Album Review - Depeche Mode "Sounds of the Universe"

It's no secret that my favorite musical act of all time is Depeche Mode. Dave Gahan's silky smooth, haunting baritone. Martin Gore's brilliant songwriting and musical prowess. Andy Fletcher's....well, no one really knows what Fletch does, but we love him anyway. :) They have been a fixture in the synth pop/alternative scene for nearly 30 years, beginning with the release of "Speak and Spell" in 1981. Their music is emotional, sensual, breathtaking, awe-inspiring, haunting, and just plain wonderful.

As the great actor Gary Oldman once said, "there are 3 reasons for getting up in the morning - drinks, a good script, and Depeche Mode."

The year 2009 brings us a new Depeche Mode album, the 12th studio album of their career. The album, "Sounds of the Universe," was produced by Ben Hillier, who produced DM's 2005 album "Playing the Angel" and who has also worked with Blur, Doves, and Elbow. The band focused on the use of primitive, outdated audio equipment for this album, attempting to bring a more retro-electro sound to the recording. On the band's website, Dave Gahan even remarked that "a new piece of equipment kept showing up to the studio in big boxes almost every day."

I was able to secure an advance copy of "Sounds of the Universe," which is due to be released in the US on April 21. Here's my track-by-track take on the new album (I won't bother with a silly 1-5 rating for each track, because I'm too biased. Hey, at least I admit it!):

1. "In Chains" - The album starts out on a rather bizarre note, with a dissonant collection of bleeps, bloops, and 80s synths. As you begin to wonder if the boys have somehow lost the plot (this drones on for about a full minute), the song actually kicks in with Gahan's familiar haunting voice, in fine form from the get-go. A slow n' sexy beat gradually kicks in and before you know it, you are nodding your head as the beat becomes more infectious by the second. This track would not have been out of place on 1997's "Ultra."

2. "Hole to Feed" - One of 3 tracks on this album written by Gahan, the first thing that jumps out at you is the minimalist, bluesy vibe. Also, it is apparent that the lyrics concern Gahan's addictive nature. The minimalism of the track is also emphasized by the use of the old, retro, analog equipment, as well as a prominent rock guitar. The lilting beat threatens to get stuck in your head for days.

3. "Wrong" - Quite simply, one of the classic DM tracks of all time. This will be a fan favorite, a concert favorite, and will be on the radio for years to come. One of those "appeal to the masses" type of tracks that stand the test of time. An obvious choice for first single, the boys got this one slam-dunk, spot-on perfect. At just over 3 minutes, I only selfishly wish the track could have gone on a little longer. And the video is all kinds of cool too:



4. "Fragile Tension" - Very good synth on this track that gives way to almost surf/rock out guitar on the chorus. An odd juxtaposition, but works well for whatever reason. I think Gore went a little loco in the head on his guitar work, but again, it works. :) He must have been channeling his inner Ted Nugent when he wrote this. I can definitely see multiple remixes of this track forthcoming.

5. "Little Soul" - I adore this track. Dave and Martin's voices intertwine beautifully and the ethereal surf guitar accompaniment is a gorgeous touch. Also present at the end of the track is a nice little Gore bluesy guitar solo. The lyrics are stunning as well: "My little soul will leave a footprint/I'm channeling the universe/It's focusing itself inside of me..."

6. "In Sympathy" - Very nice beat on this track - another one I can only assume will be heavily remixed. Awesome early 90s techno touches as well - brings to mind Orbital and Aphex Twin. I have read other reviews accusing the band of overpowering the synths with guitar on this track, but I don't see it all. The guitar isn't even brought in until late in the song, and it adds nicely to the building crescendo. One of my favorites.

7. "Peace" - Another straight duet on the chorus between Dave and Martin, which is always nice. Also, I believe Dave hits the highest note he's ever belted out in the history of DM on this track. Wowzers! Very uplifting and positive track, with lyrics suggesting a new sober lifestyle. "Peace will come to me/Just wait and see/Peace will come to me/It's an inevitability..." Break out the lighters when they play this one in concert.

8. "Come Back" - The second Dave Gahan-penned track on the album, and a wondrous offering. A drudging, plodding, absolutely crunching bass line with matching dark synths is paired perfectly with classic Gahan lyrical fare - is he singing about a lover or drugs? Impossible to know for sure, but this is definitely one to put on repeat for long, passionate candle-lit evenings with your favorite significant other.

9. "Spacewalker" - An odd little instrumental track, something that DM doesn't do a lot of. This one clocks in at under 2 minutes and is over almost before it starts. Kind of acts as an intermission to the last third of the album.

10. "Perfect" - This one harkens back to 80s pop, with images of Tears for Fears springing to mind when the chorus kicks in. That's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you think of TFF. ;) I happen to love them, so I'm perfectly OK drawing the comparison. Overall however, I would say this track doesn't really grab my attention like most of the others on the album. It just kind of wanders along and passes through your consciousness without really leaving an impression. Maybe that'll change on subsequent listens.

11. "Miles Away" - My attention has been grabbed again. This is more like it. A driving, bluesy beat with Gahan's aggressive baritone in full and unforgettable force. I love when he uses his voice like this. It's like he's singing through gritted teeth and putting every last ounce of his emotion into the track. This is the 3rd Gahan-penned track on "Sounds of the Universe". A definite album highlight.

12. "Jezebel" - Ahhhh, the standard Martin Gore solo track. A very good offering from Gore here. Awesome synths. I'm still not real sure what his obsession with women's clothing is all about, however. But I've been wondering about that since the mid 1980s, so it's no big deal. :)

13. "Corrupt" - What an album closer. One of the best tracks on the album, with hilariously lecherous lyrics: "I could corrupt you, it would be easy/Watching you suffer, girl it would please me..." This track could not be more classic DM if it tried. In fact, I almost wonder if this wasn't some long-lost outtake from the Violator recording sessions. A+++++.