Michael Cretu is the magician behind the melodies of Enigma. Apart from his six albums, Cretu has worked with musicians from all over the globe. His music is a balance of three elements- melody, voice and rhythm.

Many thought he’d copied Deep Forest and vice – versa, as both bands made their debut in1990. People recognized their music, but no one really knew who they were for they never feature in the videos they make.

This seventh offering has 12 pieces where he has transported the listener to another world. While his earlier work used Gregorian chants to contrast laid back club rhythms, this time the album takes a new turn and has more string arrangements, clubbed with drum and percussions.

Being a one man unit, Cretu has done the album with his own ideas, and has also included his twin sons contributing on The same parents an anti racist song. Other standouts would be La Puerta Del Cielo coming on with good vocals and Seven Lies which is a blend of contemporary and classical beats rolled together and reminds one of his famous track Sadeness.

The spellbinding drums, keyboards and jungle instruments are eerie and sometimes strange. The final cut The Language of Sound is a going back to the roots of music and showing that music has no barriers.

Cretu hasn’t left his usual trademark sound and infact has included Bronx hip – hop beats and the London Symphony Orchestra on select pieces. At the first listen you may not got hooked, but a second careful listen would reveal a great package of World Music which is sure to get you hooked.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira