Elemental

***Elemental*** is the second solo studio album by Lashardian singer Era. It was released on 5 August 2005 through Cyclops Records.

All of the songs on the album were written and produced solely by Era. The album has been described by Era as "eclectic Lashpop", but critics have noted heavy influences from a wide range of genres such as electronic, world, classical, punk, and folk.

*Elemental* received critical acclaim following its release, with many critics complimenting Era's writing. The album debuted at number-one on the Lashardian albums chart, and was certified 4x platinum in Era's home country. It was also a large success abroad, peaking at number-one in four other countries, in addition to reaching the top three in three additional ones.

The first single released from the album, "I Feel Invincible", became Era's signature song and first Asmatys-wide hit; while the second single "Army of Love" reached number-two in Lashardia. The album's third, fourth, and fifth singles, "Winterheart", "Black Out", and "Whispers", all peaked at number-one in Lashardia.

Following its release, *Elemental* certified Era as a musical icon, becoming the best-selling album of 2005 in both Lashardia, and all of Asmatys.

## Background and composition

Following the success of Era's debut solo album, *The Dominatrix*, in 2001, she began work on her followup album in 2002. She purchased a small cabin in Palsland equipped with a recording studio, where she lived for two years working on new music. Although initially expecting to collaborate with other songwriters and producers, Era wrote and produced every song on the album by herself in the cabin's recording studio.

A concept album, the album is split into four parts, each embodying an element; earth, water, fire, and air. Each part contains four songs with similar styles and themes. The earth section is categorized by tribal beats, world music influences, and powerful lyrics. The water section is categorized by stringed instruments, slow tempos, vulnerable lyrics, and a classical sound. The fire section is categorized by electronic influences, synthesizers, lyrics about empowerment, and dance music. The air section is categorized by wind instruments, dark lyrical themes, a capella influences, and new age music.

## Singles

The album's lead single, "I Feel Invincible", was released on 31 December 2004, and became one of the most successful singles of 2005. It reached the number-one position in Lashardia, Adoriam, Consensum, Pesa, and Zakharia, in addition to reaching number-two in Sodrax, Illuminata Maxima, Rentusca, and Mockingtopia. It has since become Era's signature song. The second single, "Army of Love", was released on 18 March 2005. It peaked at number-two on the Lashardian singles chart. The third, fourth, and fifth singles released; "Winterheart", "Black Out", and "Whispers", all peaked at number-one in Lashardia.

## Reception

### Critical

*Elemental* received critical acclaim from music critics, with many complimenting Era's writing. On *Lasdimösikala*, the album has an overall rating of 90%, citing "extremely positive reviews". Many critics lauded the water section of the album, and "Winterheart" was noted as being one of the standout tracks of the album along with the lead single, "I Feel Invincible".

### Commercial

*Elemental* debuted at number-one on the Lashardian albums chart, and was certified 4x platinum in her home country for sales of over 200,000 units. It held the top position on the chart for twelve consecutive weeks, before dropping to number-six in its thirteenth, and out of the top ten in its fourteenth.

The album was also a success abroad, reaching the number-one position in Adoriam, Consensum, Pesa, and Zakharia, in addition to peaking within the top ten in Sodrax, Illuminata Maxima, Rentusca, and Mockingtopia. The album was certified 5x platinum in Pesa, 4x platinum in Adoriam, and 2x platinum in Consensum.

## Charts and certifications

### Yearly charts

 Zakharia *(ZZM)* | 9

 Pesa *(PRI)* | 57

### Certifications

 Consensum *(PRC)* | 2x platinum
 Lashardia *(LRI)* | 4x platinum
 Pesa *(PRI)* | 5x platinum

## Release history

List of regions, release dates, showing formats, and label