Post by Dark Star on Apr 14, 2024 14:30:29 GMT
Depeche Mode are an English band that is best known for their dark, almost gothic synth-pop sound that has had a massive influence on alternative music. Initially a quintet, time and circumstances have whittled them down to the duo of lead vocalist Dave Gahan and guitarist / main songwriter Martin L. Gore.
Under the direction of Vince Clarke, Depeche started out with a brighter, poppier sound than the more ominous sound they'd become known for, as evidenced by their first hit, "Just Can't Get Enough." After Clarke's departure, Gore took over as the band's main songwriter and lyricist, delving into an edgier sound that touched on topics of sex, religion, emotional vulnerability and geo-political strife. Combined with the musical and production instincts of Alan Wilder, their signature sound came into full fruition with 1986's landmark Black Celebration.
1987's Music for the Masses brought them further success, anchored by signature hits "Never Let Me Down Again" and "Strangelove," as well as fan favorites like "Behind the Wheel." Their increasing popularity was documented on the live album and film 101.
Their commercial success grew exponentially with 1990's Violator, which saw them adapt a more mainstream sound while not losing the darker qualities that defined their music; "Personal Jesus," "Enjoy the Silence" and "Policy of Truth" all became major hits for the band worldwide, including the United States.
1993's Songs of Faith and Devotion was also wildly successful, but increasing tensions in the band stemming from Dave Gahan's heroin addiction forced out Wilder in 1995. After Gahan got clean, the band forged on as a trio of him, Gore and Andrew Fletcher, releasing 1997's moody Ultra, which did not spawn quite as many big hits but was widely acclaimed for its incorporation of moder production techniques while maintainng the qualities of their earlier music.
The trio lineup of Depeche Mode remained intact until 2022, when Flether passed away suddenly. His death resulted in 2023's excellent Memento Mori, an album full of meditations on aging and death, as well as a very successful tour.
While many fans debate the band's future, Depeche show no signs of losing their creativity or influence.
Top 10 Albums
1. Violator (1990)
2. Songs Of Faith And Devotion (1993)
3. Black Celebration (1986)
4. Ultra (1997)
5. Music For The Masses (1987)
6. Memento Mori (2023)
7. Playing The Angel (2006)
8. Some Great Reward (1984)
9. Construction Time Again (1983)
10. Sounds Of The Universe (2009)
Top 10 Songs
1. Enjoy The Silence
2. Never Let Me Down Again
3. Personal Jesus
4. Stripped
5. Shake The Disease
6. Everything Counts
7. Home
8. Somebody
9. Policy Of Truth
10. Just Can't Get Enough
* These lists are solely my own and not based on any objective ranking.