Customer Reviews

Lsd - Love Sensuality Devotion

5 star:		(98)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Look back at the history of Enigma. It did something no one else did. It was something nothing else could be. It changed the way we looked at pop music.

With Enigma's first album, MCMXC a.D., Enigma took hip-hop / dance floor beats, and melded them with Gregorian chants, which resulted in such #1 hits as Sadeness and Mea Culpa. The reason for the success of the album is that these songs were different. They were original. They took chances. Enigma had been born.

With Enigma's 2nd album, The Cross of Changes, Michael Cretu (Engima's mastermind) took a much poppier sound than the previous album, and infused it with ethnic chants from around the world, which resulted in hits such as Return to Innocence and I Love You, I'll Kill You.

Enigma's third album, Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi, marked the 'end of a chapter' to Cretu. Enigma took the elements that made the first two albums so successful, and combined them, while adding in the voice of Cretu himself. This resulted in a more laid back, relxaing, yet captivating 'look at life', says the German composer.

Enigma's latest album, The Screen Behind the Mirror, used samples of Carl Orff's famous opera Carmina Burana, namely O Fortuna, perhaps the most well known work of Orff's. Enigma blended this with slow and fast electronic beats, and gave the songs a bit more of a 'rock edge', to create what is perhaps the best Enigma work to date.

Now, along with the release of a brand new single, Turn Around, Michael Cretu has released Love - Sensuality - Devotion (LSD), a compilation that reflects his 'memory of the future'. Taking from the first four Enigma works 15 tracks, and adding in a new introduction and Turn Around, LSD is a must have for anyone who likes music in general. There is such a wide variety of music in this compilation, yet many people have not heard Enigma before.

This compilation marks the end of the 1st world of Enigma. But Cretu assures as that there will be another world - he won't be out of ideas for a long, long while.

Enigma has never failed to amaze me with their mix of New age, Club, and rock. They are probably the only group who have not put out one bad song in my opinion.

MCMXC had a very dark, Gothic feel. MCMXC to me is probably their best album even to this day after all these years. Sadeness mixed the use of Gregorian Chants, club beat and New Age to create one of the best New Age songs I,ve ever heard.

The follow-up CROSS OF CHANGES was almost completely different with a much brighter sound and less of the Gregorian Chants and instead incorporated some Native American and Maori chants. Return To Innocence is almost totally opposite to Sadeness because Innocence is very sunny where Sadeness was very dark.

LE MOR EST MORT VIVE LE ROI! was like the child of the two previous albums with the brightness of CROSS mixed in with the Gregorian sounds of MCMXC and with some new sounds that resulted in an album with a sort of aquatic sound. Child In Us is the best song on the CD. I almost call it the daytime version of Sadeness.

SCREEN BEHIND THE MIRROR is completely different from CROSS or LE ROI EST MORT. It had a much more sultry industrial medieval sound. I almost compare it more to MCMXC. The title track borrowed the drum loop from Sadeness.

This collection of songs from each of those albums showcases among some of the best works Cretu has ever come up with plus the songs still blend well even though they are from different albums. I never thought Mea Culpa could blend well into Push The Limits.

The big bonus to this CD that makes it stand out so well from other Greatest Hits CDs is the remixing of some of the tracks to give them a totally different feel. TNT for the Brain on it's parent album has a relatively poppish sound. The version on here, The Midnight Man Mix has a much darker, more ambient, sound and sounds far superior to the original. The same goes for Principles of Lust. It's the remixing of some of the hits or singles that makes some greatest hits so wonderful(Madonnas Immaculate Collection is an example).

There are two new tracks, The Landing and Turn Around neither of which catch you immediately like their older stuff.

[This] is a worthy collection. Believe me it's worth owning just for the remix of TNT for the Brain and the whole disc runs at over 76 minutes.

