Enigma - Enigma - Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits
List Price:
Our Price: $6.22
You Save: $5.72 (48%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2.03 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more CD details
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
CD Details
Artist: EnigmaEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
CD Release Date: 2001-10-23
Music Label: Virgin Records Us
Product features:
- ENIGMA LOVE SENSUALITY DEVOTION - GREATEST HITS
- The Landing
- Turn Around
- Gravity Of Love
- T.N.T. For The Brain
- Modern Crusaders
- Shadows In Silence
- Return To Innocence
- I Love You...I'll Kill You
- Principles Of Lust
- Sadeness (Part 1)
- Silence Must Be Heard
- Smell Of Desire
- Mea Culpa
- Push The Limits
- Beyond The Invisible
- Age Of Loneliness
- Morphing Thru Time
- The Cross Of Changes
Music reviews of Enigma - Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits
Music Review: Simply Captivating
Rating: 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
Description of Enigma - Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits
ENIGMA LOVE SENSUALITY DEVOTION - GREATEST HITSA greatest-hits package sampling four Enigma discs released between 1990 and 2000, LSD splendidly documents the influential output of Michael Cretu, a techno-bohemian who successfully creates cinematic, otherworldly New Age-like musical suites. Now, more than a decade removed from the arrival of Sadeness (Part 1) and its eyebrow-raising mix of sacred and sensual subplots, people can debate whether Cretu's music represents savvy commercial calculation or satisfying art. LSD suggests a split decision, though tracks with intriguing blends of atmosphere and rhythm, such as "Gravity of Love," "T.N.T. for the Brain" and "Morphing Thru Time," reveal an inventiveness that demonstrates Cretu is capable of more than sophisticated novelty tunes. Two new songs, neither especially noteworthy, open this package. Meanwhile, remastered older tracks segue beautifully to exude a satisfying, seamless unity. Big bonus: run time exceeds 76 minutes. --Terry Wood
Dance & DJ CDs
Music Genres
Similar CDs
Enigma - Remember the FutureVentura Distribution; Release date: 2001-05-22; DVD
Best price: $10.11
Price in other shops:
Pure Moods, Vol. IRelease date: 1997-04-29; Music CD
Best price: $6.22
Price in other shops:
Enigma - VoyageurRelease date: 2003-09-30; Music CD
Best price: $8.86
Price in other shops:
Enigma - Screen Behind the MirrorRelease date: 2000-01-18; Published: 2000; Music CD
Best price: $5.87
Price in other shops:
Enigma - Seven Lives Many FacesRelease date: 2008-09-30; Music CD
Best price: $8.88
Price in other shops:
Enigma - A PosterioriRelease date: 2006-09-26; Music CD
Best price: $7.79
Price in other shops:
Enigma - Cross of ChangesRelease date: 1994-02-08; Published: 1994; Music CD
Best price: $4.43
Price in other shops:
Enigma - Enigma 3: Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!Release date: 1996-11-26; Published: 1996; Music CD
Best price: $5.78
Price in other shops:
Enigma - Platinum CollectionRelease date: 2010-02-09; Music CD
Best price: $13.77
Price in other shops:
Enigma - Mcmxc A.D. by Enigma (1992)Mcmxc A.D. by Enigma (1992); Release date: 1992-06-29; Music CD
Best price: $7.35
Price in other shops: