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THE REVIEW
We were afraid we would never hear them again under the name "Depeche Mode", yet here they are again. After a solo album each and numerous collaborations, they have returned stronger than ever. After exchanging all sorts of harsh words, the two main members of the band, Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, decided to make peace for the sake of everyone. This time, Gahan is equally credited as Gore (demonstrating his great form confirmed by his latest solo album and subsequent tour). And the result is evident. "Playing the Angel" seems to be a synthesis of two distinct periods of DM: those of the early '80s and those of the late '80s and early '90s. Indeed, the album sounds a lot like "Violator" but also like some of their early songs: Doesn't the start of "Suffer Well" remind you of a slowed-down "New Life"? The entire record sounds very DM and is saturated with a certain darkness and sadness (The sinner in me, macrovision, nothing's possible
), confirming that certain dark times experienced by Gahan and company during the '90s are hard to erase.
The album opens with "A Pain That I'm Used To", which contains the same siren you can hear in "The Dead Of Night" (from Exciter), leading to a total distortion of electronics, sirens, and flashes in the middle of the chorus. Here Gahan seems very comfortable, with a command and composure of voice worthy of a "Perfect Jesus". "John The Perelator" is an electronic blues destined for the hit parade, very immediate and catchy. Gahan's influence continues to be felt in "Suffer Well", the first of three tracks written by him, which seems a mix of past tracks with a nostalgic chorus. "The Sinner In Me" is a synth prayer in "Barrel Of A Gun" style, and what about "Precious", the quintessential DM song, a perfect single, with Gahan's passionate voice telling us about a love that's ended: Things get damaged Things get broken I thought we’d managed But words left unspoken
. "Macrovision" is a pioneering piece sung by Gore, which sounds like it came from a David Sylvian or Brian Eno album. A track in line with his latest solo work, which, unsurprisingly, paid homage to Eno with a dark and cold version of "By This River". The album continues, slowing the pace a bit, moving from a slow "I Want It All" to a poignant "Nothing's Possible" with dark, acid synths that convey sadness and nostalgia. After an instrumental "introspective" track, it transitions to an intense piece like "Damage People", perhaps the most beautiful ballad of the album, once again sung by Gore. The album concludes with "Lilian", which tells us about a femme fatale who enjoys breaking hearts and inspiring perfect songs, and "The Darkest Star", an ideal closing track that brings to mind concepts of despair, abandonment, and pain.
In the end, DM have conceived an album worthy of their best works, capable of synthesizing 25 years of music as only a few bands can do.
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Summary by Bot
Playing The Angel marks a triumphant return for Depeche Mode, combining their early 80s sound with the late 80s and 90s era. The album highlights the restored creative balance between Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, showcasing dark, emotional, and expertly crafted synth-based songs. Key tracks like 'Suffer Well' and 'Precious' reveal nostalgic yet fresh approaches, while the album’s overall mood is saturated with melancholy and introspection, defining their signature style.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music group formed in Basildon in 1980, led by Dave Gahan and Martin Gore. They built a global audience with synth‑based albums and large-scale tours and remain influential in synth‑pop and alternative electronic music.110 Reviews
Other reviews
By AR (Anonima Recensori)
The first notes of the new work announce a return to the origins, a balanced piece that is at the same time simple and brilliant.
Honoring the mysterious charm that still envelops this immortal band and its devotees even after 25 years.
By ma3x
Once the CD was put in the CD player, I shut up (which for some is really an event...).
It’s rough, dirty just right (probably the hard covers from various Manson types added a bit of spice)...
By Torre Ste
"The first track must capture the listener’s attention, and this song succeeds completely, marking a return to the golden years of the group’s sound."
"‘Precious’ is somewhat the new ‘Enjoy The Silence,’ with the same bite, the same melancholy, the same minimalism, yet at the same time as bright as few."
By Giordyboy
"PAIN AND SUFFERING IN VARIOUS TEMPOS" perfectly summarizes the album.
"Perhaps it’s one of the most beautiful Depeche Mode songs ever."
By slyde81
Without much astonishment, we move to the following and more convincing John The Revelator, where we magically go back in time, to the periods of Violator or even Music For The Masses.
This comeback can never be compared to gems like Violator or Songs Of Faith And Devotion, perhaps it’s even a tad below Ultra, but the three survivors still have something to say.
