Created by EnigmaMusic.com

2002

The Wheel of Time
One could never ascertain the origin of the disappointment in "The Wheel of Time". The album is by far superior to "Fading Shades", Sandra's last offering in 1995. The "The Wheel of Time" has a crisp, modern sound that still bore the lustrous beauty of a Cretu production. The songs (individually reviewed elsewhere on this site), are as suited to Sandra's ever so innocent vocals as though they were all written especially for her. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Out of eleven tracks, four - and some argue five - are cover versions. Part of the charm of Sandra, is that she had a unique sound that, from the start, generated a clear division of appreciation or disdain. Some critics shunned her music as exaggerated, over-blown cheap pop. But there were enough people to enjoy the purity and innocence of her voice woven with Cretu's sophistication and craftsmanship into embroidery of energy and beauty to make Sandra the most well known German export since Kraftwerk.

To the fans, that uniqueness may have been compromised with that large number of cover - versions on one album. After all, it has been seven long years since her last - quite disappointing studio album, "Fading Shades". Artistically, "The Wheel of Time" is a solid album; however, it may not have been the right cocktail to quench the particular thirst for a Sandra album. With such a long and successful career in making dance music - to ride the crest of music waves from disco (Arabesque) to Hi-NRG, to sleaze (post - Enigma period)-- Sandra probably knows what the public seeks. A Sandra album is a pack of joy and happiness wrapped in sophistication and beauty that no one in electronic music has been able to match. With that knowledge, a collection of mellow, soft and sparse songs with one or two unfulfilled promises of energy, is hardly the treat. Promo acetate (Virgin 7243 811968 2), limited edition Digi-Pak CD (Virgin 7243 8 12431 21), and standard CD (Virgin 7243 8 11968 23).

Forever
The difference between the "Straight 4U Remix" and the original is a good example of that between joy and indifference. The radio edit is void of most of what makes Sandra's sound. The song is rather simple and the production is uncharacteristically ordinary. The remix, however, adds energy, refurbishes the production, and injects life to deliver an excellent song. Promo (Virgin VGP 000377) and standard MCD (Virgin 7243 8 97941 20).

Such a Shame
This is one of the best songs on the album. Despite several unfavorable comparisons with the original song by Talk Talk, many maintain that this is a good song and, arguably, is better than the original. Sandra's delivery is sensitive and full of feeling. The sound is full and strong. The resounding beat is missing and the song is still relatively tame. Promo (Virgin VGP 000416) and standard MCD (Virgin 7243 5 46401 24).

Another song was to be released off the album, but was cancelled. Ironically, "Forgive Me", a favorite among the fans that is believed to have been a contender for a hit, was replaced with a mini - sampler release. A promotional pressing of "Forgive Me" was made (Virgin VGP 000435) with a one-track remix that features additional production and additional backing-vocals believed to be by Jens Gad. The result is electrifyingly beautiful.

The eventual release is of the ballad "I Close My Eyes" (Virgin 7243 5 46792 09). The Maxi Single contains, besides track, a slow remix of "Forgive Me", the album's title track and the video of "Forever" as a multi-media track. "The Chill Out Radio Edit" "Forgive Me" is the noteworthy track on this release. The remix, is closer to a re-make of the songs since the entire arrangement is re-worked. The result is a rich, luxurious piece. The remix does, however, render the song closer to the rest of the album. One would still hope that Sandra would consider making an album closer to the promotional edit of "Forgive Me" in its uncompromising energy and tempo.

Michael Cretu ~ "I wanted to breathe new life into some of those older songs."

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