Equinoxe
// Released 1978 // Label: Disques Dreyfus //
Equinoxe was the second major-label album release by Jean Michel Jarre, released in 1978 on Disques Dreyfus, licensed to Polydor. Although not matching its predecessor, Oxygène, in terms of unit sales, Équinoxe has sold more than 10 million copies in total.
The album reflects a day in the life of a human being, from morning to night. Parts 1 to 4 (i.e. side A) and tracks 5 to 8 (side B) segué smoothly from one to the next.
Jarre had developed his sound, employing more dynamic and rhythmic elements, particularly a greater use of sequencing on basslines. Much of this was achieved using custom equipment developed by his collaborator Michel Geiss.
The release was followed by a concert on the Place de la Concorde, Paris on July 14, 1979. The concert attracted 1 million people, becoming Jarre's first entry in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest crowd for an outdoor concert.
Two singles were released from the album, "Équinoxe Part 5" first, and then "Équinoxe Part 4".
The album reached #11 in the UK charts and #126 in the US charts.