Enigma – MCMXC a.D. (1990): The Revolutionary New Age Debut


Artist
Enigma
Album: MCMXC a.D.
Genre: New Age
Year: 1990

Tracklist

I. The Voice of Enigma

II. Principles of Lust

A. Sadeness
B. Find Love
C. Sadeness (Reprise)

III. Callas Went Away

IV. Mea Culpa

V. The Voice & The Snake

VI. Knocking on Forbidden Doors

VII. Back to the Rivers of Belief
A. Way to Eternity
B. Hallelujah
C. The Rivers of Belief



Enigma – MCMXC a.D. (1990): The Revolutionary New Age Debut

Introduction

Released in 1990, MCMXC a.D. is the debut album by the German musical project Enigma, founded by Michael Cretu. Known for pioneering the New Age, ambient, and electronic music fusion, the album combines Gregorian chants, ethereal synthesizers, and modern beats, creating a mystical and cinematic soundscape.

Featuring the iconic single “Sadeness (Part I),” the album became a global sensation, influencing a generation of electronic and ambient artists while popularizing Gregorian chant-inspired music in pop culture.

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Enigma in 1990: A New Musical Frontier

By 1990, electronic music was evolving, and Michael Cretu sought to blend spiritual and sensual elements into a commercial album. MCMXC a.D. was innovative, integrating:

  • Gregorian chants sampled from 16th-century recordings

  • Ambient synthesizer textures

  • Modern drum machines and electronic beats

This fusion of ancient and modern appealed to listeners worldwide, establishing Enigma as a trailblazer in New Age and electronic pop.

About MCMXC a.D. (1990)

Album Overview

MCMXC a.D. is a concept album exploring spirituality, sensuality, and introspection. Its signature sound combines:

  • Gregorian chants for a sacred, ethereal feel

  • Electronic beats and synthesizers for modernity

  • Spoken word and whispered vocals adding mystique and intimacy

Key tracks include:

  • “Sadeness (Part I)” – Breakthrough single, combining chant and sensual whispers, #1 worldwide

  • “Mea Culpa (Part II)” – Follow-up hit blending ambient and electronic layers

  • “Principles of Lust” – Multi-part suite exploring erotic and spiritual themes

  • “The Voice of Enigma” – Spoken word interludes creating atmosphere

  • “Credo” – Upbeat and melodic chant-infused track

The album flows as a mystical journey, merging religious motifs with contemporary music production.

Tracklist

MCMXC a.D. (1990) – Official Tracklist

  1. The Voice of Enigma (Intro)

  2. Principles of Lust: Sadeness / Find Love / Sadeness (Reprise)

  3. Mea Culpa (Part II)

  4. Mea Culpa (Part I)

  5. Principles of Lust: Shadows in Silence / Mea Culpa / Sadeness (Reprise)

  6. Callas Went Away

  7. Back to the Rivers of Belief

  8. Mea Culpa (Remix/Instrumental)

  9. Credo

  10. Sadeness (Part II)

The album is carefully sequenced to create a cinematic and immersive listening experience, blending sensuality, spirituality, and ambient soundscapes.

Musical Style and Themes

  • Genres: New Age, ambient, electronic, worldbeat

  • Themes: Spirituality, sensuality, introspection, mysticism

  • Production Style: Synthesizers, drum machines, Gregorian chant samples, whispered vocals

Enigma’s layered production was revolutionary, establishing Gregorian chant and electronic fusion as a commercially successful style.

Fun Facts & Trivia

  • “Sadeness (Part I)” topped charts in over 14 countries, including the UK, Germany, and France.

  • Michael Cretu created Enigma as a one-man project, handling production, instrumentation, and conceptual design.

  • The album’s blend of chant, sensuality, and electronic music was initially controversial but became highly influential.

  • MCMXC a.D. sold over 8 million copies worldwide, cementing Enigma’s status as a global phenomenon.

  • The album inspired several sequels, establishing a long-running series of Enigma albums over the next decades.

Commercial Performance and Grossing

  • Billboard 200: Peaked at #53 in the US

  • International Charts: #1 in Germany, Switzerland, and several European countries

  • Singles:

    • “Sadeness (Part I)” – #1 in multiple countries, top 10 in US Dance charts

    • “Mea Culpa (Part II)” – International Top 10

  • Sales: Over 8 million copies worldwide, achieving Platinum certifications in multiple countries

The album’s commercial success proved that New Age and ambient music could achieve mainstream appeal.

Why MCMXC a.D. Still Matters

Genre Innovation

MCMXC a.D. pioneered the fusion of Gregorian chant and electronic music, influencing artists like Enya, Era, and Delerium.

Timeless Atmosphere

The album’s cinematic and immersive production remains relevant, inspiring soundtrack and ambient music producers decades later.

Global Impact

The success of MCMXC a.D. demonstrated that experimental electronic music could reach international audiences, paving the way for future projects in the genre.

Final Thoughts

Enigma’s MCMXC a.D. (1990) is a groundbreaking debut that merged ancient chants, sensual vocals, and electronic production to create a timeless New Age classic. With hits like “Sadeness (Part I)” and its cinematic track sequencing, the album remains essential listening for fans of ambient, electronic, and spiritual-inspired music. It is a landmark in the history of modern electronic and New Age music.

Meta Description

Discover Enigma’s MCMXC a.D. (1990), the groundbreaking New Age album featuring “Sadeness (Part I)” and Gregorian chant-inspired electronic music. Full tracklist, fun facts, and sales info included.

Keywords

  • Enigma MCMXC a.D. 1990

  • Enigma debut album

  • Sadeness Part I

  • MCMXC a.D. tracklist

  • Enigma New Age music

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