Nuit de folie

The song, written and composed by both members of the duets, was especially created to become a summer hit, although the song was actually released for the first time in 1984 as a B-side, but passed unnoticed at the time. It was very difficult to find a record company, because nobody believed in the potential of the song, but a contract was eventually signed with Sony. In 1988, the song was also much promoted by the band in many TV shows. According to Elia Habib, an expert of French charts, the song is characterized by a "rapid and lively rhythm, a very simple refrain therefore easy to remember, a tune that becomes embedded in the eardrums, lyrics referring to summer festive atmosphere". It also contains a brief bridge sung in a rap version, just before the last refrain.[1] The song composed in 1984 had no success at first. The arrangements of the best known version of 1988 come from german singer Patty Ryan's song You're My Love, You're My Life.

The duet's second single, "La Vie la nuit", released in December 1988, used around the end of the song a sample from the introduction of "Nuit de folie".

In the music video, the two singers perform a choreography on "shimmering backgrounds", in an "astonishing variety of head to foot positions".[1] They are accompanied by three women, each with a plain dress in a different colour. During the last refrain, two couples are formed, and the obese woman remains alone.

The video is now considered old-fashioned[1] and in an interview, both singers admitted that they do not like to see it aired on TV because they find it antiquated.

In France, the single entered the singles chart at number 39 on 11 June 1988. It climbed quickly and reached number one from its sixth to its fourteenth week. It then remained for another nine weeks in the top five. It totalled 22 weeks in the top ten and 30 weeks in the top 50,[2] and was certified Platinum disc by the SNEP.[3] It became the 57th best-selling single of all time in France, with over 1 million copies sold.[4]

The song was later released again in remixed versions: first in 1995, then in 2000. Both versions, particularly devoted to the discothèques, were failures.

The song was covered by a band in Fabien Onteniente's 2006 film Camping.

Original version

• Lyrics : William Picard and Claude Mainguy
• Music : Sauveur Pichot
• Production : Bel Air Studio
• Remixed by "Mixmaster" Pete Hammond

1995 remixes

• Arranged and remixed by Rick Pier O'Neil and Yann Asting at Studio Sunday Light