After such a distinguished career of mega concerts and high quality albums the last true studio album "Metamorphoses" seems like a lifetime ago. " Following that, there were side projects" namely "Sessions 2000" and "Geometry of Love." Both of which were rush jobs. So a 7 year wait until Teo and Tea. It's a spectacular disappointment.

Originally titled "Melancholic Rodeo" this album has all the hallmarks of trying too hard to appeal to the kids and missing the mark entirely. Usually when I first play a new album of JMJ's it sends shivers down my spine. This time, I got no such emotion just a slight feeling of dread that the next track will be as flat as the previous one.

It's not bad but it's not much good either. There are some funky tracks but they don't go anywhere. It's a soundtrack through and through. Teo and Tea 4am is the best track on there - pounding with energy and life. The hand of remixer Joachim Garraud can clearly be heard on this track, lifting it out the cheesy sounds that dominate most of the rest of the album.

Partners in Crime 1 and 2 are good, sounding very James Bond like. Beautiful Agony is a badly "orchestrated" excuse to try and be clever. Touch to remember is surprisingly good, I don't mind the robot voice, I think it works.

In the end, it's a collection of underdeveloped tracks (with about 3 too many) with weak orchestration which is a surprise for Jarre, his work is usually so finely produced.

After the terrific concert in Merzouga in December 2006 I had higher hopes for this album. He will have to do a lot to recover from this. I didn't even get into the top 75 album or singles charts in the UK.

As usual these days one is left with the feeling that he could do so much better if he tried.