Artist: Enigma Album: A posteriori

Year: 2006
Duration: 53:41

Unraveling the Intricacies of Enigma's Album: A Posteriori

Enigma, a music project led by Michael Cretu, has been mesmerizing listeners with its unique blend of new age, ambient, and electronic music for over three decades. Their eighth studio album, A posteriori, released in 2006, is a testament to their pioneering sound. In this critical review, we will take a closer look at the music style of the album, its most innovative parts, the best songs, and of course, a critical analysis.

A posteriori is a departure from Enigma's earlier albums, especially their debut, MCMXC a.D. The music is more experimental and intricate, with Michael Cretu layering various sounds and instruments to create a complex soundscape. This album is a great representation of Cinematic New Age music, as each piece feels like it is telling a story, with different themes and emotions.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of distorted guitar riffs, something not typical of Enigma's earlier works. Cretu uses these riffs to accentuate and drive the songs forward, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The heavy use of cinematics is also a prominent feature of A posteriori, with Cretu using various soundscapes to immerse the listener in a specific environment.

The best songs of the album are Eppur Si Muove, Goodbye Milky Way, and Dreaming of Andromeda. Eppur Si Muove is a fast-paced piece featuring the famous quote by Galileo Galilei, with an undercurrent of string section, making it an exceptionally powerful experience. Goodbye Milky Way starts delicately, with smooth vocals by Andru Donalds but grows into a monumental crescendo, making it a powerful anthem. Dreaming of Andromeda, the album's longest piece, is a masterpiece in its own right. It encapsulates the listener, with the use of slowed-down vocals and ethereal sounds to create a meditative yet intensively emotional experience.

The album's critical analysis leads us to the fact that, despite the innovative use of guitars and cinematics, the musical structure remains rather stagnant. There is a noticeable lack of creativity when it comes to the structure of each piece, with most following a predictable pattern. Additionally, A posteriori is not an album that would attract listeners looking for more conventional songs; it caters more to fans of ambient, electronic, new age, and experimental music.

In conclusion, A posteriori is a statement of Enigma's innovative and unique approach to music. With its blending of various sounds and instruments, coupled with the immersive use of cinematics and distorted guitar riffs, the album is a sensory experience. Though its musical structure may feel stagnant, the overall effect is of transcendence and euphoria. It is a must-listen for fans of the genre, but would be a challenging listen for those seeking conventional music.