How did the "Ooh La La" chorus come about for Goldfrapp's song?

The chorus lyric "Ooh la la" was inspired by a trip to France and was initially a placeholder that the band decided to keep.

What unconventional elements contributed to Goldfrapp's "Ooh La La"?

The song features an accidental inclusion of keyboard clatter on the bassline track and a minimalist, one-note structure.

Who played guitar on Goldfrapp's "Ooh La La"?

Adrian Utley from Portishead contributed guitar to the track, marking a departure for Goldfrapp from their initial guitar avoidance.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Glam Rock's Accidental Genius: The Making of "Ooh La La"

Glam Rock's Accidental Genius: The Making of "Ooh La La"

26 Jan

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Summary

The song's chorus originated from a trip to France, incorporating "Ooh la la".
Baudelaire's poetry and a 1950s film visual inspired lyrical and thematic elements.
The simple, one-note structure and accidental bassline clatter defined the track's uniqueness.

Glam Rock's Accidental Genius: The Making of "Ooh La La"

The iconic song "Ooh La La" by Goldfrapp was conceived as a tribute to glam rock, drawing heavily on influences like Marc Bolan. Despite its apparent complexity, the track is noted for its minimalist composition, featuring a prominent clap, bassline, vocal, and sparse synth and guitar stabs. The chorus lyric, "Ooh la la," was a spontaneous addition inspired by a trip to France.

Lyrical depth was achieved through personal reflections on relationships, visual metaphors drawn from a 1950s film depicting a broken heel, and the inclusion of Baudelaire's poetry. Portishead's Adrian Utley was invited to play guitar, a conscious decision to experiment beyond the duo's prior aversion to the instrument. The song's production embraced a lo-fi aesthetic, often created in rented holiday homes to foster isolation and creative freedom away from London.