“When I created OXYGENE, I was working directly with analogue instruments and tape, and the sound had a particular depth, movement and life of its own. For this anniversary edition, we returned to the original tapes with the aim of preserving that character rather than changing it. “Of all the masters of OXYGENE that have been produced over the years, I believe this new remaster is the most true to what I originally created in 1976.”
Fifty Years of Oxygene
From a Paris home studio in 1976 to a sound that still feels like the future — the story of an album that never stopped breathing.
1976
Oxygene is created
Jean-Michel Jarre composes and records the album in his Paris home studio, using analog synthesizers and equipment.
1976
Oxygene is released
Oxygene is released in France at the end of 1976.
1977
Oxygene IV becomes a global breakthrough
The single becomes the album’s iconic track and reaches, notably, No. 4 in the UK.
1977
Oxygene goes international
The album gradually establishes itself internationally, reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart.
1980 – 1990
Oxygene becomes a reference
The album, and particularly Oxygène IV, become enduring references in electronic music.
1997
Oxygene 7-13 is released
Twenty years on, Jean-Michel Jarre returns to Oxygène with a seven-part sequel, built largely on the analogue synthesizers that shaped the original.
2007
Oxygene is recreated
For the 30th anniversary, Jean-Michel Jarre re-records the original work using the original synthesizers combined with contemporary studio technology.
2007 – 2008
Oxygene Live
Jean-Michel Jarre performs a series of concerts entirely dedicated to Oxygene, first in Paris and then in major European venues, including the Royal Albert Hall.
2016
Oxygene 3
For the 40th anniversary, Jean-Michel Jarre creates seven new pieces, Oxygène Parts 14–20, extending the original universe into the present.
2026
OXYGENE 50 & Beyond
50 years after its creation, Oxygene returns to the spotlight with a new anniversary edition.
2026
1976 → 2026: The future is still here.
The journey continues.
