CHRONOLOGIE

A concept album about time, as you can hear many references to time in the music featured here. "Chronologie" is perhaps Jarre's best 90's effort, a compilation of both modern and old elements in his music here. It was released in 1993 and no Jarre album released after this one can match up with it. Maybe "Oxygene 7-13" has a chance, but otherwise, this is currently Jarre's last brilliant album. In comparison to his other albums, I would say "Rendez-Vous" and "Magnetic Fields" are the most similar ones to "Chronologie", only this one is more modern sounding. The opener to the album is a 10-minute modern electronica/classical suite and is perhaps one of Jarre's finest openers. It's flows into the second part that is one of the more upbeat tunes on the album. Part 3 is a live favorite along with Part 6, though Part 4 is the real hit here. Part 5 is the most underrated piece here, the opener to it is one of the best Jarre has done but the rest of the track is a bit more beat-electronica tingled. Part 7 is basically just an intro to Part 8. The latter one features the famous "5.4.3.2.1.Zero.!" countdown that was used for his live shows for many years to come. Notably on the "Hong Kong" live album released a year after this one. The music varies from dreamy ambient to upbeat house/electronica sometimes, but it's all incredibly great. Some weaker moments too, but the album in general deserves at least 4.5/5

This "Chronologie" opens on a superb and grandiose "Part I" (not very original, I admit. I mean the title). It is a truly magical prog electronic song in line with his best and more known so far.

Actually, it levels the masters of the genre (prog electronic) and these wonderful keyboards lines are so moving, so melodic, and so skilled: extremely good and in some way this artist shows all of his talent throughout the decades.

Of course, he was not as prolific as Schulze or TD, but almost each of his effort so far (if you would except his first two albums as well as "Zoolook" was of good to high quality and this less known "Chronologie" is quite decent as well.

A good album, offering different atmospheres: after the heavenly opening, "Part II" is totally different. Bombastic, speedy, pop, commercial, joyful and entertaining. JM also reverts to his debut with "Part III" which sounds very much as a piece from "Les Granges Brûlées". A deep coldness combined with a sculptural melody. Another good song (third in a row).

The second half of the album is less interesting I'm afraid: while "Part IV" is radio friendly, I quite dislike the more techno oriented "Part V". At the end of the day, the glorifying closing part refreshes the whole which I rate with three stars. It started much more promising though.