Les Fleurs du mal (Léo Ferré album)

Les Fleurs du mal is a 1957 musical album by French singer and composer Léo Ferré. The album is notable for its musical settings of twelve poems from Charles Baudelaire's influential and controversial collection of poetry, also titled Les Fleurs du mal (The Flowers of Evil).

Ferré's interpretations of Baudelaire are characterized by their dramatic intensity and innovative musical arrangements, which often blend classical and chanson elements. He effectively captures the dark, melancholic, and sometimes shocking themes explored in Baudelaire's poetry, including themes of beauty, decay, sin, and urban alienation.

The album is considered a significant contribution to the tradition of chanson française and is praised for bringing Baudelaire's poetry to a wider audience. The songs included on the album are considered to be among Ferré's most iconic and frequently performed works. The selection of poems highlight key themes and styles within Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du mal.

The album was a critical success, although its dark themes and challenging musical style were not universally embraced upon its initial release. It has since become a classic and a cornerstone of Ferré's discography.