Enigma: MCMXC a.D. + 5 Singles (1990-2004)

Michael Crétu's attempt at fusing everything from easy listening sex music and hip-hop rhythms to centuries-old Gregorian chants couldn't have been more designed to tweak the nose of high art, a joyously crass stab straight at a mainstream, do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. The result is something that shouldn't exist, but in its own way results in as much of a cultural scramble and explosion as anything Public Enemy were doing around the same time, crossing over the Euro-disco and new age spheres with style. Credit Crétu for an open ear for whatever works, which is precisely why "Sadeness," the first part of a longer track called "Principles of Lust," turned into a fluke worldwide hit. Snippets of monks invoking the Almighty effortlessly glide in and out of a polite but still strong breakbeat, shimmering, atmospheric synth and flute lines and a Frenchwoman whispering in a way that sounds distinctly more carnal than spiritual (as her gasps for breath elsewhere make clear). Guitar and male vocals add to the album version's try-anything-that-works approach, as do attempts at shuffling jazz beats and horns. If nothing quite equals that prime moment elsewhere on the album, MCMXC A.D. still trips out on the possibilities as it can, right from the opening "Voice of Enigma," inviting all listeners to sit back, relax, and take a gentle trip. Crétu certainly isn't trying to hide anything – "Callas Went Away" goes right ahead and adds a sample of Maria Callas herself to the chirping birds and soft beats, while elsewhere the flutes, beats, monks, and French voices merrily go about their glossy business. About the only thing missing is the kitchen sink, making the entire album the "MacArthur Park" of its day.

by Ned Raggett, allmusic

E3 (Enigma) 1997 - T.N.T. For The Brain 12":

01 T.N.T. For The Brain (Midnight Man Remix) 5:59
02 T.N.T. For The Brain (Radio Edit) 4:02
03 T.N.T. For The Brain (Album Version) 4:36
04 T.N.T. For The Brain (Instrumental Mix) 4:11


Enigma 1999 - Gravity Of Love 12":

01 Gravity Of Love (Judgement Day Club Mix) (Remix - Peter Ries, T.A.A.W.*) 6:12
02 Gravity Of Love (Dark Vocal Club Mix) (Remix - W. Filz*) 6:40
03 Gravity Of Love (Radio Edit) 4:03


Enigma 2000 - Push The Limits 12":

01 Push The Limits (ATB Remix) (Remix - ATB) 8:33
02 Push The Limits (Album Version) 6:32


Enigma 2003 - Voyageur 12":

01 Voyageur (Club Mix) 6:24
02 Voyageur (Chillout Mix) 4:56
03 Voyageur (Dance Mix) 5:32
04 Voyageur (Radio Edit) 3:57


Enigma 2004 - Boum-Boum 12":

01 Boum-Boum (Chicane Club Version) (Producer [Additional Production] - ChicaneRemix [Mix By] - Chicane) 5:03
02 Boum-Boum (Wally Lopez Club Version) (Producer [Additional Production] - Wally LopezRemix [Mix By] - Wally Lopez) 9:37


Enigma 1990 - MCMXC a.D. [1st Germany Press]:

01 The Voice Of Enigma 2:21
02 Principles Of Lust 11:43
03 Callas Went Away 4:27
04 Mea Culpa 5:02
05 The Voice And The Snake 1:39
06 Knocking On Forbidden Doors 4:31
07 Back To The Rivers Of Belief 10:35