Drum Sheet – Jean-Jacques Goldman – Encore Un Matin

“Encore un matin,” released in 1984 on the album Positif, is one of Jean-Jacques Goldman’s most uplifting and enduring songs—a bright, rhythmic anthem built on optimism, movement, and the simple act of beginning again. Though the melody and lyrics are unmistakably Goldman’s, the heartbeat of the track—the drums—plays a crucial role in shaping its energy and emotional momentum.

The song emerged during a period when Goldman was exploring more groove-driven arrangements. In interviews, he explained that Positif was conceived with a focus on rhythm: he wanted songs that felt alive, that “walked.” “Encore un matin” began as a simple guitar progression, but it gained its identity the moment the rhythmic concept took shape. The idea was to create a drum pattern that was both steady and uplifting, something that symbolized the quiet determination of starting a new day. The drum track combines a punchy kick, tight snare, and bright, clean hi-hat work that drives the song forward without overpowering it.

In the studio, the musicians experimented with different grooves before settling on the final pattern—a beat that mixes pop clarity with a subtle, almost marching-like cadence. The drummer’s precision is essential: the groove is deceptively simple, but its consistency and light forward push are what give the song its unmistakable feel. Small accents—the open hi-hat moments, the crisp snare hits, the slight push on certain phrases—add dimension and make the rhythm come alive. For fans of drumming, this track is a lesson in how restraint and feel can carry an entire arrangement.

When “Encore un matin” was released, it quickly became a concert highlight. Goldman performed it throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including on the massive 1986 and 1989 tours, as well as at charity events such as the Enfoirés concerts. On stage, the drums took on an even more prominent role. Live arrangements often opened with a stronger kick or more pronounced snare, allowing the drummer to energize the crowd from the first bar. In some tours, the song was extended with additional rhythmic breaks or a more dynamic ending, giving the drummer space to enhance the groove.

What makes “Encore un matin” special for drum enthusiasts is how the percussion becomes the backbone of its message: steady, hopeful, forward-moving. The drums don’t just accompany the song—they embody it.