Paris 1919  by John Cale

The 1973 album Paris 1919 is considered one of the masterpieces of John Cale's solo career and one of the most influential records of the 1970s. In contrast to the experimentation of the Velvet Underground, here Cale turns to a more "accessible," lyrical sound. The album is heavily influenced by European history and literature. The title refers to the Paris Peace Conference (1919) after World War I.

The musical style of the record combines art pop and baroque pop with rich orchestral arrangements. Despite the melodic lines, the lyrics remain surreal and often melancholic. The album was recorded at Sunwest Studios in Los Angeles between 1972 and 1973. Chris Thomas, known for his collaboration with Procol Harum and the Beatles, took on the production. On the album cover, we see Cale in a white suit, sitting in a luxurious room, exuding a sense of old European aristocracy and decadence.

Despite critical acclaim, Paris 1919 was not a great commercial success at the time, but it gained cult status and is now considered essential in every "best albums of all time" list.