Recorded as a series of duets and solo performers, with lover, actress and model Birkin, the pair's chemistry-enhanced collaboration was thrust about the record buying public to much shock and horror, but indeed found global success. The disc quickly shot its cigarette brandishing author and fresh-faced vocalist in to the international spotlight; and although the lead-off single "Je Ta'aime" and its seductive purrs reached top slot in the UK charts, no one other than the Pope branded the tune offensive and blasphemous. Ever the conservationalist, Gainsbourg wittily replied, "we couldn't have gotten a better PR man!" Indeed, Serge, indeed.