Ill-fated, fragile, yet rebellious, Daniel Balavoine, to a certain extent, might be considered as the ultimate young herald of '80s French pop. His vocal technical skills (his high-pitched voice is highly recognizable) and emotional quality have earned him the notice of Michel Berger, for the musical Starmania. Musically aware of the changes of pop music going on outside of France's borders, Balavoine has been one of the few French songwriters able to live with his own time, breaking down doors and playing a major role (alongside Jean Michel Jarre) in the construction of a radio-friendly French synth pop/rock sound. Lyrically, Balavoine's songs reflect his rebellious temper, illustrating his numerous concerns social and humanitarian issues, though he frequently showed a much more gentle and intimate side. His stormy public persona remains famous for having spent a huge amount of time on French TV sets. Balavoine tragically died in an helicopter accident in the Mali desert during 1986's Paris-Dakar race, leaving a rich repertoire and many orphan fans behind him. Balavoine happens to be one of the most covered French singers of his era, which undoubtedly is a testimony to his talent.