(The path of excess leads to the tower of wisdom. - W. Blake)

I always knew that Enigma was an incredible band I just never knew how much until now. All I owned before this was their latest full-length release "The Screen Behind The Mirror". Almost two years went by before I considered buying something else by them and that's when (to my good fortune) "LSD: Love Sensuality Devotion" came out which contains all of their biggest hits such as "Sadness" and "Return To Innocence", along with new favorites (to me, that is) "T.N.T. For The Brain", "I Love You, I'll Kill You" ... (love the title!) ..., "Principles Of Lust", "Mea Culpa", and "Age Of Loneliness" which has Egyptian sound styling with Middle Eastern singing. (I think...) Other highlights include their brand new song "Turn Around", which has an edgier sound compared to its usual norm, "Gravity Of Love" and "Silence Must Be Heard" which both feature the lush female vocals of Ruth-Ann (which sings in the band Olive), and "Beyond The Invisible" which bares a striking resemblance to the closing song they play in the end of my favorite fantasy movie "Legend". (Watch the movie and then listen to this to understand what I mean...) So if you enjoy gregorian style singing with heavy breathing and words of passion and inspiration amidst subtle, sometimes pounding grooves than Enigma's Greatest Hits compilation is for you. Die-hard fans are recommended to buy this simply for "The Landing" and "Turn Around" while newcomers are recommended to buy this simply because it's the perfect place to start.

Another good thing about this album is how all of the songs blend in seamlessly together, just like they do in their other records. It also ends with a beautifully ethereal song called "The Cross Of Changes" which reminds me of the type of music you'd find on a Elevation (various artists) cd, which I also recommend...

(The soul belongs to GOD but the body belongs to us. - Rasputin)

I'm a huge Enigma fan. I find Enigma's music soothing and comforting to relax too. Although I own all four of their albums, I wanted to buy their greatest hits especially after hearing one of their new songs "Turn Around". I believe that "The Landing" and "Turn Around" are the two new tracks on the cd, or never been released. I particularly dug "Turn Around", such a breath-taking epic. "The Landing" made for a good opening track to lead the listener into this enchanting album. All the well-known tracks on this cd is found such as "Sadeness" and "Return to Innocence". My personal favorite songs were included on this cd such as "Gravity of Love", "Mea Culpa", "Beyond the Invisible", and "Morphing Thru Time". Over 70 minutes long, I was not disappointed in this cd. This cd is great for casual listeners interested in hearing only Enigma's more familiar songs. Definitely one of the best greatest hits compilations ever to be released in my honest opinion.

LOVE SENSUALITY DEVOTION: THE GREATEST HITS by Enigma is just that. I have the first 3 Enigma albums, and have always enjoyed them because each album has familiar elements sonically, but Michael Cretu assembled them with new themes each time.

This compilation includes music from the 4 albums including SCREEN, plus 2 new tracks. The new tracks are OK, but they don't grab the ear as do the other songs. The mix is well done, putting hard-driving rock with more ambient music. One track flows into the next, so it makes for an excellent total listening experience!

Best when you're not doing anything but sitting with your eyes closed taking it all in. I find it relaxing and engaging music...

A fantastic hits collection for anyone...whether you like it loud or soft!!

I've been a fan of Enigma, and of Sandra (wife of Michael Cretu--the creator of Enigma--whose voice is featured in some of the songs) since the 80's. Their music will leave you speechless and transform you to a different state of being. This is very powerful and sensual music. It's very different from anything that you're ever going to hear. It's ultramodern with techno and mysterious sounds from medieval times. The blend of medieval chants by monks coupled with modern techno is absolutely unbelievable. This is not music for the simple "folks"--it's music for your mind. It's not simple to understand and you have to think about it. This is not the simple rock'n'roll easy and very commonplace silly music. This is not for everybody--it's for people who like something to feed their souls with. My favorites are Sadeness (the best song ever from all the music genres--and the video is fabulous--again--you must do some interpreting and thinking to get its message--well, it's enigma--and do you know what enigma means?--exactly), Mea Culpa--you have to understand French and Latin to get the meaning of this---very very powerful), T.N.T. for the brain (very very sexy, and super video--everybody with passion and desire will understand this), and Return to Innocence (the easiest of the songs on the CD---but soooo nice and relaxing). Again, if you like the simple commonplace tunes that anyone can create, then this not for you. If you're more sophisticated, know languages, appreciate the unknown, and have a little bit of passion and sensuality about you, then this should really be wonderful treat for you.

Sugary. Warm. Sensual. Absolutely stunning and by far one of the best greatest hits packages released in recent years, Enigma's "Love, Sensuality, Devotion" is beautifully constructed. Following Enigma's classic tradition of blending songs together seamlessly, this entire album shifts gracefully from one track to the next. Nearly every track is emotionally moving, intense, introspective and rich with melodic orchestrations.

