There are some musical legends that manage to capture your heart and soul, from the very first chord. Enigma is one such artist, his music leaving a lasting impression on listeners long after the song has ended. Enigma has had a long and illustrious career as a musician, with his style of blending new age, electronic, and ambient music together being his distinctive sound. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into Enigma's musical biography, exploring his early beginnings, his most famous albums and songs, and the influences that shaped his sound.
Enigma, born Michael Cretu, is a Romanian-German musician born on May 18th, 1957, in Bucharest, Romania. Cretu began his career in the '70s as a keyboard player, playing for various German bands. In 1983, he became part of the German synth-wave group named Moti Special. In the '80s, he was introduced to Jens Gad, his future collaborator, who was then working as a session musician in a recording studio in Ibizia. The two artists clicked musically and began their collaboration, which led to the creation of Enigma in 1990.
Enigma's first album, MCMXC a.D, released in 1990, was an instant hit worldwide. It went platinum in over 20 countries and remained in the Billboard 200 for 282 weeks. The album was a unique musical experience, blending Gregorian chants, electronic sounds, and sensual beats together, creating a sensation of intense emotions. The album's biggest hits were Sadeness, Principles of Lust, and Mea Culpa. The album was followed by five other studio albums, each further cementing Enigma's status as a musical mastermind.
Enigma's most renowned album, The Cross of Changes, released in 1993, was one of the most successful albums of the decade. It became the highest-selling album in France, Germany, and Switzerland, and contained some of Enigma's most iconic songs like Return to Innocence, The Eyes Of Truth and The Dream of the Dolphin. The album was influenced by Cretu's spiritual belief and featured chants from the Huichol tribe of Mexico and the Norwegian singer Anneli Drecker, adding to the ethnic variety of the album.
Enigma's music is unique and not bound to a specific genre. The unique blend of ambient electronics, Gregorian and Sanskrit chants, along with the often-referenced obsession with themes of love and spirituality, make Enigma's music an experience. Enigma is known to create music that transcends time and space, creating a sense of mystery that invites you to join him on a spiritual journey.
Enigma's music is something that can be enjoyed for generations to come. Cretu's musical style seamlessly merges spirituality and sentimentality into music that is both uplifting and tailored for a higher state of consciousness. His music has garnered fans from around the world and continues to inspire many artists today. His contribution to the music industry is beyond significant, and he remains an inspiration to many musicians and listeners alike. Enigma's music is a reminder that music is more than just a sound, it's an experience.
