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THE REVIEW
1980-2005: the Depeche Mode celebrate this significant anniversary with the release of an album.
With "Playing The Angel" the group returns after four years of silence, during which fans thought Dave Gahan & Co. had exhausted their creativity, given the results of "Exciter," an album decidedly below standard compared to previous ones.
The album opens with "A Pain That I'm Used To," featuring one of the most devastating intros in music history. 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. "John The Revelator" confirms a return in great style, a danceable track where synthesizers and distorters are dusted off and used with the carefree attitude of a twenty-year-old.
"Suffer Well" is a great track written by the group's leader, for the first time in Depeche Mode's entire career. The sound takes us back to the late '80s.
"The Sinner In Me" on the other hand begins to move you and, with a final burst of energy, chaotic and bold, leads to a masterpiece of the trio's entire discography: "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. For the first time on this album, we hear Martin Gore's voice in "Macro," a more obsessive piece compared to the preceding ones, with sounds that characterized them in "Ultra," the 1997 album.
"I Want It All" and "Nothing's Impossible" are written by singer Gahan, but they differ greatly: the first is very slow, characterized by the use of only synthesizers, whereas in the second the leader demonstrates he is very skilled at writing songs as well as singing and interpreting them like only he can. "Introspective" breaks the pace for less than two minutes, "Damaged People," a song that, besides being in pure DM style, also recalls other pioneers of European electronic music like Air.
"Lilian" is very catchy. The album could have ended here. Unfortunately, there are twelve tracks, so here comes the never-ending and floating "The Darkest Dark."
Certainly a bewildering album for everyone, given the precedents of "Exciter." Will it be the swan song? Let's hope not...
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Summary by Bot
Playing The Angel marks a strong return for Depeche Mode after a quiet four years following a less successful album. The critic highlights tracks like 'A Pain That I'm Used To' and 'Precious' as reminiscent of the band’s golden years. The album blends melancholic synths, energetic danceable tracks, and showcases songwriting contributions from Dave Gahan. Despite a less impressive final track, the album is seen as a revitalization of their sound and creativity.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 Boris
"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."
"DM have conceived an album worthy of their best works, capable of synthesizing 25 years of music as only a few bands can do."
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.
