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Rating: The Singles 86>98 is a collection from the golden era of Depeche Mode; here we find some of the most beautiful songs by the English group. But beyond a collection of songs, we are also faced with the rise of a band, their explosion at a global level, their explosion (in the negative sense of the term) at a human level, and then their rebirth and continuation of their journey. The band's ascension is part of the 1986-1990 period where it is already evident that the group has class, that Martin Gore knows how to write, and that Dave Gahan can sing like a god.
It starts with "Stripped", a dark, black song where Dave's voice is heard and merges with Martin's in the finale, the piece captivates the listener, and the darkness of the song envelops the listener; truly a great start. A drum intro leads us to "A Question Of Lust", sung by Martin, it is certainly a very commercial, very melodic piece, in short, a hit parade; Martin sings well, but, at least for the reviewer, Dave's voice is preferred. Contrasted with "A Question Of Lust", we find "A Question Of Time", fast, danceable, lively: the whole band here is at their peak, and (oh my!) Dave's voice is very similar to that of an unlikely Marilyn Manson, surely this piece is one of the best tracks in the collection. We leave the Black Celebration period and dive headlong into Music For The Masses with the band increasingly approaching worldwide consecration (the album reached 10th place in the UK, 35th in the US). "Strangelove" is the first single released from the album; it is a catchy song, really well done. Then comes one of the most beautiful songs of the eighties and one of Depeche Mode's masterpieces, namely "Never Let Me Down Again", which, with that electric guitar intro supported by a massive drum, makes everyone, absolutely everyone, dance. Dave's singing is seductive, enveloping, the presence of this song alone is worth purchasing the collection. The final part of the song is sung by Dave and Martin: a masterpiece!! "Behind The Wheel" is also a dark, brooding track with the singing entrusted to the brain and arm of the band. The worldwide explosion of Depeche Mode occurs with Violator (2nd in the UK, 7th in the US) which, thanks to its singles, proves to be one of the best-selling Depeche records. It starts with "Personal Jesus" and Martin Gore's brilliant riff: a song that makes you dance, moves even the walls, thanks to the guitar and the very present drums, in short a masterpiece that still today makes fans jump at concerts. One masterpiece follows another, let's now talk about "Enjoy The Silence", a song of such beauty, of such minimalism that it's scary, a peak reached by Martin Gore, incredibly difficult to repeat twice (he managed... listen to "Precious"). "Policy Of Truth" and "World In My Eyes" then close the Violator period: certainly two good singles, with which the first CD ends. The second part of the collection is the worldwide explosion of the band; the pressure is now palpable and even in the 1993 album Songs Of Faith & Devotion, the tension is tangible. Another riff, less effective than "Personal Jesus", leads us to "I Feel You", where Gahan's voice reigns supreme; the song is very beautiful, and immediately you can hear that the band has somewhat set aside electronics to play with "real" instruments (let me use the term). A few piano notes introduce "Walking In My Shoes", which I find very moving, it really becomes difficult to hold back a few tears when listening to songs like these: beautiful, a jewel in DM's discography. "Condemnation" brings us to a more relaxed, more intimate atmosphere, a nice song where once again Dave's voice steals the spotlight. "In Your Room" is another gem, very dark as in the best DM tradition, once again trying to describe what you feel while listening to it is a vain endeavor, everyone here feels what they want and is swept away by the sea of notes that envelops the listener. After the worldwide explosion, there is the human explosion of Dave, who between 1993 and 1997 attempts suicide multiple times and nearly loses his life due to an overdose. The period is one of the darkest from a human standpoint while, paradoxically, the global success leads fans to demand a new album. A new album that indeed arrives in 1997 and marks the band's rebirth and Dave Gahan's return to new life (artistically and humanly). "Barrel Of A Gun" is very engaging, a very powerful drum and a very wah-wah guitar create a soundscape where Dave can begin again to do what he does best: sing."It's No Good" is a very commercial, very melodic song and certainly one of the best-executed tracks on the album. "Home" is a track introduced by a splendid drum part where Martin's voice joins in, a very interesting track with an ending that to call it superb is an understatement: worth a listen. The last single from Ultra is "Useless" with a very rock intro: a very engaging song that differs greatly from the English group's songs from the '80s. The continuation of the journey is entrusted to an unreleased track present in the album "Only When I Lose Myself", very dark, with Dave repeating endlessly "it's only when I lose myself, I lose myself". Also noteworthy is the presence of a touching "Little 15" and a live version of "Everything Counts".
This collection thus sums up twelve years lived dangerously, but, as in all good fairy tales, everything seems to have resolved for the best. The band will continue on their journey, later releasing Exciter in 2001 and Playing The Angel in 2005. I recommend it to those approaching the English band for the first time.
