Enigma - Enigma - Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits
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Free Music Notes for Enigma - Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits
Free Music Review: Simply Captivating
Hit: 5 Stars
Sugary. Warm. Sensual. Absolutely stunning and by far one of the best greatest hits packages released in recent years, Enigma's "Love, Sensuality, Devotion" is beautifully constructed. Following Enigma's classic tradition of blending songs together seamlessly, this entire album shifts gracefully from one track to the next. Nearly every track is emotionally moving, intense, introspective and rich with melodic orchestrations.
Something about this album struck a chord with me from the very first moment I began my long trek through the impressive track list. I actually purchased "L.S.D." well after its release date. Initially, the only songs I had heard from Enigma were the infamous hits "Return To Innocence" and "Sadeness (Part 1)". For years, I had heard nothing about Enigma. I wasn't even sure if they still existed. After buying "L.S.D." out on a whim while browsing the racks, I came to find that not only is Enigma alive and well, but the `group' mainly consists of almost entirely one man, Michael Cretu. In fact, Enigma isn't even a band or a group, but rather a `project'. `Enigma' is a Greek word, translating into the word `riddle' in English.
Many different artists have worked with Michael Cretu to create the gorgeous musical arrangements heard throughout this greatest hits album. There is nothing dull or filler included: every song has its place, and leaves a mark in ones heart and mind. Moving and inspirational, I like to call this the `ultimate truth' album. You can really find yourself in this music.
"Turn Around": The opening sequence titled "The Landing" opens wide into this catchy and groundbreaking new track. The tribal percussion, rich chords and vocoded vocals bring a whole new meaning to new age music. Throughout the track, Michael Cretu's wife Sandra (whom we often hear in many of the songs) whispers different titles of some of Enigma's best tunes. She has a distinctly soft and sensual tone. A pan flute can be heard, occasionally moving up and down the scale. Beautifully executed and divinely mixed, I tend to repeat this track at least once. 6/5*
"Gravity of Love" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): Samples from the dark and impressive opera Carmina Burana are often used in this track, which is one of my favorites off the entire album. The artist Ruth Ann, who has a beautiful commanding voice, performs the lead vocals: her tone perfectly compliments the portions of the opera heard throughout this track. The electric guitar (heard in the bridge), extremely powerful drums and rich choral voices are breathtaking. Also worth noting is the meaning behind the lyrics in this song. Many of Enigma's tunes have a philosophical background, or are based on Faith and love. This song is no exception, and is one of the most profound and deeply moving lyrical creations I've heard in a long while. It leaves me breathless every time: just beautiful. 6/5
"T.N.T. For The Brain" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): What a great title! It's just perfect for the mind-blowing experience that most of us deal with at one time or another, that being the extreme intensity of love and/or lust. This is one of the many sensual and intriguingly suggestive songs on "L.S.D.". Hand drums, a magical sitar-like instrument, and middle-eastern flavored strings make this track a very enjoyable listen. As the song continues, plucking strings join the ensemble, accompanied by the intense breathing and heavy sighs of Sandra. Adding to the flavor of the track, an electric guitar has its own solo arrangement. This particular arrangement of this song is actually a remix, and though it's spectacular, it's quite long and somewhat repetitive. 6/5
"Modern Crusaders" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): Again sampling Carmina Burana, this is similar to "Gravity of Love", but possesses a more aggressive and demanding quality: it isn't nearly as reflective or easygoing. Much more bold and opinionated, Andru Donalds sings the lead vocals with gusto and conviction. Strictly about standing up for what you believe in and being strong in your beliefs, this song has an impressive guitar solo in the bridge section, followed by a softer section including nearly whispered vocals from Carmina Burana, which then burst out once again to carry the listener back into the commanding beats. The end of the song is fantastic, with a spooky church organ on the last note. 6/5
"Shadows In Silence" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): Strictly an instrumental piece with echoing pianos, light airy percussion, gently sweeping chords and some very muted vocals soaring in the background, this is a piece one might hear in a massage parlor. Everything about it is relaxing and soft, even sweet. Though it's repetitive and there isn't a particularly climactic moment to be found, this song is entirely complete and leaves you feeling very content. 5/5
"Return To Innocence" (from "The Cross of Changes"): I shouldn't have to describe this song: everyone and their dog has heard it. But just in case you've missed out, this is the biggest hit Enigma has ever had, with Tai chanting, strong drumbeats, intense chords, fluttering flutes, underwater sound effects, outer space blips, etc. There is a reason this song was so well received and loved worldwide: it has every element that makes a song great. It's simple, passionate, and it just begs to be turned up loud. This song stands for everything Enigma has always tried to convey. It's very peaceful and insightful, full of positive energy and encouragement. The entrancing vocals are provided by Angel X (Andreas Harde). 6/5
"I Love You...I'll Kill You" (from "The Cross of Changes"): This is a fascinating song. It's very long, but very intense from start to finish. Noteworthy portions are the electric guitar solo, Sandra's spookily whispered vocals and the electronic bagpipe instrument echoing throughout. Michael Cretu's own vocals can be heard shouting in the background as well. Primarily an instrumental tune, it creeps and crawls along as it steadily builds to a heightened intensity several minutes later. Enigma's infamous formula of rich backing chords and strong drums once again works wonders. 5/5