Something about this album struck a chord with me from the very first moment I began my long trek through the impressive track list. I actually purchased "L.S.D." well after its release date. Initially, the only songs I had heard from Enigma were the infamous hits "Return To Innocence" and "Sadeness (Part 1)". For years, I had heard nothing about Enigma. I wasn't even sure if they still existed. After buying "L.S.D." out on a whim while browsing the racks, I came to find that not only is Enigma alive and well, but the `group' mainly consists of almost entirely one man, Michael Cretu. In fact, Enigma isn't even a band or a group, but rather a `project'. `Enigma' is a Greek word, translating into the word `riddle' in English.

Many different artists have worked with Michael Cretu to create the gorgeous musical arrangements heard throughout this greatest hits album. There is nothing dull or filler included: every song has its place, and leaves a mark in ones heart and mind. Moving and inspirational, I like to call this the `ultimate truth' album. You can really find yourself in this music.

"Turn Around": The opening sequence titled "The Landing" opens wide into this catchy and groundbreaking new track. The tribal percussion, rich chords and vocoded vocals bring a whole new meaning to new age music. Throughout the track, Michael Cretu's wife Sandra (whom we often hear in many of the songs) whispers different titles of some of Enigma's best tunes. She has a distinctly soft and sensual tone. A pan flute can be heard, occasionally moving up and down the scale. Beautifully executed and divinely mixed, I tend to repeat this track at least once. 6/5*

"Gravity of Love" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): Samples from the dark and impressive opera Carmina Burana are often used in this track, which is one of my favorites off the entire album. The artist Ruth Ann, who has a beautiful commanding voice, performs the lead vocals: her tone perfectly compliments the portions of the opera heard throughout this track. The electric guitar (heard in the bridge), extremely powerful drums and rich choral voices are breathtaking. Also worth noting is the meaning behind the lyrics in this song. Many of Enigma's tunes have a philosophical background, or are based on Faith and love. This song is no exception, and is one of the most profound and deeply moving lyrical creations I've heard in a long while. It leaves me breathless every time: just beautiful. 6/5

"T.N.T. For The Brain" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): What a great title! It's just perfect for the mind-blowing experience that most of us deal with at one time or another, that being the extreme intensity of love and/or lust. This is one of the many sensual and intriguingly suggestive songs on "L.S.D.". Hand drums, a magical sitar-like instrument, and middle-eastern flavored strings make this track a very enjoyable listen. As the song continues, plucking strings join the ensemble, accompanied by the intense breathing and heavy sighs of Sandra. Adding to the flavor of the track, an electric guitar has its own solo arrangement. This particular arrangement of this song is actually a remix, and though it's spectacular, it's quite long and somewhat repetitive. 6/5

"Modern Crusaders" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): Again sampling Carmina Burana, this is similar to "Gravity of Love", but possesses a more aggressive and demanding quality: it isn't nearly as reflective or easygoing. Much more bold and opinionated, Andru Donalds sings the lead vocals with gusto and conviction. Strictly about standing up for what you believe in and being strong in your beliefs, this song has an impressive guitar solo in the bridge section, followed by a softer section including nearly whispered vocals from Carmina Burana, which then burst out once again to carry the listener back into the commanding beats. The end of the song is fantastic, with a spooky church organ on the last note. 6/5

"Shadows In Silence" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): Strictly an instrumental piece with echoing pianos, light airy percussion, gently sweeping chords and some very muted vocals soaring in the background, this is a piece one might hear in a massage parlor. Everything about it is relaxing and soft, even sweet. Though it's repetitive and there isn't a particularly climactic moment to be found, this song is entirely complete and leaves you feeling very content. 5/5

"Return To Innocence" (from "The Cross of Changes"): I shouldn't have to describe this song: everyone and their dog has heard it. But just in case you've missed out, this is the biggest hit Enigma has ever had, with Tai chanting, strong drumbeats, intense chords, fluttering flutes, underwater sound effects, outer space blips, etc. There is a reason this song was so well received and loved worldwide: it has every element that makes a song great. It's simple, passionate, and it just begs to be turned up loud. This song stands for everything Enigma has always tried to convey. It's very peaceful and insightful, full of positive energy and encouragement. The entrancing vocals are provided by Angel X (Andreas Harde). 6/5

