by Ned Raggett
A slightly fallow period for Almond's more high-profile releases began with Enchanted, an ultimately flawed attempt to build on his more mainstream success with The Stars We Are. Crucially, keyboardist and co-songwriter Hogan, who had been Almond's longest musical partner ever, starting with the first solo record in 1982, had departed, while La Magia ceased to exist as a musical entity. McGee remained to provide orchestral arrangements, which give the album some zest, while the subject matter is still Almond's own, tales of &Waifs and Strays,& a &Toreador In the Rain,& and &Orpheus in Red Velvet.& This said, the album ends up as just too anonymous to truly succeed -- Bob Kraushaar's production this time out seems much more concerned at creating slick-Europop as opposed to the distinct blend of styles that Marc usually pursues. There are a couple of solid winners nonetheless, like the perversely jaunty &Death's Diary& and &A Lover Spurned,& a dramatic tale of vengeance from the other woman. Regardless, this is possibly Marc's most disappointing release overall.