Different Title and Cover...Same Collection
Armando M. Mesa | Chandler, AZ | 04/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Any Sandra/Enigma fan will no doubt be disappointed in finding out that this is basically Sandra's 18 Greatest Hits (1992) repackaged with a different title.Also, cheaper in price compared to the original 18 Greatest Hits collection... The difference between the two is the cover art work and the fact Essential Sandra contains anti-pirating or copying encoding which will not allow music recording enthusiasts to burn a copy of this cd (copy protection). The other disappointment is to not include tracks from her Fading Shades and Wheel of Time c.d. After all, this collection is not titled "great" hits which should have left this open for the record company to play with and be generous...Why the 4 stars and not 5 ? 4 because this is still an acceptable collection of one of Europe's best kept and underrated musical pop secrets...Her voice is not operatic but it is unique, sensual, and unforgettable ! Much of the music is typical 80's dance pop (but, darn, those Germans sure know how to craft and create some catchy stuff)! The average American pop music lover won't be able to differentiate between this German/French beauty's English singing and music from American or British pop/dance music ! The later tracks up until 1992 took on a more Enigma-like atmospheric and ambient sound (more mature material)..."
