Jean Michel Jarre - Oxygene 3

I admit to be a bit of a fan of Jean Michel Jarre, and have been since the very first release of the original Oxygene in 1976/77 (depending where in the world you were).

His career has spanned several decades since and has seen the release of many albums, some good, some not so good, and some great ones. (yes I'm biased).

In 1997 , Oxygene 7-13 was released, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original, continuing on the 'story' if you will. Now, another 20 years later , Oxygene 3 is released , which in Jean Michel's own words, is the final chapter of the 'trilogy'. If it was ever intended as such I don't know but it's good marketing, and if the release schedule is to remain the same, I don't see him release another in 20 years from now, the man would be 80 then, but who knows...

So what is Oxygene 3, firstly a conflicting album title, which I expected to be 14-20, as in the sequential numbering of the tracks on the album.
Secondly, it is an album that isn't so much the same as the previous two. I personally am missing a good up tempo single, and the single track that's on the album, in my view has a weak melody.
Yet , the album , as a story (and that's how the albums should be listened to, like an electronic opera of classical piece, that tell a story and has several chapters), is more cohesive than the second one, and a certain style , chord progression, and sounds can be found largely throughout the album, it certainly put me in a reflective mood, and maybe that's its intention, be it that it probably wanted me to reflect on the state of the planet, instead it made me reflect on what it is that's 'wrong' with the album. The structure of the tracks is such that as soon as there seems to be the beginning of a melody, or I get the feeling the track is finally getting going, there's a change and I'm misled, confused even. Not what I expected, still the sounds , the sound effects, the atmospheres are great and showcase great skill and knowhow, not really surprising considering the decades long experience of Jean Michel.

So in short, Oxygene 3 hasn't have me wax lyrically, but it is strangely endearing, and together with the previous two, makes perfect sense. Recommended listening nonetheless!