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| Value for Money | 10/10 |
|---|---|
| Reviewer Rating | 10/10 |
| Overall Rating | 10/10  |
Full review by
NYCyuppie3
expert review 
on 2nd Sep 2004
User Rating : 10
Respect :
0
Enigma, Voyageur - I do empathize with all others who disliked this album, it is a rather far-flung departure from the previous stylistic elements that Cretu used. However, I believe this work deserves merit, I will be honest I disliked it at first, but later I grew to like it even more than the original albums. I also wish to mention that because I am very sensitive to music, large tracts of this album are unbearable for me to hear, just because they remind me of experiences I would rather forget. But here I will write complete commentary on all the songs in the album (with the exception of "the piano" that I have heard only twice)
1. From East to West
I believe this song serves as a "false start intro" where Cretu introduces some angelic piano music which later drifts into a more industrial electronic vibe. This serves as a pointer to the style which he then later repeats in other album tracks. There are subtle connections to "screen behind the mirror" e.g. a rhythmatic female voice.
2. Voyageur
Here is where Cretu rides at his glory, he managed to juxtpose many absolutely new elements of sound in an elegant, and simple way. This is definitely my favorite song because it is more of a "clubbing hit" meaning it is a departure from the spiritual connections of the earlier albums into a more industrial world of electronic rhythms.
3. Incognito
The song itself is a very nice, especially in the beginning with the computerised voices, however I do question the "classic rock" nuances that I feel are out of pace in Cretu's new style.
4. Page of Cups
Though commended by other listeners, I feel it is a very melancholy song which I choose to skip usually. It does have some nice rhythmic character, and it does compliment the rest of the album stylistically.
5. Boum-Boum
It is a brialliantly orchestrated duet, which I feel was necessary in a more mainstream album. The preluding computerised voice is somewhat disturbing, meaning this song should have been preceded by something like track 7
6. Total Eclipse of the Moon
A very classic piece, this song is probably the closest to the "old" Enigma. The pity is that it is too short, though that does not detract from its appeal too much.
7. Look of Today
A very commercial sounding song, it begins with a set of sounds that seem to remind me of water, and then the electronica that follows almost beckoning to the adage "Life in the Fast Lane", the vocals are superbly done and overall this and track 2 are the best on the whole album.
8.In the Shadow, In the light
Not reviewed
9. Weightless
I am not very fond of this song, though I did like it when I first heard it. I consider to be an almost non-sensical piece, which Cretu included as an attempt to show everyone he will keep evoloving. I do hope that the next album will not feature a derivative work from this track.
11. Following the Sun
It seems as we have only taken a brief glimpse into the musical voyage of Enigma, but alas we are but one track away from completing it. This song is an excellent way to finish off the album. It is here where we probably get a hint that Cretu will continue a large-scale integration of electronic music into his future works, it is even evident in the title which essentially means moving west. Musically speaking, it means more electronic and techno rhythms that will eventually overtake the brief east-west pairing featured here.
NYCyuppie3's review and ratings | 598 words
EnigmaTracklisting: 1. From East To West2. Voyageur3. Incognito4. Page Of Cups5. Boum-Boum6. Total Eclipse Of The Moon 7. Look Of Today8. In The Shadow, In The Light9. Weightless10. The Piano11. Foll More...
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