Force Majeure

It was sometime in the early 1980's when I picked this 1979 album up (after watching Risky Business as I recall) and the band subsequently became part of my regular listening along with Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP, Alan Parsons, Rick Wakeman etc. As a teen-aged progressive rock fan in the early 1980's, I was really impressed with the brooding and symphonic sound of the album. In fact as an adult, it stands as my favorite TD album along with Tangram (1980) and Rubycon (1975). Following the departure of Peter Baumann sometime in 1978(?), the TD lineup was in a state of flux and the previous album (Cyclone) had actually featured a singer and a rock drummer. Although a singer was not used on Force Majeure, the rock drummer position was maintained and filled by Klaus Krieger. In terms of instrumentation, like all of TD's albums, pulsating, throbbing and spacey synthesizer textures dominate. However, in combination with the drums, acoustic guitars, and the vigorous electric guitar solos, this album has more of a prog rock feel; especially in contrast with albums like Rubycon. In terms of the pieces themselves, the opening 18' 17" epic title track is a personal favorite and is symphonic in structure. Specifically, there is an opening movement with distinct themes, a spacey interlude, and then a closing movement. Come to think of it, there is really nice development over the course of this piece. Cloudburst Flight (7'27") is another excellent track and the combination of acoustic guitars and brooding synth textures at the introduction of the piece is very effective, even if I feel that the bass-like ostinato on the synth in the middle of the piece goes on for just a bit too long. The 14'30" closing track is also very good and features a nice mixture of spacey synths, drumming, and Edgar's electric guitar parts. Unfortunately, this piece also features a repeated theme that goes on for a bit too long but is not really that distracting and certainly does not affect the overall quality of the album. I guess it's worth noting that the cover art featured on this webpage is not the trippy original art (by Monique Froese) that appeared on the LP and was reproduced for the 1995 Dutch "definitive edition" of the CD. However, it does appear that somebody was kind enough to post it. Overall, this is a fantastic TD album and is very highly recommended along with Rubycon and Tangram.

Force Majeure is a 1979 electronic music album released by the German group Tangerine Dream. This album marks the group's transition from the Berlin school of electronic music (as exemplified by their previous album, Stratosfear) into their more melodic sound in the 80's. Tangerine Dream fans who discovered them through their movie soundtracks will particularly appreciate this album. The title piece was later remixed and used for the movie, Risky Business, while the final track, "Thru Metamorphic Rocks", was remixed and used for the movie, Thief. Both were great movies that were greatly enhanced by their soundtracks.

After the disappointment of 'Cyclone', they wisely ditch the singer/flautist, but keep the studio drummer, as well as the electric guitar for a deeper, organic sound...and it works wonder. This whole cd could very well the soundtrack to some unknown movie. Of course TD has done numerous movie soundtracks, but this is one album that gives me cinematic impressions. FORCE MAJEURE (8/10) I could listen to this one over and over...this is truly one of their best epics. It starts out ominously, like some kind of sonic boom...then with gradual washes of ambient sound (even sounds like birds chirping at one point), the pieces works up to a somber opening on the piano...then we're off! An awesome 10 minute flight over some far away, sun drenched plain, up in the clouds. The guitar, piano, cello really flesh this one out and the synths compliment it nicely. CLOUDBURST FLIGHT (7/10) This one is more subdued, but the ambient soundscapes are still good. The electric guitar and drums play a more minimal role, letting the synths shine...alot of parts of this one sound like what was to come on Tangram (the next album). THRU METAMORPHIC ROCKS (7/10) Strange piece...but I'll give them points for creativity. Starts out rather eerie, then builts to an epic moment much like the title track....then fades or shall I say strips down to an electronic beat and sequencer bass. Alot of strange noises and synth washes crop up making it truly out there. Unfortunately what brings the piece down is that the last half gets very reptitive...sometimes I have the urge to shut it off. *shrugs* Still, this is not a Tangerine Dream album to skip. It shows Franke/Froese could still compose excellent music before Schmoelling joined the ranks. Oh yeah, and the Virgin cover art blows big time, thats my only real complaint. The alternate cover (which is shown above) fits the album best IMO. Laters...

Back in the 1970's this was the very first of my Tangerine Dream records (yes, back then it was on a 33&1/3 vinyl lp). Somewhere along the line I lost the record and thought that it was not to be replaced until I saw that an Amazon Vendor offered it on a cd. Force Majeure has all the signature sounds, unusual rhythms and occasional sound effects for which they are well known. There are three pieces of music on this cd and they are in order: Force Majeure, Cloudburst Flight and Thru Metamorphic Rocks. If you have any interest in Tangerine Dream you really should buy the cd and hear how the group worked together in their early years. It is in a regular rotation on my cd/dvd player (Onkyo 7.1 1000 watts surround sound system)and I enjoy Force Majeure very much. I highly rate this work from Tangerine Dream...the early years.

The audio quality of the CD was perfect and completely satisfactory. Thanks skyvo-direct-usa!

highs - Force Majeure, Cloudburst Flight, Thru Metamorphic Rocks lows - none like this, go for: Cluster, brian eno, Neu!, Faust acquired: May 1, 2012 price paid: $.12 summary: Easily one of their best albums, possibly the best, I like it even more then Phaedra, a must have for all tangerine dream fans!

Odličan cd od tangerine dream

Bonjour, Comme d'habitude chez Amazon, vite commandé, vite reçu et produit conforme et... surtout vierge. En dédoublement de ma discothèque analogique pour une double efficacités du CD ! Ce CD c'est du bon, du bon, rien que du bon. Je m'interdis de plus de commentaire, il suffit d'avoir 2 oreilles pour mieux comprendre l'oeuvre de Tangerine Dream. Pour le coup, commencez plutôt par Ricochet, Rubycon, Exit, Stratosfear et/ou Force majeur. Ce WE, je l'ai passé à commenter ces fantastiques CD sur des sites Mondiaux (pas de nom) Vous, vous devez de posséder impérativement cette musique des années 70' Cordialement Daniel BINTHER L'Auditorium 319

Possedevo già la versione in vinile originale dell'epoca ma, per un prezzo molto conveniente (5,50 euro) ho voluto prendere anche il cd (più comodo da ascoltare). L'album in sè non è male e le sonorità sono quelle tipiche di questo gruppo a cavallo tra la fine dei '70 e l'inizio degli '80. Sicuramente non è dei più facili da aascoltare per qualcuno che si avvicina per la prima volta a questo gruppo e a questo tipo di musica. La versione di questo cd è rimasterizzata, la confezione normalissima e il libretto piuttosto scarno; non ci sono bonus tracks (meglio così, l'album è questo e basta). Consigliato per chi conosce già e apprezza la musica di questo gruppo.

Excelente

良い買い物でした♪