EnigmaMusic.com review of the upcoming album:Enigma "Voyageur" (Virgin/EMI Records) |
"Voyageur" - A Voyage For Your Imagination – Part 4 |
| "Voyageur" brought me back 13 years and although the sound Cretu makes is no longer a mystery, this album captures you like the first - it is a new day dawning - yes there are many new sounds our mind has to get used to - but that’s what E1 brought to us too. |
| I am going to say that "Voyageur" will end up being just as stimulating as E1 with so many twists and turns that hold you in suspense all the way through. Old formulas and sounds have been brushed aside and this artists canvas is fresh and clean again. E1 is hard to beat because it kept us on edge all the way through when many different senses in our body were touched and "Voyageur" does the same. It is an important and necessary step for Enigma to take, and Cretu has pulled it off very well. But then again when you trust him the way we do, we always knew he would. I strongly suggest you shut yourself away from any of the modern day distractions and listen carefully to this album - it is not meant to be background music - it is meant to stimulate all of your inner senses. The sounds are not earth shattering, but this is a beautifully crafted album that requires a listening experience rather than casual background music. There are so many seductive sounds, but in a different way. Sexual music it is not in the physical sense, but "From East To West", "Piano" and "Total Eclipse Of The Moon" are sensual to the mind - beautiful creations that have so much splendor from Michael Cretu and he makes it very personal for you. "Following The Sun" "Boum-Boum" and "Look Of Today" are touches of pure pop although "Following The Sun" steps over the line to be more than a pop song, it lifts you to the point where everything makes more sense – an anthem. |
| If this album were a movie you would understand more - that is why you need to play this story for yourself and create your backdrop. “Voyageur” is a monument within the album, strong robust and it is just like the album in respect that it has to be heard in a confinement of a headset or a room with no distractions. |
| This album is the most complete since E1 in the respect of songs, positions of each track, the intertwine of each track (cross fades)...it leaves you with a completed feeling at the end. It tells a story, a trip, a voyage, a dream or what ever you take from it. The secret is that like E1 before it, your stomach churns as each track passes as you do not know what to expect next, and this is where Enigma draws much of its success - it follows no styles or patterns and has to be viewed upon as a book - each chapter holding it's own story never knowing what’s coming next. |
| I have written many lines of text regarding this album - none of which make much sense unless you are into an Enigma trip - I found it un-necessary to write detailed descriptions about each track - this album almost insists you don’t. Let me put it this way - how could you describe E1...impossible unless you hear it...this album is the same. This album demands that you play it from start to finish and not pick out or fast forward to certain tracks - it is just that captivating. |
| It took 3 continuous plays to lose the feeling of uncertainty even though it sounded great after the first real play. From what I remember E1 was the same way - you were uncertain until the design is settled in your mind. I love this creation and time will tell if it becomes the turning point - I am thrilled Cretu decided to break the chains and take us somewhere that is exciting. Thank you for letting me explain to you my thoughts and dreams of Enigma – just consider my words of warning – listen to this with your mind wide open and do not let anyone make you take anything out of it’s place on the album – you will miss the emotions that Enigma brings to the truly initiated!!. |
| Martyn Woolley August 30, 2003 |
| Read the review again... |