The Cross of Changes Review

It's hard to decide my favorite line on The Cross of Changes, Enigma's latest release, but I think it would have to be a tie between "Man is the dream of the dolphin", from the song of the same name, and the entire song Return to Innocence (my favorite song on the album). For those of you who are familiar with and love Enigma from their outrageous first album (truly a cult classic), run, don't walk to the nearest store and get The Cross of Changes.

OK, I realize that by the time you read this it will probably be old news, but still, this album is way hot. And anyhow, Enigma has such an amazing sound I've decided to coin a name for it, "Spirit Rock." There are a few other groups out there who qualify for that name, but not many. They have to have a great, infectious world beat, raw passion and soul, and something of a distinctly Spiritual nature to say. The Cross of Changes qualifies on ALL counts.

This album encourages me think while I'm dancing my head off, which is quite a trick as far as I'm concerned. Enigma combines sounds and voices in such fresh and utterly unexpected ways that I am surprised and delighted over and over again. I haven't been so excited about a so-called "rock" album in many years, and happily give The Cross of Changes my highest recommendation.

• Look at another Cross of Changes review
• Look at Gavin Stok's Cross of Changes notes