July 14 is the French National Day, known as Bastille Day in the English-speaking world. Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution with the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people one year later, on July 14, 1790.

Not only is the day celebrated in France, but Bastille Day observations are common throughout much of the world as a way to enjoy French culture and to celebrate liberty in general.

Thinking about French culture naturally gets us thinking about the diversity of French music: Many French artists sing traditional or contemporary chansons françaises, while others perform instrumentals and still others choose to sing in English.

So let's join in the Bastille Day celebrations by listening to music by French artists for today's Coffee Break. What songs by French artists do you want to hear? Send us your requests.

Songs Played

The Avener "Fade Out Lines"
Phoenix "1901"
Serge Gainsbourg feat Brigitte Bardot "Bonnie and Clyde"
Carla Bruni "Quelqu'un m'a dit"
Daft Punk "Lose Yourself to Dance feat. Pharrell Williams"
Justice "D.A.N.C.E"

Do you deserve a Coffee Break? We at The Current's Morning Show think you do, and we want to bring treats from Morningstar Coffee and Café Latté to your workplace. Let us know why you'd like a Coffee Break.