Enigma est mort, vive Enigma?

Michael Cretu amazed the world when his project Enigma married dance beats with the sounds of Gregorian chants in 1990. With Enigma's successful debut it was only inevitable that the concept would be imitated with varying degrees of success. Over the course of 4 albums Crety has mixed differnt elements into the Enigma concept and each has created its own special soundscape. On "Voyaguer"- the 5th studio album Cretu wwants us all to believe that this album marks an entirely new direction for the act. Whether he believes this statement or if this a nice way of saying "I'm out of ideas" is up to the listener. Personally, I say don't believe all the pretentious reviews praising the album. If this album had been released under any other artist name it wouldnt have recieved any recognition.



The album begins with the Enigma's trademark horn opening before being drown out with thumping dance beats. Lots of strange samples follow and and the next track begins. The album continues with a mixture of sounds. Some of the tracks are surprisingly good like the "the piano" while others border on cheese (Boum-boum). The album is overall a ho-hum mix of ambient music and generic eurodance that doesnt really take you on any kind of musical journey. I've listened to this album numerous times and still havent felt moved on any level. Definetly sample this cd before you commit to buy.

not just the music .but even the quality of recording

People say they have been enigma fan since their debut in 1990.

but hey! I have been Michael Cretu's fan since 1986. I loved his album "Belle Epoch". It was a blast, still is a blast from the past. I have loved every single Enigma album until this one. It just does not have the true Enigma touch. Even the recording quality was not good, or maybe it was just my CD. Still Enigma is the real thing and much better than "Ënigma wannabes"! I am waiting for their next album which hopefully would be a better one. I still love you Enigma !

What happened ? It is not ENIGMATIC anyomore !!!

I have been listening to ENIGMA since way back in 1990. Coming from a country ( COSTA RICA ) where most people listen to salsa ,merengue and more " tropical " rhythms I was certainly one of those few enigma fans. During the last years I have enjoyed all of Mr. Cretu's releases : Le Roi est mort, The Cross of Changes , The Screen Behind the Mirror, etc.. Even the DVD which has that beautiful video of the monk being tempted in SADENESS ( but that is another story, hehe) Going back to the review, I really don't get what or where is Mr. Cretu going with his new project. I can understand artist's constantly "evolve" but this VOYAGEUR album leaves me with a bitter taste. Let's see what will happen with the next album. I just hope it has no Boum -Boum elements...