MCMXC a.D.
Enigma · 1990
60 min · 15 tracks · new age music
A sonic tapestry blending ethereal vocals with haunting melodies, drawing on diverse influences from Gregorian chants to modern electronic music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Principles of Lust: Sadeness Start here — This track is emblematic of Enigma's fusion of sensuality and spirituality, featuring hypnotic beats intertwined with sacred chants that set the tone for the entire album.
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Mea Culpa — With its captivating melody and introspective lyrics, this track showcases the album's exploration of themes like guilt and redemption while employing innovative production techniques.
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Back to the Rivers of Belief: Way to Eternity — This piece encapsulates the album's spiritual journey through its atmospheric soundscapes and evocative vocal arrangements, inviting listeners into a meditative experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative blend of sounds and cohesive flow mark it as a significant entry in the new age genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word piece that sets a mystical tone, followed by tracks that blend choral elements with electronic beats.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create an ethereal atmosphere, while others incorporate samples of Gregorian chants.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- introspective spiritual exploration
- gradual builds and resolutions
- atmospheric background focus
- immersive listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established Enigma's reputation in the new age genre.
- Themes
- Gregorian chants· spiritual redemption· meditative soundscapes
- Career context
- Released on December 10, 1990, MCMXC a.D. marked Enigma's debut album, positioning them as pioneers in the new age genre. The album emerged during a time when electronic music was gaining traction in mainstream culture, setting the stage for their unique sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Deep Forest· Enya· Loreena McKennitt
Tracklist
- 1 The Voice of Enigma 2:08
- 2 Principles of Lust: Sadeness Start here 4:15
- 3 Principles of Lust: Find Love 4:49
- 4 Principles of Lust: Sadeness (reprise) 2:48
- 5 Callas Went Away 4:29
- 6 Mea Culpa 4:53
- 7 The Voice & The Snake 1:45
- 8 Knocking on Forbidden Doors 4:27
- 9 Back to the Rivers of Belief: Way to Eternity 2:19
- 10 Back to the Rivers of Belief: Hallelujah 4:15
- 11 Back to the Rivers of Belief: The Rivers of Belief 3:31
- 12 Sadeness (Meditation) 2:43
- 13 Mea Culpa (Fading Shades) 6:04
- 14 Principles of Lust (Everlasting Lust) 4:50
- 15 The Rivers of Belief (The Returning Silence) 7:04
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Deep Forest
Deep Forest
Merges world music elements with ambient soundscapes, echoing a similar spiritual and meditative vibe.
Post
Björk
Combines ethereal vocals with electronic production, creating lush, immersive soundscapes that evoke deep emotions.
Into the Labyrinth
Dead Can Dance
Shares a haunting blend of ancient musical influences and modern textures, fostering spiritual exploration.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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