What makes Force Majeure by Tangerine Dream notable?

Force Majeure was notable for its ambitious length and complex compositions, particularly the title track, which became a staple in their live performances. The album received positive critical reception and helped cement Tangerine Dream's influence within the emerging electronic music genre, showcasing their ability to blend avant-garde techniques with accessibility. Released on February 1, 1979, Force Majeure marked Tangerine Dream's transition into a more structured and melodic phase following their experimental roots. This album came after the band's success with The Sorcerer soundtrack in 1977, further solidifying their reputation in the electronic music scene during the late 1970s.

How many songs are on Force Majeure?

Force Majeure has 3 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Force Majeure

Tangerine Dream · 1979

40 min · 3 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal synth landscapes intertwine with pulsating rhythms, creating a transcendent journey through sonic realms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Force Majeure — As the album's centerpiece, this expansive track exemplifies Tangerine Dream's mastery of building atmospheric soundscapes that evolve over time.
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Cloudburst Flight — This track features intricate melodic lines interspersed with rhythmic motifs, showcasing the band's ability to create a sense of movement and flight.
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Thru Metamorphic Rocks — A captivating exploration of dynamic shifts and textures, this piece highlights Tangerine Dream’s innovative use of synthesizers to evoke natural landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and strong cohesion, marking a significant phase in Tangerine Dream's evolution.

What we noticed

The title track, 'Force Majeure', spans over 20 minutes, featuring evolving synth motifs that gradually build in intensity.
Each of the three tracks employs a distinct rhythmic pattern, with 'Cloudburst Flight' incorporating a more pronounced beat compared to the other two.
The album utilizes layers of synthesizers that create a rich textural landscape, often shifting between ambient passages and more dynamic sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a shift to structured compositions, enhancing their recognition and live performance appeal.
Themes: sonic landscapes· melodic evolution· transcendent journeys
Moods: Ethereal· Chill
Career context: Released on February 1, 1979, Force Majeure marked Tangerine Dream's transition into a more structured and melodic phase following their experimental roots. This album came after the band's success with The Sorcerer soundtrack in 1977, further solidifying their reputation in the electronic music scene during the late 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors: Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre· Vangelis