The Cross of Changes

This CD is an excellent follow-up to Enigma's debut album, "MCMXC a.D." Even though this disc was released in 1994, many people still seem to recognize the lead single from it, "Return to Innocence." I posted a 5-star review of "MCMXC a.D." here on Amazon just a few days ago, and "The Cross Of Changes" is every bit just as awesome and original as its predecessor.1.) Second Chapter - As usual for an early Enigma CD, the first track on this disc serves as an introduction to the album. As its name suggests, this album can be considered as the second chapter to Enigma's story. Toward the very end of this track, the same Frenchwoman from Enigma's previous record whispers in her typical, erotic tone, "We came out from the deep to help and understand... but not to kill. It will take many lives until we succeed... to clear the debts of many, many hundred years..."2.) The Eyes of Truth - Virtually an instrumental track, with the exception of the Frenchwoman's whispers of, "The eyes of truth are always watching you..." Clocking in at over 7 minutes long, this track consists of mainly Mongolian and/or Native American chants, Enigma's trademark Japanese flutes, as well as a breakdown in the middle of the track (complete with an 808 drum kit, playing in the background).3.) Return to Innocence - This is the most well-known track from this CD, and one of Enigma's most well-known singles. The Taiwanese chanting of this track is very mesmerizing and hypnotic. If you've only heard Enigma through the tracks on "MCMXC a.D.", this particular track will grab your attention as it has more of a soft-rock vibe, compared to the mostly electronic style of Enigma's first record. My favorite line from this track is, "This is not the beginning of the end... it's the return to yourself; the return to innocence."4.) I Love You ... I'll Kill You - A very chilling track indeed, as its name might suggest. Clocking in at 8:52, it also happens to be the lengthiest song on this particular album. As with "Mea Culpa" from "MCMXC a.D.", Enigma takes another sample from a song by Black Sabbath. The sample used in this song is the harmonica from their track "The Wizard." My favorite part of this track is at around the 5:00 mark, when an electric guitar starts to scream, adding to the general rock vibe of this record.5.) Silent Warrior - This track tells the tragic story of the mistreatment of Native American peoples by the American government -- the lyrics of this song are somewhat political. Its beat is both tribal and electronic at the same time, if there is, in fact, such a thing. This is probably Enigma's saddest song to date.6.) The Dream of the Dolphin - Beautiful track. Its beauty is only eclipsed by that of "The Child In Us" from Enigma's third record, "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!" Perhaps what unleashes its full beauty is the line, "Man is the dream of the dolphin."7.) "Age of Loneliness (Carly's Song)" - If you've ever seen the movie "Silver," you will likely recognize this song, as it was played during a scene in that film. Personally, I have never seen "Silver," but that's beside the point. This track has a similar Mongolian chant to that of "The Eyes of Truth." The beat is also very sensual and erotic, if somewhat naughty, even.8.) Out from the Deep - I'm not saying I dislike this track, but it's not particularly my favorite on this CD. It seems like this album's weakest point -- however, I do enjoy the rock beat and the electric guitar riff played towards this song's end. The reason why I feel that this is the weak point of "The Cross of Changes" is because it sounds depressing, not to mention my opinion that the male vocals in this track are a bit too raspy for my tastes.9.) The Cross of Changes - "If you understand, or if you don't... if you believe, or if you doubt... there's a universal justice, and the eyes of truth... are always watching you." Those are the only lyrics in this song. It serves as an outro to this album, and is simply a moving, beautiful piece of music.There's not much else to say about "The Cross of Changes." It you're into trendy pop and bubblegum music, don't buy this album, but if you consider yourself a hipster/indie kind of person, do yourself a favor and buy this record. As far as this reviewer is concerned, you probably won't regret your purchase. I don't give out 5-star reviews lightly, but this album, like everything else Enigma has released, has definitely earned my respect, and a place in my heart as one of the best albums of all time.

What can I say other then this is 1 of the most underrated artists of all time. Veary spirtul music thats great to smoke herbs to, play while watching a fish tank in a dark room or to have sex to. Great background music while drinking wine with a beautiful woman and talking. This is most likely veary openminded people with a love for nature. This isnt justin beaver, ladygaga or 50cent! This is a real artist not a gimmick to make money of your standard human/sheep that fallows the herd. This is music for people that think for them selfs and have some real cultur. Most people probly wont appreciate it like I do, you eather love enigma and think there the best or you just dont feel it, hit or miss. Theres nothing OK about this group its A+ or F even if you thought they where ok a month later you would think there the greatiest, this group will grow on ya if you dont right away love or hate them. This is my fav album of theres with 3 of my fav enigma songs ( age of loneliness)(out from the deep) and ( The eyes of truth) All of there songs and albums that I have heard our good but I think this album is the best

The Cross of Changes is full of great music but in truth just one of the songs alone is worth the price of admission. The song "I love you... I'll kill you" is incredible in terms of its lyrics, the song as a whole, and it's incredible guitar work. Gather some good speakers and drive them with some serious watts and be prepared to be blown away by this song. I can think of no other song as compelling in its warning as to the perils of getting involved with someone with a borderline personality disorder. If that person has a drug problem or ever threatens/assaults you, break off the relationship and do not go back no back no matter what their plead might be. Otherwise, you are on the road to hell.

If you like Loreena McKennitt or Afro-Celt Sound System you'll probably like this. I like those a lot and really like this album. The use of Native American music with a New Age-y sound works really well. The message is a little hackneyed: Evil white Christian men come in and destroy beautiful peaceful Natives who live in perfect harmony with nature because the dolphins are looking out for them. (Seriously, that's in here too). Westerners who came to this land did do a lot of bad things, and much of it in the name of God. But it wasn't paradise here before we showed up, either. I recommend "Nicholas Black Elk: Medicine Man, Missionary, Mystic" for a more nuanced treatment of the subject. If the content isn't problematic for you, or if you agree with it, this is a great album. I listen to it regularly.

THEIR WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FIRST CD, HOWEVER, THE SELLER SENT ANOTHERONE WHICH WORKED GREAT AND I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MY FIRST REVIEW TO THIS REVIEW, THE CD HAD ALL OF THE GREAT SONGS IN IT THAT I REALLY LIKED, THE REFLECTION OF THE NATIVE AMERICANS I REALLY LOVED BECAUSE I'VE ALWAYS FELT WITHOUT THEIR AID TO THE FIRST SETTLERS, WE WOULD HAVE NEVER BECOME A NATION AND FOR THAT REASON, I FEEL THAT WE OWE THE NATIVE AMERICANS A GREAT DEAL OF GATITUDE WHICH I DON'T FEEL THAT WAS EVER GIVEN TO THEY AND THAT IS WHY I REALLY LIKED THE NATIVE AMERICAN REFLECTIONS ON THIS CD.

That's amazing we have a chance to listen to this immortal music today in this beautiful vinyl edition - one of the best new-age/ambient/electronic music ever! I was just 14 years old when it was released in 1993, and "Return to innocence" indeed was the song of the year, along with Ase of Base's "All that she wants". So much good memories come along.

I was looking for this single cd long time ago. I could not find it anywhere. I looked on Amazon and waoooo this is the one album that I was always looking for. Its so great and so magnificent. It really take you to another world if that is what you want. I do recommend this one to any person that is trying to get some relax time and want to bring some memories back.