LES CHANTS MAGNÉTIQUES [AKA: MAGNETIC FIELDS]

The prog electronic genre delivered some amazing trilogies: TD, Schultze and Jarr for instance. Although I prefer the first two of this list, I have to humbly admit that Jean-Mi holds everything you could expect from a genius in musical terms.

These "Magnetic Fields" are no other than his prior two albums. A long epic divided into several "parts". It could have been like "Bells" or "Rubycon" but the man wanted to have it sliced. And the slices can be easily identified.

I have to agree with other colleagues that the beautiful and long "Part I" is one of his greatest moments (but the man delivered lots of these). It is a sublime travel again. Far away from home, up there.

Great and ambient lines, upbeat and more sonic parts as well, melodic passages, cold but passionate music: you get it all here. For sure that it might not be as complex as some of the greatest German counterpart (JM is not at all as prolific as the ones I have mentioned earlier in this review), but he delivers intelligent and quite approachable soundscapes.

Some sounds from typical of the eighties are also featured, which is maybe not a sign of absolute brilliance, but so were the days. The pop "Part II" is maybe the best known section of this album: not the best one IMO but not bad either. A simple, fun and upbeat synth pop electronic tune.

Some "jungle" electronic prog is available during "Part III". A wet exposure to the rain forest, to his music. A peaceful journey, a fine introduction to the splendid "Part IV" which is all delicacy and harmony.

It's the third very good moment available on this work even if the last third holds more of the repetitiveness of some "Kraftwerk" songs.

I rate this album as high as his prior two ones, although seven out of ten would probably be more appropriate (the poor closing is really difficult to digest). Four stars.