Return to Innocence
"Return to Innocence" | ||||
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Single by Enigma | ||||
from the album The Cross of Changes | ||||
Released | 1994 | |||
Studio | A.R.T. (Ibiza, Spain) | |||
Genre |
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Length | 4:03 | |||
Label | Virgin | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Michael Cretu | |||
Enigma singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Return to Innocence" on YouTube | ||||
"Return to Innocence" is a song by German musical group Enigma, released in 1994 by Virgin as the lead single from the group's second album, The Cross of Changes (1993). It reached number one in over 10 countries, peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, and entered the top five in several other countries. "Return to Innocence" was the project's biggest hit in the United States, reaching number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Julien Temple directed its accompanying music video, which received heavy rotation on European music channels.
History
The song's melodic and talking vocals in English are provided by Angel X (Andreas Harde), and a short talking vocal by Sandra ("That's not the beginning of the end, that's the return to yourself, the return to innocence"), while an Amis chant ("Weeding and Paddyfield Song No. 1") is repeated, which opens the song. Difang and Igay Duana, from the Amis, were in a cultural exchange program in Paris in 1988 when their performance of the song was recorded by the Maison des Cultures du Monde and later distributed on CD.[1][2] The producer of Enigma, Michael Cretu, later obtained the CD and proceeded to sample it. In addition, the drum beat of the song was sampled from the Led Zeppelin song "When the Levee Breaks", played by John Bonham.[3]
The song was used to promote several types of media in the mid-1990s, including film and TV commercials. In autumn 1994, the song was featured in an episode of the TV show My So-Called Life. In 1995, the song was used as the closing theme in Disney's live-action film Man of the House, as well as in the opening and closing of an Outer Limits episode. In 1996, the song was further popularised when it was used in a television advertisement to promote the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Legal dispute
In March 1998, Difang and Igay sued Cretu, Virgin Records and a number of recording companies for unauthorised use of their song without credit.[4][5] The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money and all further releases of the song were credited (including royalties) to the Duanas.[6] Cretu has stated that he had been led to believe that the recording was in the public domain and that he did not intentionally violate the Duanas' copyright.[7]
Critical reception
Ned Raggett from AllMusic said that "Return to Innocence" is "not quite up there with 'Sadeness' in the popular culture in the U.S. but almost inescapable elsewhere."[8] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that Enigma "resurfaces with a far more accessible, but no less cool pop/hip-hop kicker". He added, "The track's insistent beat is good bait for a song that is chock-full of unusual male chants and breathy female vamping. Somewhere between the two is an irresistible hook and melody that assures much-deserved success at both radio and club level."[9] Troy J. Augusto from Cash Box noted, "Now, experts at the Virgin Records hitmaking laboratory have concocted a new, even more startling scenario: Enigma as hit song-makers! Wild, but true. The life's work of one Michael Cretu, a zealous Romanian attempting to go where no new age musician has gone before. Enigma is threatening to break free of the genre's tacky shackles, making the world safe for ambient artists everywhere."[10] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report called it "a haunting production that won't go by unnoticed".[11]
Jonathan Riggs from Idolator commented, "If all of human existence across time were a movie, 'Return to Innocence' is the song that should play over the end credits." He added, "'Return to Innocence' was then and remains now universally epic, instantly recognizable, largely incomprehensible and endlessly moving. Like us. Like life."[12] Alan Jones from Music Week described it as a "mysterious new collage of sounds" and "a haunting and well-constructed piece that sets ethnic-sounding emoting and softly spoken phrases against a dance beat and a swirl of soft synth sounds". He stated, "Satisfying and unique."[13] James Hamilton from the magazine's RM Dance Update declared it as a "slinkily atmospheric rolling sombre 0-88-0bpm Euro smash".[14] John Kilgo from The Network Forty deemed it a "melodramatic chant".[15] Charles Aaron for Entertainment Weekly noted, "group mastermind Michael Cretu replaces his familiar monkish chants (1991's hit 'Sadeness') with aboriginal croons, but the entrancing, mid-tempo groove remains, along with loopy female whispers."[16] Richard Paton from Toledo Blade said that the song "captures that melange of sounds, the intensity of the beat, and the wafting vocals and chant".[17]
Music video
English film, documentary and music video director Julien Temple directed the accompanying music video for "Return to Innocence", which depicts a man's life in reverse, starting with him dying and ending with his baptism as a baby.[18] It received heavy rotation on MTV Europe[19] and was A-listed on Germany's VIVA.[20]
Track listings
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Charts
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Germany (BVMI)[78] | Gold | 250,000^ |
New Zealand (RMNZ)[79] | Gold | 5,000* |
Norway (IFPI Norway)[80] | Gold | |
