Jean-Michel Jarre – Equinoxe

Listening to Jean-Michel Jarre's "Équinoxe" is like embarking on a cosmic journey. From the first moments of the album, I was enveloped by a world of electronic soundscapes that felt both expansive and intimate. "Équinoxe" showcases Jarre's genius in creating atmospheric and immersive music.

The album opens with "Équinoxe Part 1." The gentle waves of sound build a sense of anticipation, drawing me into Jarre's meticulously crafted auditory universe. It’s a perfect start that hints at the journey ahead.

As the album progresses to "Équinoxe Part 2," the tempo picks up, and I could feel the energy starting to surge. The rhythm becomes more pronounced, and the layers of synths create a pulsating, hypnotic effect. This track exemplifies Jarre's talent for blending melody and rhythm in a way that is both compelling and soothing.

"Équinoxe Part 3" takes a more playful turn with its bouncy, almost whimsical melody. It’s a delightful contrast to the more serene opening, showcasing Jarre's versatility. I found myself smiling at the lightheartedness and ingenuity of this piece.

One of my favorite tracks on the album is "Équinoxe Part 4." The driving beat and powerful melody make it an unforgettable listening experience. It’s a track that feels both futuristic and timeless. The energy in this piece is palpable and had me tapping my feet and nodding my head along with the beat.

The journey continues with "Équinoxe Part 5," which brings a dreamy, ethereal quality to the album. It's a beautiful example of Jarre's ability to evoke deep emotions through his compositions.

By the time I reached "Équinoxe Part 6," I was completely immersed. This track is a masterpiece of layering, with intricate synth lines weaving in and out of each other. The result is a rich, textured sound that is both complex and harmonious.

"Équinoxe Part 7" returns to a more upbeat, energetic style. The pulsating rhythms and dynamic melodies are invigorating, and I could feel the music propelling me forward.

Finally, "Équinoxe Part 8" brings the album to a close with a sense of resolution and tranquility. The soothing melodies and gentle rhythms create a feeling of completeness, leaving me with a sense of peace and fulfillment. It's a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary musical journey.

I own this copy of "Equinoxe", and I can say that it doesn't have the crackling noise that some other copies tend to have.

Self indulgent delusions of grandeur.
Look at me.
Look at me.
Frizbee off the balcony.

Equinoxe by Jean-Michel Jarre is another masterpiece in the world of electronic music. Released in 1978, this album continues to build on the pioneering sounds Jarre introduced in Oxygene, but with a distinctively fresh vibe.

Tracks like "Equinoxe Part 5" are particularly mesmerizing, with their hypnotic beats and evolving melodies. The album has this seamless flow that makes it feel like a continuous journey through different sonic landscapes. Jarre's use of synthesizers creates an immersive experience that is both futuristic and timeless.

If you enjoyed Oxygene, Equinoxe is a must-listen. It's like stepping into a parallel universe where electronic music paints vivid, otherworldly scenes. Perfect for a deep listening session or just to have on while you let your mind wander.

Huge fat sound. Better even than my OG French pressing. Somehow the Lyon-Milan trip was shorter than the Lyon-Paris one.

It has some minor background noise in the beginning of each side (specially on side one). It doesn't remove after good cleaning. Overall, a good copy. Maybe its not the best but still enjoyable

The CD itself is 100% identical to the red face first pressing (Jean-Michel Jarre - Equinoxe) except that it has the blue Disques Dreyfus label. It's nice that it has the original LP with the first mix of Equinoxe V and a very different mastering. It's also interesting because of its rarety and historical value as it is one of the very first CD's ever produced: The numbering of the early non-classical PDO CD's starts with 800011, so this should be number 15. But sound-wise it's no revelation really - to me the second mastering (matrix no. 800025-2 02 and higher) sounds a lot better. The first one sounds quite muddy with a very weak low end while the second is crystal clear with a healthy amount of bass.

Does anyone know how does this hold-up against the original 1978 presses?

Just in case anyone wants to give a spare copy of this release a new home, please get in touch =)

I purchased this in the early 80's (UK pressing POLD 5007 2302 084) however my copy has the complete A side of Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds instead of Equinoxe parts 1 to 4!. Now looking for a copy that has parts 1 to 4 with the B side of War of the Worlds LOL