It's hard to believe, but in the past decade, Depeche Mode has only released two albums: 1997's Ultra, and 2001's Exciter. Prior to both of those albums was 1993's Songs of Faith and Devotion. I guess DM have been on a four-year release cycle in the 1990s. Well, it's been four years since the release of Exciter, and Depeche Mode's latest, Playing the Angel, is here — finally. It's been worth the wait.…
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26 - JAM
I saw their first show of their tour last night. It was an awsome experience, and Alan Wilder was playing with them!!!!
27 - Rever
I just bought the album, all I can say is that truly, DM is no longer the great band that they used to be. Without a doubt Ultra is the best they could come up after the post Flood and Wilder era.
I've been listening to the album and it's all obvious, music lacks the melody which made them great, the lyrics doesnt move me anymore unlike in the SOFAD album and things aren't just the same without their great producer Alan who all through those years was sitting quietly doing his job, applying the music and all the while we thought DM is about Martin's lyrics.
I wish Alan would be back. This album is just an excuse for the band to tour and it's clear enough. it's just a money venture.
28 - spence
I posted my feelings about this new album a week or so ago. I guess I’m writing this new entry to say that I'm sorry for the comments I made before about how disappointed I was of the new album. I've taken the time to sit and really listen to the new album; and I can say that I'm really starting to enjoy it now. To all the true DM fans I apologize for my comments and say, if you’re having a hard time with some of these new sounds, just take the time to really listen to the music, lyrics, and they will start to really grow on you. DM has had several albums that just take time to really get into them; I guess I forgot since it's been so long since they have released something new.
Like most DM fans will say, the music draws you in; their unique sounds will never go, and will always be the reason DM has been my favorite band for so many years.
Welcome to Salt Lake City DM we love you!!!!
See you Saturday
29 - Vail
I waited a few weeks before I would write a review for Dmode’s latest. With pretty much all their albums, it takes a few listen to fully appreciate the tracks. The only exception to that formula would be Exciter. I don’t consider that a Dmode album. PTA is a step forward no doubt. It brings back the elements that make Dmode great. The one positive that rears itself is the confidence Dave has developed as a song writer and performer. Nothing’s Impossible is a great track, one of my favorites. And while everyone’s harping on Macro from Gore, I like the damn thing. Martin always pushes himself in different directions. I’m sure he knew this song would throw a curve to most of us. Remember, Dmode albums are made for the Dmode fan; the ones that are going to go out and buy the CD the first couple of days. The whole experience is something special between us and them. It has always been that way, and hopefully always will.
This is a great album. Most say the best post Alan. I would say Ultra is probably just as good if not better. Give me another month with PTA and I’ll let you know. Every week there is a different song that grabs me. To sum it all up…welcome back boys!
30 - DM101
This album is the best since Speak and Spell. Or so they say it is.
I think this is the worst post-wilder album. With inconsistent songs, lack of melody, the smooth weave of sounds no longer there. The last song of the album is a slow shocker which never reaches anything else but disappointment.
There are a few decent songs here and there but it's a clear disappointment. The worst song being Macro, Martin sings a song which is beyond his skill to do so.
This album is a mess but at least I'll be able to see DM tour again and hear the old songs live once again.
31 - Buck
I'm very disappointed with this album.
32 - Seattle
I've been listening to DM forever now and I didn't get a chance to listen to the new album before going to the concert. The show was great and hearing the new songs live for the first time was better than listening to the cd first. I really like the new album and was totally thrilled I got to see them live again. I think both were well done.
33 - Linda
Last night I went to the Depeche Mode concert at Madison Sq Garden and all I can say is WOW! I read the reviews of people here who were disappointed with the new album. Initially, it is a shock since it is so different. That is what makes Depeche a great band. They don’t play it safe and stick to what has worked in the past….they evolve and keep it fresh. Madonna has does the same over the years and it works. Once you realize it departs from what you expected, you can open your mind, let the music flow in and evaluate it based on the quality of the stand alone achievement, instead of comparison to the past. I have been a devout fan since 1982 and this was probably the best of their concerts that I have been to. For a band to be around for 25 years, sell out 2 nights at MSG, and give an energetic performance like that was nothing short of incredible. David Gahan was particularly amazing. It is stunning to imagine that the ever handsome David Gahan could possibly be 43 with a body and moves like that…and that voice. He rocked the house, which was a largely 20-something crowd. I found out about the concert long after tickets went on sale, so I was lucky to get some newly released seats after much persistence. Frankly, I was lucky to find out about the concert tour at all since it was not largely publicized. I can only hope that they will add on some new US dates after their overseas leg….and hopefully Philadelphia will be one of the stops!
34 - Lëgion
As a DM fan This album wasn't that great. I give respect for doing it, but took me a while to warm up to it. I give it a 3 out of 5. Martin Vocals cannot hit notes like before. I noiced when I saw him on his mini tour. It somewhat sounds like he has gone gospel. Very ackward, anyways this DM album..infact the last 3 albums would have been great with alan. Didn't like the fact that Martin switched to strings throughout half the set. Only reason I see them live because I know they will always play old songs. Otherwise it wouldn't keep it soo interesting. I hope they don't become like the rolling stones..still making albums in their 60's and keep draggin on..haha..hmm that would be interesting.
35 - Adrique
I think this album a quite a good one, much better than Exciter, but I think not really better than Ultra.
What I didn´t like much was hardcore-Gore-sound of many songs (Macrovision, I Want It All, Damaged People, Darkest Star), even though the songs are not really bad. I liked it (the sound) on Gore´s Counterfeit2, but I don´t appreciate it on this album, it annoys me a bit.
I don´t understand why there´s such a nonsense like Introspectre.
On the other hand, there are many great tracks - Pain That I´m Used To (the beginning of this song reminds me The Dead of The Night), John The Revelator (I guess my no.1 of this album), Sinner In Me, Nothing´s Impossible (sounds very dark) and maybe Lillian (sounds bit like Camouflage´s The Great Commandment).
Other songs are are a little over average.
Resume: not worst, not really great, but maybe a step to the right direction. We´ll see...
36 - Danny
This must be (in my opinion) one of the worst DM album ever!!!
I heard comparissons of PTA and Ultra or Violator... PTA is nothing like those albums!!! The songs are way too complex! They no longer have that flawless like feeling!
SOFAD was, i think, the best DM album ever! Ultra comes very close, i can't get enough of it... and Exciter sucked big time (except for i feel loved, i loveee this song!)! As for PTA... i think it is a little better than Exciter... but far away from the "big" albums from the past!
Now i feel like i'm making miself to like the songs from PTA, but i now know that DM will never be the same, or, as good, as they were when Alan Wilder was with them...
The only songs that are worth listening on PTA (in my opinion) are: Suffer Well (to damn complex! but still, a very good track!), Precious (the only "non-Alan" track on this album that still has "it", that flawless feeling!), John The Revelator (weird sounds... but i think they match the song)!
However, we may have a few plesant suprises from DM in the future...