The Cross of Changes (1993) is the second studio album by the German musical project Enigma, led and produced by Michael Cretu. Recorded at A.R.T. Studios in Ibiza, the album integrates ethnic chants and ambient textures, sampling global music and evolving Enigma’s signature contemplative sound.
Background & Release
Following the massive success of MCMXC a.D., Cretu recorded this follow-up in 1993, sampling artists like U2, Genesis, and Black Sabbath. It debuted at #1 in the UK and peaked at #9 on the US Billboard 200, selling over two million copies in the US alone.
Track List
- Second Chapter
- The Eyes of Truth
- Return to Innocence
- I Love You… I’ll Kill You
- Silent Warrior
- The Dream of the Dolphin
- Age of Loneliness (Carly’s Song)
- Out from the Deep
- The Cross of Changes
Singles & Reception
- Return to Innocence – Lead single; reached #1 in over 10 countries and #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- The Eyes of Truth – Gained international success for its distinctive Mongolian throat singing samples.
- Age of Loneliness and Out from the Deep – Additional singles that followed the album release.
Legacy & Influence
The album’s fusion of global samples, layered ambiance, and electronic production influenced many spiritual-fusion artists such as Era, Lesiëm, and the Costa Rican project Shinnobu. It remains a seminal work in the evolution of new‑age and ambient-pop music.