Sadeness (Part I) by Enigma: Song Facts & Video

Album/collection: The Platinum Collection
Genre: Pop
iTunes release date: January 1, 1990
Track runtime: 4:20

October 14, 2026

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About the Song

"Sadeness (Part I)" is a song by German musical project Enigma, released in October 1990 by Virgin Records as the lead single from their first album MCMXC a.D. (1990). It was written by Michael Cretu, Fabrice Cuitad and Frank Peterson, and produced by the last. The song features a French lyric whispered by Cretu's then-wife Sandra and became an international hit, reaching number one in 14 countries. In the United States it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on both the Dance Club Play and 12-inch Singles Sales charts. Its accompanying music video was directed by Michel Guimbard, featuring a scribe dreaming of wandering into The Gates of Hell. A sequel to the song, "Sadeness (Part II)", featuring Anggun, was released on Enigma's eighth studio album, The Fall of a Rebel Angel (2016).

Meaning Behind the Lyrics

The lyrics of "Sadeness Part I" can be read as an exploration of the duality of human emotions, intertwining themes of love, desire, and melancholy. For many listeners, the song evokes a sense of mystique, drawing from its rich blend of ethereal soundscapes and whispered verses. The presence of French lyrics in a haunting delivery adds to its exotic allure, enhancing its introspective quality. The imagery of wandering into realms of darkness may symbolize a quest for understanding one's inner struggles, inviting reflection on the complexities of passion and the struggle between light and shadow.

Did You Know?

Enigma is a German musical project founded in 1990 by Romanian-German musician and producer Michael Cretu.
Cretu had released several solo records, collaborating with various artists, and produced albums for his then-wife, German pop singer Sandra, before he conceived the idea of a new-age, worldbeat project.