"Principles of Lust" (from "MXMCX a.D."): Enigma's first album is considered by many to be the best of all Enigma albums. This is the first track in which we hear the distinct sound of that album. Jazzier beats, a sensually played flute and brass instruments balance this tune. Sandra whispers `the principles of lust' to the listener, and honestly, this is the single most suggestive song on this album. However, it's tastefully done, and I particularly enjoy the electronic percussion sounds. In the middle of the song, Gregorian chanting appears, also another trademark of Enigma's first album. Sandra sighs heavily repeatedly at the end, but it's far more beautiful than anything Janet Jackson ever did (no offense). 5/5
"Sadeness (Part 1)" (from "MCMXC a.D."): Enigma's other huge hit, this song is still innovative and intriguing to listen to. The musical style is very much the same as the previous track, but this song focuses more on the Gregorian chants, sparkly chimes and more airy synthesizer effects. The concept of this song is along the lines of Madonna's hit "Erotica": it goes along with the pleasure and pain theories. Still, the song is warm and inviting and is considered by many to be Enigma's most romantic song. It is executed beautifully, and hearing the chime arpeggios always makes me think of dripping water. 6/5
"Silence Must Be Heard" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): With water percussion echoes (as I like to call them), this tune opens beautifully and adopts the same intense vibe heard from previous tracks "Gravity of Love" and "Modern Crusaders". It's a little more subdued, but no less insightful. Ruth Ann's vocals are a pleasure to the ears once again. This track is one of my least favorites on the album and I find it to be a tad (dare I saw it) dull compared to most of the other songs. However, it makes a bold statement and the song itself is very well done. 5/5
"Smell Of Desire" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): Several different flutes carry this tune along steadily, and though it's mostly instrumental, operatic chants occasionally peak in from the background. As with other songs from "The Screen Behind The Mirror", an electric guitar makes an appearance. This is a very mysterious song with a whimsical quality. It's quite entrancing with its pulsing electronic beeps. 5/5
"Mea Culpa" (from "MCMXC a.D."): This sounds a bit like a hybrid of "Return To Innocence" and "Sadeness", without the Tai chanting. The beat is stronger and more aggressive, but the gorgeous flute and Gregorian chants still remain. The general pace of this song is much faster than most others here; it sounds like something you could listen to while driving an open freeway in the desert. Sandra's French whispers are particularly lovely. 5/5
"Push The Limits" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): The marching drumbeats of the previous track slowly fade out, and the spooky plucking of this song takes over. This impressed me greatly from the very beginning. The keyboards and drumbeats are absolutely perfect, and the syncopated clapping effects add a whole new dimension of intensity. Operatic singing can be heard behind the faded flute effects. Sandra once again whispers intriguing and thoughtful expressions. The end of this song is a crowning achievement of music: I can't seem to get enough of it. The beat remains commanding, while the sensitivity of the strings balances the act. My only complaint is that this song simply isn't long enough. 6/5
"Beyond The Invisible" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): This is where the album begins to wind down a bit. Michael Cretu himself provides the lead vocals. The beats in this song are very muted, which allows the rich chords and vocal chanting to take center stage. In the middle of the track, a male operatic singer appears, though I'm unsure as to whom it actually is. It sounds a bit like Josh Groban, though I'm sure it's not him. Despite how beautiful this song is, it's one of my least favorites from the album. 5/5
"Age Of Loneliness" (from "The Cross of Changes"): Michael Cretu lends his voice to this track, which makes for an interesting listen. He sings particularly high, which impresses. Sandra also accompanies her husband with her usual wise advice provided no louder than a whisper. I am reminded of "Silence Must Be Heard" when I hear this. 5/5
"Morphing Thru Time" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): Very slow, melodic and subdued, I adore this song. There's something captivating about it; something mysterious and inviting. Many layers of singing and chanting are echoed to the max. Without more than a hand drum for percussion, the melodies dominate. Michael's voice is once again present, this time providing an extremely haunting quality to the song. Everything about this track is divine, but the immaculate voices heard throughout deserve the most praise. The operatic singing is simply gorgeous, and there are many moments that catch the listener's attention. This is just fabulous. 6/5
"The Cross Of Changes" (from "The Cross of Changes"): A delicate piano and light wispy chords are what impact the listener most here. Sandra speaks extremely encouraging lyrics. This is the perfect closure for "L.S.D.", as it's somewhat short and it makes a beautiful impression. There's a general effect created of flying or falling gracefully when one listens to this: it makes you feel content. 6/5
This is an album I constantly come back to for encouragement and relaxation. It never ceases to amaze and astound listeners. Music lovers absolutely have to have this collection of hits. Enigma's formula continues to evolve with every album, but each album is consistently great. Since the release of "L.S.D.", Enigma's "Voyageur" hit the market in 2003, and another album is already in the works. Perhaps after several more new projects, we can expect to see another great collection of Enigma hits, hopefully even better than "L.S.D." (if that's possible).
