Jurang Pemisah Explained

Jurang Pemisah
Type:studio album
Artist:Chrisye
Cover:Chrisye - Jurang Pemisah.jpg
Released:1977
Recorded:1977, Irama Mas
Genre:Pop rock, progressive rock
Length:39:17
Label:Pramaqua Records
Next Title:Sabda Alam
Next Year:1978

Jurang Pemisah (in Indonesian pronounced as /ˈdʒuraŋ pəˈmisah/; Dividing Canyon) is the debut studio album by Indonesian singer Chrisye. It was produced and released by Pramaqua Records.

Background

After the success of Guruh Gipsy and "Lilin-Lilin Kecil", Chrisye was approached by Pramaqua records in 1977. They offered him a chance to record his first studio album. Working with Yockie Suryoprayogo, he recorded Jurang Pemisah.[1] Chrisye performed the vocals on seven songs and played the bass, Jockie played the keyboard, guitar, and drums, and provided vocals on three. Ian Antono and Teddy Sujaya played the guitar and drums respectively for the songs "Mesin Kota" (Machines in the City) and "Dia" ("Her").[2]

According to Yockie, Jurang Pemisah was "a portrait of social reality", dealing with themes such as the environment and politics. The eponymous song, for example, was about class discrimination causing a divide between the different social strata. Another, "Jeritan Sebrang" (Shriek from the Other Side) was considered a portrait of supporters of the Republic of South Maluku.[3] Yockie took inspiration from and blended elements of Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord to create and arrange the album.[4]

The album was released that same year with "high hopes", with the songs "Jurang Pemisah" (Dividing Canyon) and "Jeritan Seberang" planned to become singles.[1] However, sales were lackluster.[5] In his biography, Chrisye commented that Jurang Pemisah sold "like chicken shit"; warm at the beginning, but cooling off quickly.[1] It did not receive any critical praise upon release.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Endah, Alberthiene. Chrisye: Sebuah Memoar Musikal. Gramedia. 2007. Pp. 125–129.
  2. Jurang Pemisah . . 1977 . Pramaqua Records.
  3. "Jurang Pemisah, Potret Sosial dari Kacamata Yockie ". Pasar Kreasi. 24 March 2010.
  4. "Jurang Pemisah: Antara Presta dan Duplikasi". Musiklife 17 March 2011.
  5. Tresnawati. "Mengubah Konsonan Keras Jadi Lembut". Suara Merdeka. 2 April 2007.