OXYGÈNE

This is where all started for JM. Even if he released already two albums (of which one soundtrack),, "Oxygen" is the one that propelled him to the summit of the charts. Especially around here (I mean Belgium, and also France of course).

This is electronic prog at its best, with some tints of pop (like the universally known "Part IV"). When you listen to the whole of this album in a row (which is strongly recommended), there is only one feeling that prevails: great, huge, beautiful, symphonic, melodic. In one word: gorgeous, splendid (oops, that's two words?).

Even if the album is spread into six "parts", I consider it as a whole and superb interpretation. Lots of reviewers do compare this album with some Schulze or TD music but having reviewed most of their albums (which is a daunting task, believe me), I mostly see an original album full of personal touches in here.

The music displayed in "Oxygen" is less experimental than during his first two confidential works which showed a more eccentric approach and therefore this one is much more catchy and "understandable". Same impression when compared with the works of the German masters. Maybe more melodic and "warmer". But the same beauty emerges IMHHO.

The album is quite even in quality: which means pretty high almost all the way through. Part III, sounds probably weaker, but it is only due to the incredible perfection of the remaining songs.

There is still a little bit of something which prevents me to rate it with five stars as a definite masterpiece. "Oxygen" is a great album which I would rate as nine out of ten. Which means four stars. My favourite parts are the first and second one. This album is a full prog electronic piece (which means that it is much more than prog related).