“By using Sellotape I could make it play two preset rhythms at the same time, creating cool beats”: 50 years ago this summer, Jean-Michel Jarre began making the album that took electronic music global

Jean-Michel Jarre.

Oxygène is the album that launched and defined Jean-Michel Jarre, but also the record that, with his background and education, he was almost destined to make.

It was also (Popcorn by Hot Butter aside) the first piece of instrumental electronic music to make a serious dent on world charts (number 1 in France, #2 in the UK), eventually selling some 18 millions copies.