Bruni's 'Absolute Beginners' 'worst cover version in pop music history'

London, Sep 25 (ANI): Critics have slammed French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy for recording a David Bowie song.

A leading French music critic has in fact described it as the worst cover version in the history of pop music.

Judging by initial reactions, the French first lady's version of Absolute Beginners, which has been leaked on the Internet, may well sink a large nail into her already flagging pop singing career.

The version of Bowie's 1986 classic, which she has recorded for a charity Bowie tribute album, has prompted a deluge of mockery.

"It has to go down as one of the worst covers in the history of rock, although there are certainly a few by Tom Jones I would rank lower," the Telegraph quoted Jean Daniel Beauvallet, a highly respected rock critic from Les Inrockuptibles, France's Rolling Stone, as saying.

"I find the cover insignificant, a rush-job, badly recorded and badly produced as if done between a cigar and a glass of eau de vie."

"But above all, what's incredible is the casual manner in which she goes about taking on Bowie. One has the impression she's putting on an existentialist French sulk, as if she doesn't want to be there."

"There's a Marie-Antoinette side to her, I find it incredible she doesn't realise that she can't sing now, she doesn't have the right to when the country is on the verge or exploding and she is Sarkozy's wife. Can you imagine Cherie Blair or Samantha Cameron doing that?" Beauvallet added.

"Ouch!' reported the Don'tMISS music website. According to her critics her attempts at reaching the recording's high notes fall well below the mark, and she is often drowned out by the piano.

"Absolute Rubbish", notes one particularly cutting commentator on the site.

"What did David do to deserve this?" adds another.

The track is part of the album We Were So Turned On, which officially comes out on October 12, and includes Duran Duran's version of Boys Keep Swinging. Proceeds will go to the War Child charity. (ANI)