artist: Jean-Michel Jarre country of origin: France style(s): Electro, synth pop, ambient pop essential releases: Oxygene (1977, Dreyfus) Equinox (1978, Dreyfus) Zoolook (1984, Dreyfus)

This popular French synthesist was among a handful of Europeans in the 1970's responsible for propelling synthesiser music into the mainstream. Interestingly, the Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk albums released during Jarre's peak period still sound quite avant-garde alongside his Oxygene and Equinox. These albums announced the arrival of an altogether more commercial sound in electronic music, though they are no less substantial for it.

Oxygene remains his masterpiece: a thrilling, richly melodic suite with sci-fi overtones featuring eight distinctive parts united by mood and recurring themes. It still sounds magnificent and was clearly way ahead of its time. Jarre helped pave the way for 80's synth pop bands and the layered melodies and seductive throb of progressive trance and progressive house music are also clear musical descendents of his sound. Numerous dance music producers today are among Jarre's biggest fans.

The follow-up Equinox is also first rate, similarly colourful and evocative without being too derivative of its predecessor.  A couple of ordinary albums then followed until the arrival of Zoolook in 1983, the first half of which contains some astonishing music. "Ethnicolour" features voice and environmental samples processed in decidedly weird and twisted ways and woven into a tapestry of synthesisers and backing from a live band. From surreal beginnings the track eventually builds to a thundering rhythmic climax. It’s quite unforgettable and as finely crafted an example of left-field electropop as you’re ever likely to hear. Since Zoolook Jarre's recordings have been decidedly patchy, even if his live concerts have grown ever more spectacular.

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