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Depeche Mode - Playing the Angel
- Dave Gahan’s unique and gifted vocals, the brilliant lyricist Martin Gore, and Andy Fletcher--- whose amazing talent lies more in the management of the band, while occasionally playing the keyboards live, are the faces and the sounds of Depeche Mode.
Depeche Mode has been a staple in my music collection since the 80’s. I’ve listened to their creatively synthesized alternative/pop sound including those found on “Music for the Masses” “Black Celebration” “Songs of Faith & Devotion,” “Ultra”, and “Exciter”--- to what I believe to have been their most accomplished sounding and personal contribution with their classic 1990 release of “Violator.”
Depeche Mode’s new album “Playing the Angel” is undeniably Depeche Mode---true to their famous roots, yet, at the same time, experimental with other artistic sounds. Dave Gahan also wrote three of the tracks (3, 7 & 8) and Depeche Mode’s music is not only infectious; it’s spellbinding, dark, intelligent, moving, and they’re downright visionaries to their craft!
“Precious” is, without a doubt, one of the most haunting and beautiful sounding tracks on the album. If you’ve never heard of Depeche Mode, this is the song that’ll introduce you to their amazing style. And for all the Depeche Mode fans already under their spell, you knew from the first beat, the first word, that “precious” is one of Depeche Mode’s greatest songs---ever.
“A Pain That I’m Used To” comes in at a close second…a very close second, and it’ll bombard you with its pure electronic fuel---and its escalating guitar and drumbeats! I already doubt its position on my list.
“John The Revelator” in two words…Amen and Halleluiah! This song is fierce on energy and kick-ass attitude! It takes off like a bat out of hell---and continues to burn, until the song is over---unless, of course, you have it on repeat! The song was inspired by the traditional work of the same name.
“I Want It All” a love song that carried itself with the strange, but pretty sounds, of hypnotic space melodies and other wonderful oddities, surrounded around the heartfelt lyrics, and the passionate and romantic side of Dave Gahan’s voice. It’s a beautiful and impressive song.
“Lilian” is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time about a heartless woman spreading her wicked ways on men---and loving every minute that she does! The song will hook in you… fast…and it’ll take you on an ultra-cool and stylish ride.
“Nothing’s Impossible” I found this song to be mesmerizing and inspiring, and, I liked how Dave’s voice sounded in this---it’s lower, than usual, and the feelings he sung about were strongly heard and felt.
“The Sinner In Me” is lusciously dark and moody; with a killer sound only Depeche Mode could famously create.
“Macro” is very alluring with its lyrics, music, and especially during the chorus.
“Suffer Well” I really like this song because of its catchy beat, and if you listen closely---you’ll hear just the slightest bit of “Behind The Wheel.” But it’s so much more, than that little ghost that got inside this song; it has a great vibe, lyrics, and Dave’s voice is so amazing.
“The Darkest Star” is a very dark, slow moving song, giving off eerie sounds and big chants throughout. It's also the longest song clocking in at 6:55.
“Damaged People” a peculiar song---with some freaky sounding music, and provocative lyrics.
“Introspectre” is a short instrumental, leaning more towards a creepier and spacey sound. Interesting though.
“Playing the Angel”---Depeche Mode’s deepest, darkest, most artistic, and mature work to date.
Reviewer: Lynda Dale MacLean
new
Reviewer's Rating: 9
Reader's Rating: 9.90
Reader's Votes: 24
Added: 22-Oct-2005
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