Released 10 years ago
Electronica 2: The Heart of Noise
Jean-Michel Jarre · 2016
74 min · 18 tracks · ambient music
A rich tapestry of electronic soundscapes intertwines with emotive melodies, pushing the boundaries of ambient music.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Heart of Noise, Part 1 Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Brick England — Featuring an engaging collaboration with Edward Snowden, this track encapsulates the album's themes of digital consciousness and societal reflection through its intricate layers of sound.
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These Creatures — This track stands out due to its haunting vocals and atmospheric production, representing Jarre's signature style while embracing modern influences.
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As One — The collaboration with M83 brings a cinematic quality to this track, illustrating the seamless blend of different artistic visions present on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong composition and craft, with a cohesive flow and distinct sound, though its impact is more niche.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word or vocal contributions from various artists, adding layers to the instrumental foundation.
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo and atmosphere, while the latter half introduces more varied dynamics and textures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow for focused listening
- poignant melodies for emotional connection
- collaborative vocals enhance engagement
- immersive soundscapes for deep exploration
- ideal for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeks instant gratification
- prefers standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Jarre's continued innovation and relevance in electronic music.
- Themes
- surveillance society· digital nostalgia· collaborative innovation
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- Electronica 2: The Heart of Noise is Jean-Michel Jarre's follow-up to his 2015 album Electronica 1: The Time Machine. At this point in his career, Jarre was revisiting and expanding his legacy within electronic music, collaborating with a diverse range of contemporary artists. This album continues his exploration of sound and technology while showcasing his enduring influence on the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Vangelis· Klaus Schulze· Tangerine Dream
Tracklist
- 1 The Heart of Noise, Part 1 Start here 4:25
- 2 The Heart of Noise, Part 2 4:10
- 3 Brick England 4:01
- 4 These Creatures 3:40
- 5 As One 3:58
- 6 Here for You 3:59
- 7 Electrees 4:09
- 8 Exit 6:19
- 9 What You Want 3:27
- 10 Gisele 3:43
- 11 Switch on Leon 4:42
- 12 Circus 3:08
- 13 Why This, Why That and Why? 3:58
- 14 The Architect 4:43
- 15 Swipe to the Right 4:54
- 16 Walking the Mile 4:52
- 17 Falling Down 3:23
- 18 The Heart of Noise (The Origin) 2:39
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep.
Moby
Shares lush electronic soundscapes and a meditative atmosphere, inviting introspection.
Computer World
Kraftwerk
Explores themes of digital life and technology with a pioneering electronic sound palette.
Awake
Tycho
Combines atmospheric melodies with rich textures, evoking a sense of digital nostalgia.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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