Depeche Mode
Songs Of Faith And Devotion

THE REVIEW

Released three years after the landmark Violator, Songs Of Faith And Devotion is certainly the most challenging album by Depeche Mode. It’s 1993 and the band is at the peak of success. Millions of copies sold, concerts, interviews, various appearances. All of this inevitably, as often happens, presents a very steep price to pay. Their leader Dave Gahan falls into a psychological crisis fueled by heroin (in the summer of '96, he even attempts suicide in a Los Angeles hotel), but it affects the entire group. Consequently, the album sounds dark, menacing, oppressive, but above all much more "rock" and less electronic than the previous ones. However, this does not compromise the quality at all, which remains very good. Indeed, these dark atmospheres add allure to their sound, dragging the listener into a claustrophobic environment. In short, the crisis is there, and you can "feel" it.

The opening is entrusted to the hypnotic riff of "I Feel You". Gahan’s voice is beautiful: abrasive, full-bodied, seductive. It’s in its full maturity. The sonic impact is remarkable, with violent blasts of electric guitar igniting the hammering rhythm of the drums. Depeche had never sounded so "powerful". The confirmation of this change is found in the following "Walking In My Shoes" (an English expression meaning "try to put yourself in my shoes"), in which Gahan expresses all his feelings of dissatisfaction, claiming understanding, compassion. The song is beautiful, hypnotic, alienating, and represents one of the artistic peaks of the British group.
"Condemnation" is a gospel that leaves one a bit puzzled upon first listen. Simple and honestly a bit banal, it nevertheless has the merit of revealing, as if there were any need, Gahan’s great vocal skills, as well as being damn catchy, sticking in your head from the first listen.
With "Mercy In You" we return to the underlying theme of unrest in the album. Mechanical rhythm, incendiary guitar, and sparse electronics create a carpet for the frontman’s sultry voice.
The masterpiece of the album resides in the sixth track. A drum machine that seems to emulate the beat of a hastily heart accompanied by distant arcane noises... the piece takes shape on its own, evoking an extraordinary sense of mysticism. Gahan intones his harrowing psalm, torn apart by the chilling wails of an eerie counterpoint. It's "In Your Room", a jewel of rare beauty, and perhaps the best track in Depeche Mode's history.
The four from London are not satisfied with this and plunge headlong into the frenetic rhythm of "Rush", another memorable melody, the brainchild of Martin Gore's eclectic mind.
The discussion is closed by the vibrant tension of "Higher Love", a desperate conclusion to an album whose only flaw lies in some slight lapses in tone ("Get Right With Me", "Judas", or the syrupy "One Caress") without which it would have been undoubtedly a '90s gem.