Jean Michel Jarre: Geometry Of Love

During the early 00's, inside a market much more diverse than when Jean Michel Jarre first began composing in the 70's, Jarre released several works which deviate from his pre-established style seen in earlier releases. 'Geometry Of Love' follows the lounge jazz 'Sessions 2000' and dance 'Metamorphoses' releases, this time creating an Lounge Ambient influenced album.

Jean Michel Jarre: Geometry Of Love

Important for this release is the manner in which it was conceived. Rather than Jarre's early releases which were made from hardware synthesisers, this album was created primarily via the means of digital software sequencing. This creates a drastically different soundworld compared to all of the artist's previous output, creating a more 'open' sonic environment which employs timbres more congruent to Ambient music.

The album begins with a fusion of sampled strings with more conventional synthetic writing in track one, 'Pleasure Principal.' To its credit, this is a rare example of ambient music to employ drum and percussive elements without a breakbeat influence, which can detract from a composition's ambient quality. In lieu of clear melodies, this track uses more subtle musical material to lead the piece.

The album contains a two-part title track, interestingly separated, with 'Geometry Of Love part 2' only coming at the end of the album. These tracks have become part of several live sets by Jarre, including his 2005 performance in the Forbidden City in China.

This album contains a wealth of good material which fans of ambient music would enjoy. When the album concludes with the second part, which is written in a similar style but developing the musical ideas seen in part one, the nostalgic effect created proves highly calming and pleasantly disorientating.

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