Tracklist and Lyrics
01 Stripped (03:51)
Come with me
Into the trees
We'll lay on the grass
And let the hours pass
Take my hand
Come back to the land
Let's get away
Just for one day
Let me see you
Stripped down to the bone
Let me see you
Stripped down to the bone
Metropolis
Has nothing on this
You're breathing in fumes
I taste when we kiss
Take my hand
Come back to the land
Where everything's ours
For a few hours
Let me see you
Stripped down to the bone
Let me see you
Stripped down to the bone
Let me hear you
Make decisions
Without your television
Let me hear you speaking
Just for me
Let me see you
Stripped down to the bone
Let me hear you speaking
Just for me
Let me see you
Stripped down to the bone
Let me hear you crying
Just for me
Let me see you
Stripped down to the bone
Let me hear you speaking
Just for me
03 A Question of Time (04:00)
I've got to get to you first
Before they do
It's just a question of time
Before they lay their hands on you
And make you just like the rest
I've got to get to you first
It's just a question of time
Well now you're only fifteen
And you look good
I'll take you under my wing
Somebody should
They've persuasive ways
And you'll believe what they say
It's just a question of time
It's running out for you
It won't be long
Until you do
Exactly what they want you to
I can see them now Hanging around
To mess you up
To strip you down
And have their fun
With my little one
It's just a question of time
It's running out for you
It won't be long
Until you do
Exactly what they want you to
It won't be long
Until you do
Exactly what they want you to
Sometimes I don't blame them
For wanting you
You look good
And they need something to do
Until I look at you
And then I condemn them
I know my kind
What goes on in our minds
It's just a question of time
It should be better
It's just a question of time
It should be better with you
It's just a question of time
04 Strangelove (03:47)
There'll be times
When my crimes
Will seem almost unforgivable
I give in to sin
Because you have to make this life liveable
But when you think I've had enough
From your sea of love
I'll take more than another riverfull
Yes, and I'll make it all worthwhile
I'll make your heart smile
Strangelove
Strange highs and strange lows
Strangelove
That's how my love goes
Strangelove
Will you give it to me
Will you take the pain
I will give to you
Again and again
And will you return it
There'll be days
When I'll stray
I may appear to be
Constantly out of reach
I give in to sin
Because I like to practice what I preach
I'm not trying to say
I'll have it all my way
I'm always willing to learn
When you've got something to teach
Oh and I'll make it all worthwhile
I'll make your heart smile
Pain will you return it
I'll say it again - pain
Pain will you return it
I'll say it again - pain
Pain will you return it
I'll say it again - pain
Pain will you return it
I won't say it again
Strangelove
Strange highs and strange lows
Strangelove
That's how my love goes
Strangelove
Will you give it to me
I give in
Again and again
I give in
Will you give it to me
I give in
I'll say it again
I give in
I give in
Again and again
I give in
That's how my love goes
I give in
I'll say it again
I give in
05 Never Let Me Down Again (04:22)
I'm taking a ride
With my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
He knows where he's taking me
Taking me where I want to be
I'm taking a ride
With my best friend
We're flying high
We're watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down
On the ground
I'm taking a ride
With my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
Promises me I'm as safe as houses
As long as I remember who's wearing the trousers
I hope he never lets me down again
We're flying high
We're watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down
On the ground
Never let me down, never let me down
Never let me down, never let me down
See the stars they're shining bright
Everything's alright tonight
06 Behind the Wheel (04:02)
My little girl
Drive anywhere
Do what you want
I don't care
Tonight
I'm in the hands of fate
I hand myself
Over on a plate
Now
Oh little girl
There are times when I feel
I rather not be
The one behind the wheel
Come
Pull my strings
Watch me move
I do anything
Please
Sweet little girl
I prefer
You behind the wheel
And me the passenger
Drive
I'm yours to keep
Do what you want
I'm going cheap
Tonight
You're behind the wheel, tonight
07 Personal Jesus (03:46)
Reach out and touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who's there
Feeling unknown
And you're all alone
Flesh and bone
By the telephone
Lift up the receiver
I'll make you a believer
Take second best
Put me to the test
Things on your chest
You need to confess
I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver
Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who's there
Feeling unknown
And you're all alone
Flesh and bone
By the telephone
Lift up the receiver
I'll make you a believer
I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver
Reach out and touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Reach out and touch faith
08 Enjoy the Silence (04:17)
Words like violence
Break the silence
Come crashing in
Into my little world
Painful to me
Pierce right through me
Can't you understand
Oh my little girl
All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
Vows are spoken
To be broken
Feelings are intense
Words are trivial
Pleasures remain
So does the pain
Words are meaningless
And forgettable
All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
Enjoy the silence...
09 Policy of Truth (05:14)
You had something to hide
You should have hidden it, shouldn't you
Now you're not satisfied
With what you've being put through
It's just time to pay the price
For not listening to advice
And deciding in your youth
On the policy of truth
Things could be so different now
It used to be so civilized
You will always wonder how
It could have been if you'd only lied
It's too late to change events
It's time to face the consequence
For delivering the proof
To the policy of truth
Never again is what you swore, the time before
Never again is what you swore, the time before
Now you're standing there tongue tied
You'd better learn your lesson well
Hide what you have to hide
And tell what you have to tell
You'll see your problems multiplied
If you continually decide
To faithfully pursue
The policy of truth
Never again is what you swore, the time before
10 World in My Eyes (03:57)
Let me take you on a trip
Arround the world and back
And you won't have to move
You just sit still
Now let your mind do the walking
Let my body do the talking
Let me show you the world in my eyes
I'll take you to the highest mountain
To the depths of the deepest sea
And we won't need a map, believe me
Now let my body do the moving
Let my hands do the soothing
Let me show you the world in my eyes
That's all there is
Nothing more than you can feel now
That's all there is
Let me put you on a ship
On a long, long trip
Your lips close to my lips
All the islands in the ocean
All the heavens in the motion
Let me show you the world in my eyes
That's all there is
Nothing more than you can touch now
That's all there is
Let me show you the world in my eyes
(repeat 6x)
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