Enigma-Love, Sensuality, and Devotion-The Remix Collection

Artist: Enigma
Title: Love, Sensuality, and Devotion-The Remix Collection
Genre: New Age-Dance-Pop
Label: Virgin/EMI Records

The definition of Enigma (AKA Michael Crétu) in the dictionary is puzzle or mystery. I do not think there is any mystery at this point to the success of Enigma as a functioning musical entity that has been thriving since their inception in 1990.

Love, Sensuality, and Devotion-The Remix Collection is a rearranged version of the same album released in 2001, the first being Love, Sensuality, and Devotion, the Remix version was soon to follow. How many times can you rearrange the same song? Well, ask Crétu. Apparently, the nature of the music makes it less than difficult to come up with fresh versions using the same tracks, you just have to be a mixing genius to make it happen, which in reality is not an easy task to accomplish. It is apparent that the artist was successful on this venture and I am certain this CD will be flying off the shelves in stores and I can foresee some healthy download activity.

The first time I heard this CD I thought it was different and interesting, not your typical dance mix music by far. This is a tasteful blend of pop, rock, world, vocals, and dance all wrapped up nicely to form the unique and appealing Enigma sound. Selling 22 million albums worldwide speaks for itself however just because an artist has a ton of sales these days it does not mean it is a quality product, however in this case it does apply. I found this entire CD captivating my attention from beginning to end. I like the blend of all the elements and the way it comes together in each track. The presentation is superb with excellent production-it is quite simply, brilliant.

Usually music of this sort does not hold my interest for more than one or two spins but this CD has kept my attention and interest with each listen and I intend to give it a few more spins before it finds a home on the shelf somewhere. That is the best compliment I can give any CD because I have so many choices in front of me at all times. This is more than background music or a mild diversion, it has substance and feeling, which in most cases does not apply to any sort of dance music or sub genres thereof.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

January 2, 2006

1. Turn Around (Northern Lights Club Mix) (10:28)
2. Age Of Loneliness (Enigmatic Club Mix) (6:15)
3. Push The Limits (ATB Remix) (7:51)
4. Gravity Of Love (Judgement Day Club Mix) (5:59)
5. Return To Innocence (380 Midnight Mix) (5:42)
6. Sadeness Part 1 (Violent U.S. Remix) (4:43)
7. Principles Of Lust (Everlasting Lust Mix) (4:55)
8. Mea Culpa Part 2 (Fading Shades Mix) (6:04)
9. TNT For The Brain (Midnight Man Remix) (5:56)