I just finished watching the concert broadcast on Arte, and honestly? I absolutely loved it. The production value was top-tier and visually stunning. The sound quality was pristine. You can definitely tell they did some serious polishing in the studio, but that’s a good thing. In my eyes, this film is the perfect wrap-up and closure for the 2025 Jarre year.
At the very beginning of this tour, I had some doubts. But looking back now, everything really clicked.
A few days ago, I decided to revisit the entire Samarkand concert, but with a twist. I took 50mcg of LSD (which always heightens my connection to music), put on my headphones, and just danced alone in a pitch-black room. No screens. My mind provided the visuals. It was exhausting, sure, but it was a genuine catharsis.
So, combining the two live shows I attended in person, the polished Arte film, and my own deep-dive headphone session, here is my final breakdown of the tour:
Oxymore Selection We got 4 tracks, which is great. The dynamic editing on Sex in the Machine during the Arte broadcast was killer. But I have to give a special shout-out to my beloved Brutalism. The visual atmosphere for this track is phenomenal. That short clip JMJ posted on Instagram a few months back captured the vibe perfectly.
Magnetic Fields 1 - modern version I haven't listened to this track in ages, but this new iteration is easily one of my favorite dance tracks now. There are these two specific moments where the beat cuts out right before the bass kicks back in... I don’t know technical term for it, but damn, I live for those drops.
Exit A wild, uninhibited journey. It’s a "dance until you drop" track. I know the animation is recycled from the Electronica Tour, but it still works. It’s hard to come up with something that fits better. I just love it. Same goes for The Architect.
Oxygene 4 (Double Trouble) Both versions are great. The first one feels epic with those punchy bass hits. The second, the remix,hits right in my sweet spot since I’m a huge fan of psytrance and Astral Projection work from the 90s. I’m so glad he includes it live, I just wish it wasn't so criminaly short. The original remix lasts 10 minutes.
Equinoxe 4 / Glory For me, this is hands down the best version of E4 ever made. But again, why so short? It’s begging for a powerful, extended outro.
The Dance Tracks Zero Gravity and Herbalizer don’t really do it for me when I’m listening casually at home. But live? It’s pure chaos and energy. It just works in a crowd.
Equinoxe 7 Finally! I used to dislike this track, but the dance version completely won me over. The visual aspect was absolutely phenomenal and really sold the song to me.
Oxygene 2 Intro I think the Samarkand version nailed this the best. Those opening analog sounds gave me major flashbacks to those old school TV documentaries about space, where they used exactly those kinds of eerie, mysterious backdrops.
Nostalgia Trip It was heartwarming to welcome Arpegiator back after so many years, especially with such a great visual setup. Also, Robots Don't Cry with that AI-processed video was a beautiful nod to my beloved Oxygene 12 from the '97 Oxy Tour era.
Now, for the negatives
The amount of extra FX Jarre spams over the tracks is annoying, to say the least. We all know the ones.
Also, the silence. I really wish there were bridges or transitions between the tracks. My dream scenario? A concert that flows like one continuous DJ set: no breaks, no applause pauses, just a seamless journey starting from the chill ambient stuff and building up into heavy trance and dance. Maybe one day.
And finally: Where is the solo in Rendez-Vous 4?! I’m desperate for a normal, long version with a modern beat and a massive synth or guitar solo. Zoolookologie leveled up so much with its new solo, and MF2 without one just sounds like a demo version. JMJ, please, get back in the kitchen and cook up a proper solo for RV4. I’m begging you.
Final verdict Despite the nitpicks, this tour proved that the JMJ hasn't lost his touch. It’s been a wild ride this year, from the festivals to the intimate headphone sessions. I’m curious to see if he takes the "continuous mix" idea to heart for the next run (nah, I don't believe it anyway). For now, I’m going to replay that Seville broadcast one more time.
Blah Blah Cafe, the Jean-Michel Jarre forum
(Welcome everyone for an exclusive live with Jean-Michel Jarre! Don’t hesitate to ask him any questions you have about him, his career or his concert in Seville!)
C'est à dire de Pékin où j'ai rencontré tous les acteurs de l'IA ! (I'm back from the future, that is to say from Beijing where I met all the players in AI!)
(I'll see you soon for many more adventures in 2026 and have a good concert!)
(and...Merry Christmas!)
As long as his body is willing, he will want to remain active on the music scene (I hope).