Mea Culpa first appeared on MCMXC (Roman numerals for 1990), Enigma's debut album.
[align=center]
[/align]
The album mainly centers the personal conflicts of Religion vs. Sexuality while mainly featuring Gregorian chants (Symbolizing the religios side), and Sanda Cretu's breathy french vocals (Symbolizing the erotic, sexual side).
The album went platinum in 25 countries, and stayed on Billboard Top 200 Albums for over 5 years, and on UK top 200 Album Charts for more than 184 weeks!
Controversy surrounded the music in the album for both its religious and sexual overtones, particularly the first three singles. The video clip for "Principles of Lust" was banned from MTV and most TV stations, who were also unwilling to play the music videos for "Sadeness (Part I)". The album itself was banned in several countries because of that same reason, while critics have slammed the songs in the album as blasphemous. Nevertheless, the popularity of the album shot up to number one in at least 24 different countries in where it was released, reaching gold and platinum status.
Mea Culpa was the 4th track on that album.
The phrase "Mea Culpa" is latin for "It's my fault", which symbolizes the feelings of guilt from a woman's point of view, lusting after a man she desires. "Many people think that she is lusting after a religious figure, such as a priest or even the "Enigma monk." The lyrics translated from French to English are about an individual's obsession and overpowering temptation into the world of forbidden love and passion;Only the best of lustful intentions ! I guess some things do sound better in French...
The song begins with sounds of rain and church bells, followed by sounds of marching battle drums. "Kyrie Eleison" chant appears predominantly in it. Alongside, Sandra Cretu (Micheal Cretu's wife) adds to the track the erotic french vocals, which get echoed by the heavy Gregorian Chanting.
Track also features a killer guitar solo and sensual 'shakuhaji' flute flowing smoothely with the driving, intense beats.
[align=center]
[/align]
Due to popularity of this track, it got a release on its own, with its own remixes, Fading Shades Mix, Orthodox Mix, and theCatholic Version, which is the Original remix featured on MCMXC. In addition, Fading Shades Mix got an appearance on MCMXC, The Limited Edition . Mea Cupla Part II was released on EMI/Virgin Label.
Each remix of Mea Culpa would definitely not disappoint! All three tracks are layered with sensual vocals and music. Fading Shades is a bit more ambient compared to Catholic Version, while the Orthodox Mix would definitely be classified as the most seductive with even more focus on the breaths and vocals, and slower beats than the other two versions!
Mea Culpa Part II (1991)
01. Mea Culpa Part II (Fading Shades Mix) [6:17]
02. Mea Culpa Part II (Orthodox Mix) [4:01]
03. Mea Culpa Part II (Catholic Version) [3:56]
Check out the tracks in the videos below. I am sure most of you recognize them!
Videos
[align=center]Lyrics
Je ne dors plus
(the time has come)
.
Je te desire
(the time has come)
.
Prends moi
Je suis a toi
Mea culpa
.
Je veux aller au bout de me fantasmes
Je sais que cest interdit
Je suis folle. je mabandonne
.
Mea culpa
.
Je suis la et ailleurs
Je nai plus rien
Je deviens folle
Je mabandonne
.
Mea culpa
.
Je ne dors plus
Je te desire
Prends moi
Je suis a toi
.
Je suis la et ailleurs
Je veux tout
Quand tu veux
Comme tu veux
.
Mea culpa[/align]
