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Rating:
LA RECENSIONE
In short, Depeche certainly don't make an album identical to another; they never have, and this one is no exception. Spirit is an album that disorients you on the first listen, right from the beautiful and powerful opening track "Going Backwards," but even by the second listen, it mesmerizes and hypnotizes you... Just like what happened to me with the latest Radiohead and David Bowie albums. The same feeling of discomfort but at the same time the desire to delve deeper. And so it goes... and listen after listen it gets under your skin, circulates through your veins, and slowly you become addicted and inevitably dependent on it. It had been since ULTRA that I hadn't perceived such a compact and dark album like SPIRIT. A dense, rough, bitter, and somewhat Lo-fi block. (intentionally, in my opinion) Far, very far from Delta Machine. Okay, I admit the influence of the Soulsavers sometimes takes over (which I personally don't mind at all...), although, and you can tell, Martin enjoys all of this... And it mingles with a certain electronic sound. In some tracks (like "So Much Love"), even some new-wave elements reminiscent of WIRE emerge. It's worth highlighting the new songwriting vein of Gahan, who perhaps delivers the most beautiful and evocative track of the album, "Cover Me," an intense electronic ballad between Pink Floyd and Kraftwerk. The sound impact is more compressed and profound, not by chance due to the new production. To be clear, I don't think there are memorable tracks, although "Where's the Revolution" (the most "commercial") has everything to become a Depeche classic. What else can I say? I’m glad our boys are always on point, not resting, not getting complacent by living off past glories and only doing self-celebrating concerts. They constantly challenge themselves with results that may or may not please. And this is to their credit for over 30 years of career. Well, I quite like this Spirit at the moment, and who knows, over time it might become indispensable as often, indeed, let’s say always, happens with Depeche Mode's albums, which, like wine, get better with age... But maybe it already is...??
Enjoy it, and not superficially
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Summary by Bot
Depeche Mode's Spirit is a dense, hypnotic album that challenges listeners with its dark electronic sound and new songwriting directions. It stands apart from previous releases with a raw and compact feel. Highlights include Dave Gahan's evocative 'Cover Me' and the potentially classic single 'Where’s the Revolution.' The album rewards repeated listening and may become essential in the band's discography.Tracklist 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 GrantNicholas
‘Spirit’ is an important album for Depeche Mode, marking a partial refresh of their sonic framework.
The aggressive 'Scum' is a real punch to the stomach that shoots a frantic mix of synths and supercharged bass.
By Avvelenata
"Oh no. No. No. No: it’s not possible."
When you love, even if the partner gets fat, loses hair, and starts getting wrinkles, you keep loving them just the same.
By mauriziodag
The Basildon trio switch their communicative register to take a clear and unequivocal 'political' stand, bluntly expressing their anger and thoughts to the world openly and without any filter.
'We have not evolved, We have no respect, We have lost control (...) We are going Backwards.'
By marcomaisetti
Spirit is not a political album, say Depeche Mode, but it harshly reproaches humanity for what it could have been and was not.
'Cover Me' is undoubtedly the album's pinnacle, with an emotional journey beyond the zenith, awaiting a new dawn.
