Some works of art span a lifetime. Sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov spent 40 years writing his seminal Foundation series. Star Wars is a cinematic journey that spans just as long, and today, Grammy-nominated electronic producer Jean-Michel Jarre completes his own 40-year journey with the third and final installment of his brilliantly-minimal and experimental Oxygène trilogy.
Oxygène 3 continues in its forebear’s footsteps, creating a mood and melody devoid of any proper or usual percussion. Synths play the role of star performer and backbone beat, and taken as a whole, the trilogy is an ever-unfolding exploration of sound and movement.
The trilogy began with the release of Oxygène in December of 1976. Oxygène 2, made up of part 7 through 13, was released in May of 1997, and today, Jarre unveils parts 14 through 20. It is the darkest and deepest of the three, a quite modern take on the thematic sequences and motifs of its predecessors. It grows grander and brighter with each track until the fiery finish where electronics seem to melt into orchestral relief. If you’re looking for something to get you through the working hours or moments of reflection, put this beast on from beginning to end and watch the productivity and creativity explode.
Oxygène 3 comes just after Jarre’s Electronic 1: The Time Machine is nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album at this year’s Grammy awards. He is joined in te category by Flume‘s Skin, Tycho‘s Epoch, Underworld‘s Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future, and Louie Vega‘s Louie Vega Starring…XXVIII. Hear Oxygène 3 in full below.