Jean’s first major success was with the album Oxygène which has sold as many as twelve million copies. Critics praised the album, which received a full five out of five stars from webzine Allmusic and similar ratings from other respected critics. The album is popular for the heavy use of synthesisers and range of different sounds. When the record was first completed, Jarre had a hard time selling it to companies; however, one of his friends Hélène Dreyfus persuaded her husband to sell the album on his record label ‘Disques Motors,’ giving the album the push that it needed to become massively successful.
Jean Michael Jarre’s next album ‘Équinoxe’ was released in 1978. Unlike the poppy, synthesised sound of his previous album, Équinoxe took on a more classical sound. This album was not as successful as Oxygène, yet still managed to make it to number 11 in the British charts, a rather impressive feat for any album. Jarre put on a concert to promote the release of this album, and various famous guests attended to praise the composer, including Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and one million others.
By the time that his third album ‘Les Chants Magnétiques’ was released, the combined sales of his two other albums had climbed to over six million copies. ‘Les Chants’ took on once again the digital and electronic sound of his earlier work, and sold over 200,000 copies in the small country of France. Upon the release of ‘Les Chants,’ Jarre was in the middle of a tour around Asia. He was blessed with the honour of being one of the first Western people to be able to give a concert in China. For those who have not seen Jean Michael Jarre perform live, it is a monumental event that will change your life forever. To see such a talented and well respected man performing in front of your eyes is an honour. Tickets to see Jarre perform are few and far between, so book your tickets as far in advance as possible to catch him before tickets sell out.