United Kingdom (BPI)[81] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[83] | Gold | 500,000[82] |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Europe | 4 January 1994 | — | Virgin | [citation needed] |
United Kingdom | 17 January 1994 |
| [84] | |
Japan | 16 February 1994 | Maxi-CD | Virgin Japan | [85] |
7 December 1994 | Mini-CD | [86] |
References
- ^ "Taiwan Couple Sue Enigma for Vocals". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 11 May 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
- ^ Tan, Shzr Ee (2008). "Returning to and from "Innocence": Taiwan Aboriginal Recordings". The Journal of American Folklore. 121 (480). jstor.org: 222–235. doi:10.1353/jaf.0.0005. JSTOR 20487599. S2CID 153601866.
- ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r198552
- ^ Channel News Asia (28 March 1998). "Taiwan Aborigines Sue Enigma, Music Companies". Archived from the original on 27 October 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Channel News Asia. - ^ Craig Rosen (4 March 1999). Enigma Sued By Aboriginal Couple Over Song Rights. LAUNCHcast.
- ^ Richard F. Roper (23 June 1999). Taiwanese Settle Lawsuit Claiming Their Original Composition Was Stolen; They Will Now Set Up Foundation. Business Wire.
- ^ http://www.geocities.com/enigmalair/rtiarticle5.html RTI Article (archived), EnigmaLair, Geocities.com
- ^ Raggett, Ned. "Enigma – The Cross of Changes". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
- ^ Flick, Larry (26 February 1994). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
- ^ Augusto, Troy J. (5 March 1994). "Pop Singles: Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. p. 12. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ Sholin, Dave (11 February 1994). "Gavin Picks: Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 46. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ Riggs, Jonathan (20 November 2014). "The 50 Best Pop Singles Of 1994 (Featuring New Interviews With Ace Of Base, TLC, Lisa Loeb, Real McCoy & Haddaway)". Idolator. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ^ Jones, Alan (22 January 1994). "Market Preview: Mainstream - Singles - Pick of the Week" (PDF). Music Week. p. 12. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Hamilton, James (5 February 1994). "Dj directory" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 7. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ Kilgo, John (10 June 1994). "Mainstream: Music Meeting" (PDF). The Network Forty. p. 22. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
- ^ Aaron, Charles (18 February 1994). "The Cross of Changes". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
- ^ Paton, Richard (13 March 1994). "SOUNDS: "THE CROSS OF CHANGES" Enigma". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- ^ "Enigma - Return To Innocence (Official Video)". YouTube. 10 March 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
- ^ "Station Reports > MTV Europe/London" (PDF). Music & Media. 5 February 1994. p. 29. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
- ^ "Station Reports > VIVA TV/Cologne" (PDF). Music & Media. 5 February 1994. p. 29. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
- ^ Return to Innocence (European CD single liner notes). Enigma. Virgin Records. 1994. DINSE 123.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Enigma. Virgin Records. 1994. DINS 123.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (UK cassette single sleeve). Enigma. Virgin Records. 1994. DINSC 123.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (US cassette single sleeve). Enigma. Charisma Records. 1994. 4KM-38423.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (Australian cassette single sleeve). Enigma. Virgin Records. 1994. 8921974.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (UK CD single liner notes). Enigma. Virgin Records. 1994. DINSD 123.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (Australian CD single liner notes). Enigma. Virgin Records. 1994. 8923262.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ リターン・トゥ・イノセンス (Japanese maxi-CD single liner notes). Enigma. Virgin Japan. 1994. VJCP-12015.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Enigma. Virgin Records. 1994. DINST 123.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (US 12-inch single sleeve). Enigma. Charisma Records. 1994. Y-14122.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Return to Innocence (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Enigma. Charisma Records. 1994. V25H-38423.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ リターン・トゥ・イノセンス (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). Enigma. Virgin Japan. 1994. VJDP-10239.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2442." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 2446." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
- ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 11, no. 9. 26 February 1994. p. 16. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 26 February 1994. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
- ^ "Adult Contemporary Europe Top 25" (PDF). Music & Media. 2 April 1994. p. 25. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 978-951-1-21053-5.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence" (in French). Les classement single.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
- ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (17.02.1994 – 23.02.1994)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 17 February 1994. p. 20. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Return to Innocence". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 4 June 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Enigma".
