Depeche Mode
The Best of Volume 1

THE REVIEW

I'm not going to talk about the aforementioned band here, which, in my opinion, had its enlightening moment around 1987 until the end of the '90s, when it rode the wave of the fresh '80s new wave, until it transformed into a darker ensemble more oriented towards rock. This hits compilation is not perfect; it has significant omissions ("Useless", "Policy Of Truth" and "In Your Room" above all), but it still manages to introduce the listener to the world of this fantastic band, to which I am very passionate.

It kicks off in great form with "Personal Jesus", one of the symbolic and peak songs of the group, with an unforgettable riff; it continues with "Just Can't Get Enough" and "Everything Counts": the first a catchy chart hit, while the second the first fundamental experiment of the group, rich in samples and with a splendid chorus. But with "Enjoy The Silence" the atmosphere becomes more magical: very dark but incredibly fascinating. Worth noting is "Shake The Disease", already appeared in an old hit from '85, like "See You", one of the first major successes of Depeche Mode.

But it's with "It's No Good" and "Dream On" that the group delivers further intense emotions: the first a masterpiece, the second almost seems like a 007 soundtrack, even if nothing exciting. Directly from "Some Great Reward" we have the intense and pounding "People Are People" and the memorable and acerbic "Master And Servants" (spectacular finale). Throughout the disc, the singles with the best commercial success of the DM in their various respective albums follow: the angry and gritty "I Feel You" and the hypnotic "Walking In My Shoes" directly from "Songs Of Faith And Devotion" (the album of rebirth), the splendid "Precious" and the controversial "Suffer Well" directly from "Playing The Angel", and other big hits ("Strangelove", "Never Let Me Down Again"), plus an unreleased track, not exceptional, but still effective ("Martyr").

So for those who want to approach Depeche Mode, give this album a listen, but don't rely primarily on these songs: Depeche Mode have done a lot...and they continue to do so always and only as they know how!

"Words are very unnecessary....they can only do harm!"