*6/5 reflects an absolutely outstanding piece of work
Free Music Review: Enigma - Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits ~ Enigma [Audio CD]
Hit: 5 Stars
Love it!! This is one of Engima's best albums ever.Free Music Review: AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
I LOVE THIS CD AND I HAVE DOWNLOADED IT ONTO MY IPOD!IT'S MYSTERIOUS AND HAUNTENLY SEXY!!SIT BACK AND CLOSE YOUR EYES FOR THIS RIDE!!! MMMMMMM Free Music Review: The stuff dreams are made of...
Hit: 5 Stars
Ah. Enigma. Savor the word. Feel it flow off your tongue. Rarely does a musician choose such a captivating alias, yet alone one that so perfectly describes the intricate music laying underneath. With this greatest hits release Love Sensuality Devotion we are taken into the mysterious world of Michael Cretu, via 18 sensational tracks laced with beauty and rinsed in atmosphere. Think of a beautiful painting, the kind that forces you to stare for minutes on end. Now imagine this painting being transformed into a song, and you should have some sort of idea as what to expect from this mastermind. Mixing dancepop beats with Gregorian chants, a diverse range of synths, and gorgeous female vocals placed here and there, Cretu never hides his love for artistic experimentation - which makes Enigma's success all the more interesting, given all the tasteless musical trends that have emerged over the past decade and a half. Perhaps it's that such hits as "Return to Innocence" and "Sadeness Pt. 1" are just so darn addictive. Who knows? But why complain?
Production-wise, the album fails on no level. It is obvious which songs have been remastered and which have been left untampered with, but they all sound great in the long run. From the calm tenderness of "Shadows in Silence" to the catchy atmo-synth of "TNT for the Brain", you will be left speechlessly dazed and entranced (especially after multiple listens, which are required for full musical comprehension). Other hits like the epic "I Love You...I'll Kill You" complete with blaring guitars, or the infectious "Turn Around" - a song exclusively written for this record - are also essentials. My personal favorite track is number 3, "Gravity of Love", fronted by angelic female singing, rounded out by an ethereal chorus and some rather enchanting operatic vocals. Actually, since there are no weak tracks to be found, the album flows pretty darn well too - a big plus in my book, especially for "best of" releases which are often muddled by poor organization.
In conclusion, LSD is an essential, comprised of pure new age classics, fit for any and all CD collections built on the foundation of good music (aka music with substance). Don't let yourself miss out on such an incredible masterpiece - you'd only be mistreating yourself. Don't believe me? Well, I'll sum this CD up in three words - find, grab, buy!
10/10
[Originally written August 1, 2005]
Free Music Review: A kind of L-S-D
Hit: 5 Stars
I have followed the Enigma project for a long time, though this was actually the first Enigma album I had purchased. (Unless you count 'Pure Moods' compilations, which often featured tracks from Enigma albums.) However, I can say that this is one of the wisest purchasing decisions I have ever made, in terms of entertainment. L-S-D offers the most popular Enigma tracks on one compilation album. Of course, this album was released before 'Voyageur,' so you're not technically getting all the greatest hits.
Enigma is a combination of New Age and Electronic Ambience. Most of the vocals are performed by Sandra, the female vocalist, or are simply excerpts from various chanson albums. Most commonly, you will hear the phrase "O' fortuna, velut Luna." ("Oh, fortune of the moon...") The chanson excerpts give Enigma's music a very mystifying feel. (Especially in combination with the electronic beats.) Otherwise, the lyrics are very philosophical and abstract, pertaining to the human mind and spirit. (Or the general state of the world, in some cases.) A lot of songs can be very uplifting, mystifying and thought-provoking. Others can be passionate and erotic.
Overall, I give this album 5 stars, as it is an excellent compilation of some of Enigma's greatest works. However, I do have one disagreement -- the re-arranged version of 'T.N.T. for the Brain.' I am not sure why the original version, found in 'Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!' was not featured in this album. Instead, it was decided that a re-arranged version be used. Don't get me wrong -- it is an okay song, but I generally perfer the original version.
On a side note, I would like to see a re-release of this album, pakaged along with the extended version of 'MCMXC a.D.,' and the 'Remember the Future' DVD. This would, more appropriately, be a greatest hits collection. However, there has not been any activity since 'Voyageur' was released. Hopefully, that will not be the final album...