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 9, 1994" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence". Top 40 Singles.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence". VG-lista.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence". Singles Top 100.
- ^ "Enigma – Return to Innocence". Swiss Singles Chart.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 29 January 1994. p. 26. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 7 May 1994. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "Hot Adult Contemporary". Billboard. Vol. 106, no. 23. 4 June 1994. p. 128.
- ^ "Alternative Airplay". Billboard. 9 April 1994. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "Pop Airplay". Billboard. 28 May 1994. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "Rhythmic Airplay". Billboard. 21 May 1994. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ * Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
- ^ "Jahreshitparade Singles 1994" (in German). Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1994" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1994". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. 12 December 1994. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "1994 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 11, no. 52. 24 December 1994. p. 12. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
- ^ "Border Breakers" (PDF). Music & Media. 24 December 1994. p. 8. Retrieved 27 May 2022 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Tops de L'année | Top Singles 1994" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Top 100 Singles - Jahrescharts 1994" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Árslistinn 1994". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 2 January 1995. p. 16. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Jaarlijsten 1994" (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Archived from the original on 2 November 2003. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1994" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "End of Year Charts 1994". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Årslista Singlar, 1994" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1994" (in German). Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Top 100 Singles 1994". Music Week. 14 January 1995. p. 9.
- ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1994". Retrieved 27 August 2010.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Enigma; 'Return to Innocence')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Enigma – Return to Innocence". Recorded Music NZ.
- ^ "IFPI Norsk platebransje Trofeer 1993–2011" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway.
- ^ "British single certifications – Enigma – Return to Innocence". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
- ^ "Best-Selling Records of 1994". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 3. BPI Communications. 21 January 1995. p. 57. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ^ "American single certifications – Enigma – Return to Innocence". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "Single Releases". Music Week. 15 January 1994. pp. 20–21.
- ^ "ラジオ・エディット | エニグマ" [Radio Edit | Enigma] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- ^ "リターン・トゥ・イノセンス | エニグマ" [Return to Innocence | Enigma] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
External links
- v
- t
- e
- David Fairstein
- Frank Peterson
- Sandra Cretu
- Louisa Stanley
- Peter Cornelius
- Jens Gad
- Andreas Harde
- Ruth-Ann Boyle
- Andru Donalds
- Elizabeth Houghton
- Love, Sensuality, Devotion: The Greatest Hits
- The Platinum Collection
- Love, Sensuality, Devotion: The Remix Collection
- "Sadeness (Part I)"
- "Mea Culpa (Part II)"
- "Principles of Lust"
- "The Rivers of Belief"
- "Carly's Song"
- "Return to Innocence"
- "The Eyes of Truth"
- "Age of Loneliness"
- "Out from the Deep"
- "Beyond the Invisible"
- "T.N.T. for the Brain"
- "Gravity of Love"
- "Push the Limits"
- "Turn Around"
- "Voyageur"
- "Following the Sun"
- "Hello and Welcome"
- Eppur si muove (EP)
- "La puerta del Cielo / Seven Lives"
- "MMX (The Social Song)"
- Trilogy
- 15 Years After
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