This is by far the best Enigma album ( the other two left something to be desired- can't quite put my finger on it, though)! Yes, it does have that late 80's early 90's Soul II Soul sound. However, where the group Soul II Soul mixed in Jamaican, Reggae, club house rhythms Enigma was able to blend in European and Gregorian chant sounds with great finesse and seamless skill. MCMXCa.D. will stand the test of time whether it be on a global or cult status,in a dance club or at home. The limited edition with the remixes is EXCELLENT ! The maxi-singles are very interesting as well. Who would have thought that a group like Enigma could combine New-Age, dance, ambient, global and Gregorian chants to produce something very familiar, yet unique in its own right. Twenty years ago such a concept would have been laughed at by the masses (people, not the church service). To the world it would have been like crossing country music with disco music and Middle-Eastern religious incantations (Hmmm...an interesting concept). After becoming interested and fascinated by the group's musical offerings I found out about the individual artists that make up Enigma: Michael Cretu and his wife Sandra. They, too, have had previous hits in Europe back in the 80's. This led me to collect their import albums. The sound of their albums range anywhere from pop-rock, dance, r&b to pre-Enigma styles . I recommend some of these solo efforts (under the names Cretu, Cretu and Thiers, Sandra) It will give listeners a chance to hear how some of these earlier projects evolved into Enigma. Enigma MCMXC a.D. is a definite keeper for anyone's avid or diverse music collection. Put aside any misconceptions or reservations you may have due to its religious and sexual overtones and accept it for what it is; An artistic concept excellently carried out !

Forever Enigmatized

Enigma is probably best known as the band that introduced Gregorian chants to dance music (though, in actuality, many bands had been doing this for several years in Europe). I must admit, that is one of the key things I remembered about this release. But after listening again to MCMXC a.D., I remember much more. For those people who understand and appreciate the power of music to enhance mood, this release is an experience in sensuality. Layered with religious symbolism, lush female vocals, spoken word (often in French), sounds from nature, and sensual beats, Enigma takes the listener (or listeners, as this release is also enjoyable with a companion) on a journey of self actualization, inner peace, and outward passion.

The release begins with "Voice of Enigma", a soothing intro to the album. Not really a song, this short piece places the listener in a relaxed state of mind which helps one best enjoy the remaining 40+ minutes.

The next song, "Principles of Lust," allows one to slip into deep relaxation and sensual exploration. Clocking in at over 11:30, this is actually a combination of three songs that flow together. a. "Sadeness" is Enigma's classic and first big hit. It is very sensual and relaxing, however at the same time it is stimulating and encourages one to be tactile. b. "Find Love" starts off as a sensual, atmospheric piece that floats all around the listener. Then it moves to a funky beat that is very assertive and more active. Also known as "The Principles of Lust." c. "Sadeness (Reprise)" returns the listener to the feelings in "Sadeness." However, the additional piano is very deep and stimulates one to be reflective.

"Callas Went Away" makes me think of young lovers who have stolen away from the village into the woods at dusk for a lovers' tryst.

"Mea Culpa" grabs one's attention and provides a sense of urgent desperation. The beats, the chant, the marching footsteps, and the rain make one feel like one is trying to escape from someone or something. This is a very powerful song.

"The Voice & the Snake" is discordant and disturbing, shaking one violently from a relaxed state. Fortunately, it is only a little over a minute and a half, ending the discomfort quickly.

"Knocking on Forbidden Doors" gives one a sense of need for control and for asserting oneself, strongly yet with a gentle, loving touch.

"Back to the Rivers of Belief," which concludes the release, has three parts. a. "Way to Eternity" slows one back down, allowing one to become calm and reflective once again. b. "Hallelujah" reintroduces the rhythm, allowing one to slowly again explore one's inner (or outer) senusuality. The tinkling bells are like a soft rain falling to the ground, or perhaps on oneself. c. "The Rivers of Belief" is a sensual, relaxing conclusion to the album. Whether shared with oneself or with another, this song helps reaffirm the love and passion one feels for oneself or one's partner.

This is an excellent release, especially for those who understand and enjoy the power of music to enhance the mood, whether one is alone or with that special someone. A sensual delight, MCMXC a.D. deserves a strong 5 star recommendation.