"I Love You...I'll Kill You" (from "The Cross of Changes"): This is a fascinating song. It's very long, but very intense from start to finish. Noteworthy portions are the electric guitar solo, Sandra's spookily whispered vocals and the electronic bagpipe instrument echoing throughout. Michael Cretu's own vocals can be heard shouting in the background as well. Primarily an instrumental tune, it creeps and crawls along as it steadily builds to a heightened intensity several minutes later. Enigma's infamous formula of rich backing chords and strong drums once again works wonders. 5/5

"Principles of Lust" (from "MXMCX a.D."): Enigma's first album is considered by many to be the best of all Enigma albums. This is the first track in which we hear the distinct sound of that album. Jazzier beats, a sensually played flute and brass instruments balance this tune. Sandra whispers `the principles of lust' to the listener, and honestly, this is the single most suggestive song on this album. However, it's tastefully done, and I particularly enjoy the electronic percussion sounds. In the middle of the song, Gregorian chanting appears, also another trademark of Enigma's first album. Sandra sighs heavily repeatedly at the end, but it's far more beautiful than anything Janet Jackson ever did (no offense). 5/5

"Sadeness (Part 1)" (from "MCMXC a.D."): Enigma's other huge hit, this song is still innovative and intriguing to listen to. The musical style is very much the same as the previous track, but this song focuses more on the Gregorian chants, sparkly chimes and more airy synthesizer effects. The concept of this song is along the lines of Madonna's hit "Erotica": it goes along with the pleasure and pain theories. Still, the song is warm and inviting and is considered by many to be Enigma's most romantic song. It is executed beautifully, and hearing the chime arpeggios always makes me think of dripping water. 6/5

"Silence Must Be Heard" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): With water percussion echoes (as I like to call them), this tune opens beautifully and adopts the same intense vibe heard from previous tracks "Gravity of Love" and "Modern Crusaders". It's a little more subdued, but no less insightful. Ruth Ann's vocals are a pleasure to the ears once again. This track is one of my least favorites on the album and I find it to be a tad (dare I saw it) dull compared to most of the other songs. However, it makes a bold statement and the song itself is very well done. 5/5

"Smell Of Desire" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): Several different flutes carry this tune along steadily, and though it's mostly instrumental, operatic chants occasionally peak in from the background. As with other songs from "The Screen Behind The Mirror", an electric guitar makes an appearance. This is a very mysterious song with a whimsical quality. It's quite entrancing with its pulsing electronic beeps. 5/5

"Mea Culpa" (from "MCMXC a.D."): This sounds a bit like a hybrid of "Return To Innocence" and "Sadeness", without the Tai chanting. The beat is stronger and more aggressive, but the gorgeous flute and Gregorian chants still remain. The general pace of this song is much faster than most others here; it sounds like something you could listen to while driving an open freeway in the desert. Sandra's French whispers are particularly lovely. 5/5

"Push The Limits" (from "The Screen Behind The Mirror"): The marching drumbeats of the previous track slowly fade out, and the spooky plucking of this song takes over. This impressed me greatly from the very beginning. The keyboards and drumbeats are absolutely perfect, and the syncopated clapping effects add a whole new dimension of intensity. Operatic singing can be heard behind the faded flute effects. Sandra once again whispers intriguing and thoughtful expressions. The end of this song is a crowning achievement of music: I can't seem to get enough of it. The beat remains commanding, while the sensitivity of the strings balances the act. My only complaint is that this song simply isn't long enough. 6/5

"Beyond The Invisible" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): This is where the album begins to wind down a bit. Michael Cretu himself provides the lead vocals. The beats in this song are very muted, which allows the rich chords and vocal chanting to take center stage. In the middle of the track, a male operatic singer appears, though I'm unsure as to whom it actually is. It sounds a bit like Josh Groban, though I'm sure it's not him. Despite how beautiful this song is, it's one of my least favorites from the album. 5/5

"Age Of Loneliness" (from "The Cross of Changes"): Michael Cretu lends his voice to this track, which makes for an interesting listen. He sings particularly high, which impresses. Sandra also accompanies her husband with her usual wise advice provided no louder than a whisper. I am reminded of "Silence Must Be Heard" when I hear this. 5/5

"Morphing Thru Time" (from "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!"): Very slow, melodic and subdued, I adore this song. There's something captivating about it; something mysterious and inviting. Many layers of singing and chanting are echoed to the max. Without more than a hand drum for percussion, the melodies dominate. Michael's voice is once again present, this time providing an extremely haunting quality to the song. Everything about this track is divine, but the immaculate voices heard throughout deserve the most praise. The operatic singing is simply gorgeous, and there are many moments that catch the listener's attention. This is just fabulous. 6/5

