Tangerine Dream – Force Majeure (Virgin Records, remastered edition, 2019/originally released in 1979)
Force Majeure is yet another classic album by electronic music trailblazers Tangerine Dream. The album reviewed here is the 2019 remastered edition that includes a bonus track. The original album came out in 2019 and was released on clear album.
By this time, Tangerine Dream was in transition from a purely electronic Berlin-style space music (also known as floating music) to a more melodic sound, using piano, acoustic and electric guitar and drums to its arsenal of keyboards and sequencers. It is a mix of progressive rock with cosmic electronic music.
The original musical pieces are extensive and fans of early Tangerine Dream are treated to well-crafted transitions from the progressive rock sound to mesmerizing, sequencer-based electronic music. The initial tracks are “Force Majeure” (18:17), “Cloudburst Flight” (7:27) and “Thru Metamorphic Rocks” (14:30).
The bonus track is “Chimes and chains” (4:48), a great addition to the album. It is a melodic electronic piece that builds up very nicely. It appeared in the compilation “70-80” (1980).
The lineup during this period included Edgar Froese on keyboards, electric and acoustic guitars, effects; Christopher Franke on keyboards, sequencers; and Klaus Krüger on drums, percussion. Guest: Eduard Meyer on cello.
Buy Force Majeure