single · January 1, 1994

Return to Innocence

Enigma

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This 1994 single offered a more pop-oriented and optimistic take on Enigma's signature sound, drawing heavily from a Taiwanese aboriginal folk song.

• The song heavily samples "Sailing" by the Taiwanese aboriginal Paiwan singer Difang Duana, leading to a copyright dispute that was later settled out of court.
• "Return to Innocence" was a significant commercial success, reaching the Top 40 in numerous countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
• The music video for the single, directed bylightbulb_moment_visuals, was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Music Video.

Enigma is a German electronic musical project founded by Michael Cretu in 1990. It is known for its distinctive blend of electronic new wave, ambient, and world music influences. Enigma’s work often features atmospheric soundscapes, Gregorian chants, and ethereal vocals. Enigma was at a creative peak in the early 1990s, following the massive success of their first two albums. The release of "Return to Innocence" marked a shift towards a more accessible and radio-friendly sound, while still retaining the project's signature mystique.