"The Cross Of Changes" (from "The Cross of Changes"): A delicate piano and light wispy chords are what impact the listener most here. Sandra speaks extremely encouraging lyrics. This is the perfect closure for "L.S.D.", as it's somewhat short and it makes a beautiful impression. There's a general effect created of flying or falling gracefully when one listens to this: it makes you feel content. 6/5

This is an album I constantly come back to for encouragement and relaxation. It never ceases to amaze and astound listeners. Music lovers absolutely have to have this collection of hits. Enigma's formula continues to evolve with every album, but each album is consistently great. Since the release of "L.S.D.", Enigma's "Voyageur" hit the market in 2003, and another album is already in the works. Perhaps after several more new projects, we can expect to see another great collection of Enigma hits, hopefully even better than "L.S.D." (if that's possible).

*6/5 reflects an absolutely outstanding piece of work

When Enigma started to sound in Spain I must say I didn't like at all. I hated Sadeness. Now is one of my favourite songs in the history of music. I started apreciating 1 or 2 years later listening to my dad's CD. I rate 4 out from 5 cos there are some changes I would do in the best songs album. As I've read from you, jerry, the 2 songs you like are instrumental and more or less soft, relaxing. 1st cd, MCMXCa.c. has 2 "strong" songs (Principles of lust, which contains Sadeness and Find love, and Mea culpa), 1 intro as every Enigma cd, 3 more relaxing (Callas went away, Knockin on forbidden doors and Rivers of belief) and the other one is like an intro (The voice and the snake).
2nd one, Cross of changes is, perhaps, stronger (Return to innocence, I love you...I'll kill you-which I love-, Silent warrior, Age of loneliness and Out of the deep). There is one long instrumental (Eyes of truth) and 2 short "melodics" (Dream of the dolphin and the cd closing Cross of changes).
3rd, Le roi et mort, vive le roi (King is dead, Life for the King in french). More calm songs (Morphin thru time, Shadows in silence, Almost full moon and Odyssey of the mind), and 3 stronger (Why, TNT for the brain and Roundabout). The other 3 are relaxin I think (the single Beyond the invisible, Child in us and Prism of life).
Finally, The screen behind the mirror: 5 strongs (Push the limits, Gravity of love, Modern crusaders, Camera obscura and Silence must be heard). 5 relaxin (Traces, Screen behind the mirror, Endless quest, Between heart and mind and my favourite Smell of desire).
I think four of them are very similar in that way, maybe second is the strongest and could be worse for you. Try with 1st or 3rd, but if you have the oportunity make yourself a mix with the calmest songs I recomend you: Callas went away, Knockin on forbidden doors, Rivers of belief, Beyond the invisible, Shadows in silence, Almost full moon, Traces, Between mind and heart and Smell of desire. Take into account that there are not breaks between songs in the cd's if you want to mix them. It seems me a bit unfair not to include my 2 favourite songs: Principles of lust (12 minutes) and I love you...I'll kill you (9 minutes). They mix strong and calm passages.
ciao

I have been a long-time fan of Enigma and I have collected all their singles and just about anything else I could find. I bought this expecting to find a format as good as or at least like the other albums, I did not. They have amazed me in the past with wonderful connections from song to song and sequences that are perfect. They could have mixed this album up a bit and made a fantastic long mix of all the tracks. I don't understand why they chose to put the "dance" mix of T.N.T for the Brain on this instead of the single/video version which showcases vocals and sounds much better. The "dance" mix appears on the remix colletion already. They could have put the single/video version of Mea Culpa on here as well and made a perfect blend into Push The Limits (both being my favorite songs) since they are essentially the same song (both sampling the William Orbit mix of Madonna's Justify My Love.) What is the deal with including "I Love You , I'll Kill You", I really love the song but was it really a "HIT"?
Nonetheless, I do appreciate this album since it beats carrying around all their albums for the songs that made me like them.

If you are an Enigma fan you'll enjoy this 18 track cd. This is a very excellent cd in that you can play it and drift into a different world. The different sounds and voices in this album make it very relaxing and calming. I have been an Enigma fan since they came out with their first album " Cross of Changes" and I have enjoyed the music since then. The soft beginning of " The Landing" to the crescendo of "The Silence Must Be Heard" makes for an incrediably powerful must have in your cd collection.