Platinum Collection [Best of]

This album took me by surprise. I had no idea it even existed before randomly walking into a record store and running into it. Needless to say, I had to have it. This very reasonably-priced box set contains 3 discs. The first disc is their second greatest hits collection, the second is an impressive collection of remixes, and the third is a disc of sound bites from Enigma mastermind Michael Cretu. The aim of this compilation seems to be the appeasement of casual Enigma fans, as their prior box set, 15 Years After, was as extraordinary as it was expensive and bulky. The album's artwork, both inside and out, is identical to that box set. Pity, because Cretu could've gotten very creative with some original artwork. Still, it doesn't detract from the quality of this set.

Disc 1 basically consists of all their officially-released singles, save for "The Eyes of Truth", "Hello and Welcome" and "The Same Parents". Unlike 2001's greatest hits package, LoveSensualityDevotion, this one is ONLY the hits. The songs are presented chronologically (a rarity nowadays) and in their full radio-edit glory, and for the first time presented as separate and un-joined songs. Hardcore Enigma fans may be put off by not including the originals, but in my humble opinion, this compilation works well as a showcase of the songs that put Enigma where they are today. Also missing from this compilation is any semblance of their sixth album, A Posteriori. However, seeing as there were no official singles from that album, one can see why the canceled single release "Goodbye Milky Way" is missing. One really great aspect of this disc, however, are the songs from the first album, MCMXC a.D. This album is unique in that three of its four singles were released as remixes rather than the album versions, and I'm glad to say that they are presented as such here. This includes the sensational "Orthodox Version" of the second single, "Mea Culpa", which is worth the price of admission alone. Previously available only in the music video and the CD single for the song (long out of print), it's nice to finally see it on an Enigma compilation. As the album moves from the first album to the last, it's refreshing to hear how Enigma has evolved. Five stars for this disc alone.

Disc 2 is a remix collection. Michael Cretu has always been fond of his remixes, and this time he's done Enigma proud in this respect. Enigma's last remix compilation was somewhat lacking, but this time around, with the inclusion of post 2001 albums, the collection seems complete. And this time, it's the last album, Seven Lives Many Faces, that's missing from this disc. Still, it's a great companion to the hits presented in the first disc.

Disc 3 is called The Lost Ones. The title is misleading, however, as these eleven untitled songs aren't really songs at all, let alone true Enigma songs. They're merely ideas, as stated by Cretu in the linear notes. Each song has sound effect, synth effect or other tidbit, and the rest of the song revolves around that idea. Cretu states the point of this is to basically see how an idea of a song begins, which may lead to a "hit song". It's a curious choice for a man who once stated he'd never release incomplete or inadequate material, but these sound bites are intriguing. Some are good, some are bad, but at this point the third disc is just gravy.

Overall, this is a modest little collection from Michael Cretu to the world. At $24, it's a steal, and well worth a listen for anyone who's already a fan, or for anyone who wants to hear some of the best ambient electronica-infused songs of the last 20 years.

I couldn't wait to get this collection. Yes, I knew what was on it when I bought it and after listening to it...I missed the fiery sound of the originals. All the hits are there, Sadeness, the Gravity of Love, both by Enigma and the other artists. Yet, I felt like I was listening to a different Enigma, a more distant, cerebral (?!) Enigma. These were not quite the songs that had grabbed me over the past two decades and this set would not be the first place I would go to introduce someone to the sound of this pioneering band. However, the tribute bands exploded with some of the songs, louder, lustier, fresh. The "Lost" CD could be from another band, all ambient, few highs and lows, mellow for reading, meditating. Overall this is an okay collection for fans but the old material, sounds old, and the new material will be different from what you are used to expecting from Enigma.

Enigma has really intrigued me over the years. The music never gets old. Probably due to the complexity of sounds and ever-changing feel with each new CD. I appreciate collections like this to get new listeners interested in an artist they might not otherwise be exposed to. Sometimes "greatest hits" or "best of" fall short of expectations. This CD with its expanded 3rd disc is a treat for fans and newcomers. Highly recommended!!

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