A Posteriori by Enigma Virgin Records Us

Product Description: Sixth in a series of never-quite-the-same recordings from Michael Cretu, the Bucharest-born electronic musician/studio wiz known as Enigma, A Posteriori has the capacity to delight one camp of Enigma devotees while it perplexes another. Less overtly sensual than earlier recordings and devoid of female singers in lead-vocalist roles (no Ruth-Ann, no Sandra), A Posteriori nevertheless stands as a worthwhile recording that at its best moments handsomely displays Cretu's talents for effective songcraft and imaginative sound design. The 54-minute disc--an ode to science and discovery rather than brainy erotica--launches with two impressive instrumentals, "Eppur Si Muove" ("and yet it does move," a phrase attributed to Galileo following his heresy conviction for asserting that the earth rotates around the sun) and "Feel Me Heaven," gorgeous tracks that are part audio space probes, part pulsing Euro electronica. Momentum wanes (or chills) until Cretu strings together a series of tracks that use a heady amalgam of ambient, techno, dance, and rock textures: "Hello and Welcome," "20,000 Miles Over the Sea," "Sitting on the Moon," and the dense, edgy "The Alchemist," which evokes notions of a 21st-century version of Ultravox. "Moon" stands out in particular, guided by a subtle pop melody that exudes the gentle irresistibility of Dido's best work. Cretu wisely limits (or eliminates) the use of Gregorian chants and ethnic voices, once-fresh ideas now demoted to gimmickry. He lets his own voice, a raspy take on Peter Gabriel, carry this disc's three vocal-driven tracks to mixed effect. While not everything glitters here, enough does that A Posteriori warrants investigation by earnestly inquisitive Enigma followers. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

5 stars Return to Ambience
As a long time critical listener of Cretu, I rate 'A Posteriori' a success. I enjoyed the return of ambience, airy synth pads, the soothing layered harmonies and familiar leitmotifs from Cretu's repetoire. All taken together to give us another enriching chapter of Enigma.

As always, the vocals are a mixed bag, personally I find Cretu's singing and juevenile "I don't get it" lyrics off-putting, but you may be able to ignore the preaching or you may find it intolerable.

As in MCM (#1) and Le Roi (#3), the album as a whole can be thought of as an entire set-piece of rock-opera. This is where I find Cretu at his most inspired (let's not forget this man is a musical genius with ground breaking instincts).

Most inspired when he is telling a lyrical story intended to be taken all at once, not track by track.

Like all works of art, the effect on the audience is what counts and the Enigma effect is strong and vibrant in A Posteriori. This is very welcome after the lesser "radio optimized" Voyageur experience.

Like you I prefer the mental expansion and release of hearing the true "Voice of Engima" the voice of "music, spirit and meditation" if only for the "next hour".

5 stars Very good, but not with Jens Gad signature
I'd strongly recommend this - especially in light of the voyageur disappointment - its very different, mostly because Jens Gads signature samples and soundscapes are not so dominant, but its clearly still Enigma - Sitting on the Moon is a really nice piece of work, followed closely by Dreaming of Andromeda and The Alchemist - if you're just looking for more stuff like the old Enigma you may be disappointed, but I'm happy to say I think this shows some real growth - can't wait to see what comes next

5 stars Simply awesome!
I have been a long time fan of Enigma and have all of their CDs. I highly recommend this CD to all Enigma fans as well as "beginners" Very sensual music. I keep listening over and over and don't get tired.

5 stars Not a disappointment
My wife gave me this for Valentine's Day a little bit ago. As I was entering into ITunes I listened. I have yet to be disappointed by any of his works. We find that Enigma is the 'sexiest' of the CDs and use it for background mood music sometimes. You can not go wrong with this as a choice, especially if it is a gift for someone special.A Posteriori

5 stars Love Enigma more and more
I've been a huge fan of Enigma for years and have all their CD's. I read reviews for Posteriori before I ordered it and was surprised at the mixed reviews. I will say that in my humble opinion Enigma just keeps getting better and better! They have a very distinct sound and that sound is what I want from them. I don't have to analyze music to death to know that I like it, and that it touches my soul. If the rythyms move me, what more do I need? When I got Voyaguer,I put it in my car CD changer and didn't take it out for a month, and Posteriori will be very much the same. Some people think Enigma should change their sound....if they did, it wouldn't be Enigma. Be thankful they continue to do what they do best.
My only complaint is that it's too long between new CD's. I'd be happy if they could release 2 or more new ones in a year.

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