Depeche Mode was founded in 1980 by a group of musicians from Basildon, England, at a period when the British new wave was picking up steam. The band was founded by Andy Fletcher, Vince Clarke, and Dave Gahan. During the beginning of the band’s career, Clarke left.
Martin Gore offered to take on the duties of the band’s songwriter. The three used their unique talents to produce an electronic sound that hasn’t changed over the past forty years.
They released a total of fourteen studio albums, each of which was deemed to have varying degrees of success depending on who you questioned. The numerous reader reviews—both positive and negative—have been tabulated and are presented below in order of preference, from least to most positive.
1. Violator
Even if some people disagree, “Violator” has been deemed to be the best album ever released by Depeche Mode. As a result, it has been crowned the winner.
This is the record that served as the basis for a fruitful tour for promotion, and it attracted the attention of people all over the world. It has a variety of popular songs, such as “Clean,” “World in My Eyes,” and the monumental “Enjoy the Silence,” amongst others.
Another one of its top tunes is titled “Policy of Truth,” however the album doesn’t have any terrible songs overall. “Violator,” which was released by Depeche Mode in 1990, is the band’s best-selling album of all time.
2. Black Celebration
The fifth studio album by Depeche Mode, “Black Celebration,” was released in 1986. The band’s sound changed with the publication of this album; it was darker, more atmospheric, and more intricate than their previous works.
The title track of the album is a dark, melancholy gem of synth-pop, while additional highlights include the haunting “Fly on the Windscreen” and the throbbing “A Question of Time.” The lyrics on the album explore darker topics like death, loss, and isolation.
Despite its dismal tone, “Black Celebration” got positive reviews from both critics and fans, and it contributed to Depeche Mode’s reputation as one of the most forward-thinking and significant electronic bands of the 1980s. It is now regarded as a genre classic and a pivotal album in the band’s repertoire.
3. Songs of Faith and Devotion
Depeche Mode’s eighth studio album, “Songs of Faith and Devotion,” was released in 1993. With the addition of live instruments including guitars, drums, and horns as well as more organic and bluesy aspects, the album represented a further development in the band’s sound.
The album contains a number of top-charting songs, such as “I Feel You,” “Walking in My Shoes,” and “In Your Room.” With lyrics examining love, addiction, and the challenges of celebrity, the album’s themes are likewise more introspective and intimate.
“Songs of Faith and Devotion” was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful album, gaining accolades for its avant-garde sound and lyrics despite the band’s turbulent personal lives and difficulties with drug addiction throughout the album’s recording. It reached the top ten in several countries.
It is regarded as a seminal album in Depeche Mode’s repertoire and a turning point in the development of electronic music today.
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4. Some Great Rewards
The fourth studio album by Depeche Mode, “Some Great Reward,” was released in 1984. Some of the band’s most recognizable songs, such as “People Are People,” “Master and Servant,” and “Blasphemous Rumours,” are included on the album.
The album represents a change in Depeche Mode’s sound, adding more electronic and industrial elements while keeping their distinctive synthpop approach. Themes of power relations, social and political difficulties, and personal hardships are also explored in the songs.
A critical and financial triumph, “Some Great Reward” received plaudits for its avant-garde sound and lyricism and peaked in the top ten in a number of nations. It is now regarded as a classic of the synthpop and new wave genres as well as a landmark album in the discography of Depeche Mode.
5. Music For The Masses
The sixth studio album by Depeche Mode, “Music for the Masses,” was released in 1987. The band’s sound continued to develop with the release of this album, which added more industrial and alternative rock elements while keeping its distinctive electronic and synthpop sound.
Some of Depeche Mode’s most well-known tracks, such as “Strangelove,” “Never Let Me Down Again,” and “Behind the Wheel,” are included on the album. Additionally, themes of social and personal estrangement, governmental and religious tyranny, and the pursuit of spiritual satisfaction were all addressed in the songs.
A critical and economic triumph, “Music for the Masses” received accolades for its unique sound and songwriting and peaked in the top ten in a number of nations. It continues to be considered a classic album in the genre and contributed to Depeche Mode becoming one of the most important and innovative electronic bands of the 1980s.
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6. Playing The Angel
The year 2005 saw the release of “Playing The Angel.” You can thank Dav Gahan for any difference in the song’s quality that you may have noticed and attribute it to him.
The guitar and vocals are on par, and Gore contributes “Precious” to the mix. The collection includes songs with insightful lyrics about life and the people we care about, as well as insights into the personal lives of the band members.
The album has an intimate and contemporary vibe, which allows it to connect with a wider audience of listeners who are able to identify with its honesty.
7. Spirit
Depeche Mode’s “Spirit,” their fourteenth studio album, was published in 2017. The band’s politically charged themes made a comeback on the album, which touched on topics including Brexit, governmental corruption, and the refugee crisis.
Songs like “Where’s the Revolution,” “Cover Me,” and “Going Backwards,” which all speak to social and political turmoil and urge action and change, are included on the CD. The band’s music has continued to develop on the record, integrating contemporary electronic and industrial elements.
Critics generally gave “Spirit” positive reviews and commended the band’s capacity to stay current and politically active after more than three decades in the music business. It helped Depeche Mode maintain its position as one of the most influential and forward-thinking electronic bands of all time after debuting at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart.
8. Delta Machine
The 2013 release of Depeche Mode’s 13th studio album, “Delta Machine,” was. The band’s pursuit of moodier and more atmospheric soundscapes, which included elements of blues, rock, and industrial music, continued with the release of this album.
Songs like “Heaven,” “Soothe My Soul,” and “Broken,” which address themes of love, desire, and personal struggle, are among those on the album. Additionally, the lyrics discuss spirituality and faith, which have been reoccurring topics throughout Depeche Mode’s discography.
The album’s moody and atmospheric atmosphere, as well as the band’s continued relevance and originality after more than three decades in the music business, were hailed by critics who gave “Delta Machine” mostly positive reviews.
It helped Depeche Mode establish itself as one of the most enduring and significant electronic bands of all time after debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart.
9. Sounds of the Universe
The 12th studio album by the English electronic band Depeche Mode is titled “Sounds of the Universe.” Produced by Ben Hillier, it was made available in 2009. The 13 tracks on the album explore many electronic music genres, such as synthpop, industrial, and alternative rock.
The album debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and number three on the US Billboard 200. Music critics gave it largely favorable reviews. There were various singles that came from it, such as “Wrong,” “Peace,” and “Fragile Tension / Hole to Feed.”
After numerous albums that had garnered less favorable reviews, many fans and critics believe that “Sounds of the Universe” represents a return to form for Depeche Mode. The band’s skill in fusing catchy synth tunes with darker, moodier lyrics and noises is on full display in this album.
In conclusion, “Sounds of the Universe” is a solid contribution to Depeche Mode’s career and is still well-liked and influential among listeners of electronic music.
10. Speak and Spell
The upbeat lyrics and catchy synth-pop melodies of “Speak and Spell” contrast with the more somber topics and musical styles that would come to define the band’s later work. Hit tracks including “New Life,” “Just Can’t Get Enough,” and “Dreaming of Me” are featured on the album.
Despite the band’s economic success, “Speak and Spell” got conflicting reviews from critics who questioned its long-term viability. However, among Depeche Mode fans, the album is still regarded as a cult classic and a crucial record of the early synth-pop genre.
Overall, “Speak and Spell” is a lighthearted and positive album that displays the band’s early forays into electronic music while also establishing their distinct sound and aesthetic.