Enigma's debut album, ‘MCMXC a.D.’, was released in 1990 and is considered a classic of the new age and ambient music genres. The album was hugely successful, reaching the top 10 in many countries and selling over 15 million copies worldwide.
‘MCMXC a.D.’ features a unique blend of Gregorian chants, electronic beats, and atmospheric sounds, creating a mystical and hypnotic atmosphere. The album's hit single "Sadeness (Part I)" became an international sensation and topped the charts in many countries.
Enigma, led by German musician Michael Cretu, continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, building a loyal fanbase with their signature sound. ‘MCMXC a.D.’ remains a landmark album in the history of electronic music and a classic of the genre.
For many people, ‘MCMXC a.D.’ represented a departure from the mainstream music of the time. The 1990s were a time of change and experimentation in the music industry, with new technologies and genres emerging, and MCMXC a.D. was at the forefront of this movement. The album's use of Gregorian chants was particularly groundbreaking, as it fused traditional religious music with modern electronic beats in a way that had never been heard before.
One of the standout tracks on the album was "Sadeness (Part I)", which became an international sensation and topped the charts in many countries. The song's use of Gregorian chants, coupled with its sensual and mysterious lyrics, captured the attention of listeners and helped to propel the album to commercial success.
The album's success was also due in part to its cinematic quality. The atmospheric sounds and ethereal melodies created a sense of drama and emotion that was akin to a film soundtrack. The album's opening track, "The Voice of Enigma", sets the tone for the entire album, with its spoken-word introduction and haunting soundscapes.
‘MCMXC a.D.’ was also notable for its use of sampling and electronic manipulation. The album's producer, Michael Cretu, used a variety of techniques to create the album's unique sound, including sampling sounds from films and other sources, as well as using electronic manipulation to create new sounds and textures.
For many listeners, ‘MCMXC a.D.’ represented a new kind of music that broke down traditional barriers between genres and cultures. The album's fusion of different styles and sounds created a sense of universality that transcended cultural boundaries and appealed to a wide range of listeners.
At the same time, the album's use of religious and spiritual themes also spoke to a deeper sense of meaning and purpose for many listeners. The album's title, ‘MCMXC a.D.’, references the year 1990 in Roman numerals, but it also suggests a connection to ancient history and a timeless quality that transcends the present moment.
For some listeners,‘MCMXC a.D.’ may have represented a kind of spiritual awakening or a way of connecting to something larger than themselves. The album's use of Gregorian chants and religious imagery created a sense of reverence and awe that was unlike anything else in contemporary music.