières idoles. Un très bon groupe qui me manque :(
@Joeaparis40
je crois que je n'avais jamais vu cette vidéo à l'époque...avec la fin du Top 50.. 22 ans après c'est toujours aussi top !
@samuelbert9805
Grave
@samuelbert9805
Marc toesca..