Depeche Mode
Exciter

THE REVIEW

With "Exciter," Depeche Mode celebrate twenty years of career. Much water has passed under the bridges: we've gone from the dance of their beginnings, to electronics, to a darker style, to approaching rock. All this without forgetting member departures, overdoses, alcoholism, and a suicide attempt that alarmed millions of fans. But in 2001, they were still here, fortunately. However, we notice that the sound has changed once again. The vaguely dark melodies that had made their success for about ten years have been set aside in favor of sunny and light arrangements; the massive use of synthesizers accompanied by guitars used masterfully (we mention, for example, "Personal Jesus") takes a back seat in favor of minimal electronics (with the exception of "Dead of Night").

It's quite amusing to observe how fans were rather baffled by this album, so far from its predecessors, while on the other hand, people who had never been infected by the "Depeche disease" find it quite interesting. I invite you to do a survey with your friends: for example, "Freelove" never convinced me, but I can tell you that a friend of mine doesn't mind it. But let's move on to the actual review.

The album opens with the single "Dream On", a sort of manifesto of the album, and we can then pause on "Shine": a song, perhaps a bit too slow but enjoyable. In "The Sweetest Condition", Dave sings very intensely in contrast to "When The Body Speaks" (a whine based on an annoying little guitar). Fortunately, "Dead Of Night" arrives!: I believe that for many it is one of the best songs on the album, probably because it harks back to the old sounds, so dear to fans. It is followed by an instrumental interlude ("Lovetheme") and then "Freelove", a song not worthy of being the central track of the album. "Comatose", I find it useless while "I Feel Loved", may not be phenomenal, but it constitutes an interesting pause that makes us vibrate in anticipation of "Breathe": I very much appreciate the lyrics, but "why is it sung by Gore?" "Easy Tiger" is another instrumental track that prepares for "I Am You", a song I consider the second-best on the entire album. We have thus observed an album not truly special, but all in all drinkable; unfortunately "Goodnight Lovers" closes it: slowness, repetitiveness, and lack of vitality are its characteristic traits.

In summary, I would be lying if I said it is my favorite album and that I am proud of my boys from Basildon; however, I recommend the CD to enjoy "Dead Of Night", which is definitely worth listening to.