Even if he had never ventured beyond sparkling love ballads, French singer Michel Sardou's robust baritone would guarantee him a spot near the top of any list of contemporary chanson performers. But Sardou has also proven himself an able commentator on current events, specializing in outspoken songs tackling everything from the French educational system to capital punishment. And he's transformed such unlikely material into certified French pop classics, from shimmering torch songs complete with soaring orchestral accompaniment to relatively unadorned piano-led meditations.