Carla Bruni '30 lovers'

Carla Bruni Sarkozy sings of 30 lovers and hard drugs on a new album that she insists was not inspired by her whirlwind romance and marriage to President Nicolas Sarkozy

French newspaper Le Figaro said the distinctive melodies and bold lyrics on Ms Bruni's album, As If Nothing Had Happened, were a new departure from plain folk and make the former model's first album since she wed Mr Sarkozy a musical success.

Le Figaro critic Bertrand Dicale said in his review today that the album - which is due out on July 21 - shows Ms Bruni coming of age as a songstress and embracing more recognisably French styles and the flamboyance of the 1960s.

"I am a child despite my 40 years and 30 lovers,'' Ms Bruni sings in the song A Child, according to Mr Dicale who said it was one of the best on the album.

In another song entitled You are my Drug, Ms Bruni sings: "You are my drug. More lethal than heroin from Afghanistan and more dangerous than Colombian cocaine.''

It is Ms Bruni's third album since turning from top model to professional musician, and her first since she married Mr Sarkozy in February.

Ms Bruni has repeatedly said she wrote the songs before meeting Mr Sarkozy, so listeners should not look to the lyrics for clues about her feelings for the French president.

The recently divorced Mr Sarkozy, 53, and Ms Bruni, 40, began dating in November, revealed their relationship in December in a worldwide blaze of publicity, and tied the knot on February 2.

Via news.com.au