I must have been living under a rock, because I was unaware of any controversy surrounding this CD. But then again, I rarely pay attention to what anyone says about music, because as an art form it is highly personal and each of us will have likes and dislikes, and regardless of whether the music has minimal originality or is repetitive, as some reviewers seem to think, I enjoy this music.

I enjoy the pretentious opening, "The Voice of Enigma." Sultry, sexy Sandra entices you to let yourself fall into the music, to give yourself over to the rhythm and the feeling. The result of this music is a bit more basic than what Jon Anderson attempted in much of his music where words became part of the music, but it is effective. This music is best listened to when you want to feel the music and prefer not to think anything more than the emotions of the music. One minor complaint, the version I have is about 40 minutes long, and the introduction references "the next hour."

The transition from "The Voice of Enigma" to the multi-part "Principles of Lust" is accompanied by Gregorian chants that provide an interesting enhancement of the feeling of Michael Cretu's music. The beat is repetitive and provides a framework for counterpoints throughout. The repetition allows exploration of a theme in multiple facets, much like a quilt has a pattern, but the choices made for each element in the pattern provides variety within the pattern. "Sadeness," which has enjoyed air play, is but one part of this interesting composition, and "Find Love" that is the second part has a much different theme and framework as compared to "Sadeness." The tapestry closes with a reprise to "Sadeness" that combines elements of the first part and the second part to generate yet more variety to the tapestry.

The third selection, "Callas Went Away," opens with electronic birds accompanied by other pseudo natural noises. The music is soothingly mellow and pleasant, but interestingly the pretentiousness that accompanied the introduction and to a certain extent the "Principles of Lust" does not filter into this selection, and the selection, while great music to fall asleep by or to contemplate the stars, has much less power than some of the other selections.

The following track, "Mea Culpa," opens with Gregorian chants and drums transitioning into much more power than the previous track. The beat is much faster and the counterpoint much more pronounced than in any of the previous tracks. Sandra's French(?) vocals intermixed with Gregorian chants and new age electronica is an interesting mix that works and makes this song one of the highlights of the CD, even better than "Sadeness."

"The Voice and the Snake" is a short, experimental number that may vaguely remind you of disturbing chants in horror movies. While the initial concept is intriguing, the track's only salvation is its brevity, because I find the result disturbing and a touch unpleasant.

The previous track has a smooth transition into this track, "Knocking on Forbidden Doors," which is reminiscent of the second and third track, yet with some differences. Perhaps the biggest problem with this track is that it adds little to what was done earlier and starts to sound somewhat repetitive if you listen too closely.

I like the introduction to "Back to the Rivers of Belief," which has the same tones used in the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The tones are coupled with electronic sound effects and then Gregorian chants in an interesting way that is consistent with the movie "Close Encounters." The overlong introduction, "Way to Eternity," yields to the faster-paced second part, "Hallelujah." The third and final part, "The Rivers of Belief" is more powerful and finally provides relief to the too long "Hallelujah." The third part of this song could have been longer and the first two parts shorter to have created a stronger composition.

This music is interesting and enjoyable, but Cretu sometimes explores ideas too long and when I am focused on the music I start to wonder why he waited so long to advance the theme. However, regardless of my complaints, it is the novelty of the music and its high moments that make this a good selection for people with eclectic tastes that include progressive rock and new age. Even with the occasional weak point, this music is great background music for the office, and perhaps when you are out staring at the stars.

This is certainly a unique blending of genre's. Jazz, New Age mystical, & Medieval chanting are combined into something that feels new. The lyrics are chanted rather than sung, which works well since the music is the main focus. I found the use of Latin & French to be refreshing. This is enjoyable for driving or daydreaming, not at the same time of course. The listener is teleported back & forth to a time when they first heard this album. This is the ultimate synthesis of hormones, spirit, nature sounds, & mysticism. However, repetitive at times. I felt the 3 best tunes were "Principles Of Lust, Sadness, & Mea Culpa." All original & yet different in delivery & content. Give this several listens before you make up your mind. I'm sure you will find it interesting?

This is simply one of best ambient new age CD's of the 90s and certainly the best I have heard. I never get tired of this CD and have owned it since it's first release. It heightens the senses and soothes the soul.

While the later Enigma offerings are not quite up to the same level Enigma III is not a bad second to this CD. Delerium's "Karma" is also a great CD, only the first CD by Deep Forest and anything from Amethystium (the best overall new age composer) and Digital Moodz.