Jean-Michel Jarre – Oxygene (1977)

Not quite his début, but his first sunk without a trace and is not available now.  But Oxygene exploded into the singles and album charts, which was very unusual for an instrumental record, especially one of pioneering electronic music.  All the tracks are simply numbered, but parts 2 and 4 were singles.  The tracks are similar but varied enough to keep your interest.  Jean-Michel went on to a long career and had quite a few best-sellers.  He also sent the only copy of an album called ‘Music for Supermarkets’ into space aboard Voyager…it could be a long time before anyone hears it.  He was famous for huge concerts, such as the one at London Docklands.  I saw him live at Versailles in the Eighties, the light show was fantastic and the sound incredible with a big band playing alongside him.  It is said that he pioneered the synthesiser revolution, but he actually developed many keyboard based instruments.  I have always liked electronica since seeing Tangerine dream in the early 70s, and Jean-Michel is one of my favourites.