Enchanted cover

Enchanted

Marc Almond · 1990

46 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A haunting blend of dark cabaret and new wave motifs woven with Almond's theatrical vocal delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Madame De La Luna Start here — Opening the album, this track encapsulates Almond's signature blend of melodrama and lush instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire experience.
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    Waifs and Strays — This song showcases Almond's lyrical storytelling ability, painting vivid imagery of lost souls and urban melancholy that resonates throughout the record.
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    A Lover Spurned — The emotional weight in this track highlights Almond's vocal prowess, capturing themes of heartbreak and rejection with striking intensity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines theatrical elements with strong songwriting, making it distinctive within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a dramatic orchestral arrangement that sets a theatrical tone, immediately engaging the listener.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements, creating a rich sonic texture throughout.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others shift dramatically, enhancing the emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical exploration of love
  • steady pacing for reflection
  • consistent emotional journey
  • lush orchestration for immersion

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat and fast tracks
  • prefer standalone single hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — This album is noted for its orchestration and lyrical depth, marking Almond's artistic high point.
Themes
theatrical heartbreak· lost souls imagery
Career context
By the time Marc Almond released 'Enchanted' in 1990, he was a seasoned artist, having enjoyed success with Soft Cell and his solo albums. This album followed his critically acclaimed release 'The Stars We Are' from 1988, showcasing a further evolution in his sound and artistic direction.
Stylistic neighbors
Soft Cell· David Bowie· The Sisters of Mercy

Tracklist

  • 1 Madame De La Luna Start here 4:47
  • 2 Waifs and Strays 5:08
  • 3 The Desperate Hours 4:27
  • 4 Toreador in the Rain 2:52
  • 5 Widow Weeds 5:38
  • 6 A Lover Spurned 5:37
  • 7 Deaths Diary 3:59
  • 8 The Sea Still Sings 3:48
  • 9 Carnival of Life 4:38
  • 10 Orpheus in Red Velvet 5:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata