Is The Cross of Changes a good place to start with Enigma?

Yes, The Cross of Changes is recommended as a starting point for new Enigma listeners. Mysterious soundscapes intertwine with ethereal vocals and rhythmic beats, creating a transcendent journey through spirituality and introspection. Released in 1993, The Cross of Changes is Enigma's second album, following their groundbreaking debut MCMXC a.D. It solidified the group's presence in the new age genre, showcasing their signature blend of electronic music with world music influences. This album came at a time when Enigma was rapidly rising to fame, establishing their distinctive sound that would influence many artists in the years to come.

Who is The Cross of Changes for?

The Cross of Changes works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on The Cross of Changes?

The Cross of Changes has 9 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

The Cross of Changes

Enigma · 1993

44 min · 9 tracks · new age music

Mysterious soundscapes intertwine with ethereal vocals and rhythmic beats, creating a transcendent journey through spirituality and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Return to Innocence — This track features a powerful blend of traditional vocals and modern production techniques, making it one of Enigma's most recognizable songs. Its themes of rebirth and innocence resonate deeply within the context of the album's exploration of spiritual transformation.
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The Eyes of Truth Start here — With its haunting melodies and deep rhythmic undertones, this track exemplifies Enigma's ability to create immersive soundscapes that evoke emotional depth. It encapsulates the album's theme of seeking understanding amidst chaos.
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Age of Loneliness (Carly’s Song) — This track uniquely blends spoken word with melodic elements, highlighting themes of isolation and longing. Its evocative nature captures the essence of human experience that runs throughout the album.

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 electronic and world music elements effectively, creating a unique sound within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken word introduction that sets a mystical tone, followed by tracks that blend rhythmic beats with layered vocal harmonies.
Several tracks feature samples of world music instruments, creating a fusion of electronic and traditional sounds throughout the record.
The pacing varies significantly; for example, 'Return to Innocence' serves as a mid-album highlight that contrasts with the more ambient pieces surrounding it.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Enigma's presence in the new age genre and achieved commercial success.
Themes: spiritual transformation· ancient wisdom· ethereal soundscapes
Career context: Released in 1993, The Cross of Changes is Enigma's second album, following their groundbreaking debut MCMXC a.D. It solidified the group's presence in the new age genre, showcasing their signature blend of electronic music with world music influences. This album came at a time when Enigma was rapidly rising to fame, establishing their distinctive sound that would influence many artists in the years to come.
Stylistic neighbors: Deep Forest· Enya· Loreena McKennitt