Get Right With Depeche Mode

While "Songs of Faith and Devotion" may not have the punch of "Violator" or the spark of "Some Great Reward", with this early 90's release, DM proves their depth and talent as true musicians.



This is a truly amazing CD, without a doubt the most emotionally invested DM has ever been in any other prior or subsequent release.



Every track on here is phenomenal (excepting "Rush" and "One Caress" which, although solid, fall slightly below the quality of the remaining tracks and seem awkwardly out of theme). Beginning with "I Feel You" and ending with "Higher Love", DM create on "Faith & Devotion" a collection of tracks that appeal to the deeper, though not necessarily darker, corners of human emotion.



This disc is smart, poetic, contemplative, and the most advanced work DM has ever produced. It proves the band is to be taken seriously--more than just a left-over 80s synth-pop gimmick.

Misunderstood Genius

This is unquestionably DM's best album. As is often the case with an artist's best work, it is also their most misunderstood album. I can't recall how many long-time DM fans I've heard say that they didn't really care for anything after Violator. What a pity! Perhaps it is because this is Depeche Mode's most organic sounding album, with more guitar, live vocals, and live orchestral movements, than any other album. I suppose many DM fans prefer more purely synthetic music. Perhaps it's because this is DM's most soulful album ever, with Martin Gore's most profound lyrics to date, and Dave Gahan's most raw and emotional vocal performances ever. Perhaps it's just a little too deep for those who prefer to stay in the shallower waters of Depeche Mode's pop days.



One reviewer said that DM caved to the pressure to make a rock album. This is completely ridiculous. I'm guessing this "fan" isn't aware that the band's main songwriter, Martin Gore, started out playing blues and rock on an acoustic guitar, long before he ever played piano or picked up a keyboard. None of DM's fans were clamoring for a rock album. In fact, I would suggest that after fans failed to "get" this album, DM caved to FAN pressure and went back to doing more synthetic music.



Something that no one else seems to have understood is that this is a `concept' album. That's what's so TOTALLY AMAZING about this album, is how PROFOUND these lyrics are. This entire album is filled with phenomenal songs that compare the relationship between a man and a woman, to the relationship between man and God. Thus the title, Songs of FAITH and DEVOTION. That's also the reason for the gospel choir on many songs. If you never thought of the spiritual/religious connotations of these songs, go back and listen to them again, only this time imagine that Dave is singing to GOD, or that he is singing as if he is the voice of GOD talking to us, as in "Get Right With Me". Then listen to the album once more, imagining Dave singing to his lover and friends. Of course, with some songs, like the brilliant "Walking in My Shoes", or the powerful "Condemnation", Dave is railing against all of those who would judge him and damn him to hell for his sins. I can SO easily relate.



From beginning to end, every song on this album is amazing in it's profound lyrical depth, intense vocal performances, and incredibly intricate layers of musical textures and colours. Perhaps my favorites would be "Mercy In You", and "In Your Room". The guy who didn't get that song is clearly a fool, and not only for getting the title wrong. It's a song about emotional dependency: "I'm hanging on your words, living on your breath, feeling with your skin, will I always be here?" But it's also about the need for forgiveness: "In your room, your burning eyes cause flames to arise. Will you let the fire die down soon? Or will I always be here?" Again, this may be a little too deep for those in the kiddy pool. There is a darkness to the music of these songs, that envelops the listener, like a blanket - like the "comfort of being sad". If you've ever hurt someone that you loved because you made mistakes, this is the album for you, and especially these two songs.



As a songwriter, I am in awe of this album. This is one of those that I can put in when I get too impressed by my own talent and need my ego knocked down a notch or two. When I listen to these songs, I quickly realize that I'm not THERE yet. This album defines "Genius", when it comes to songwriting.

Your soul will fly. I'd give it 20 stars if I could!

Ever heard music so beautiful, so three dimensional, so layered with emotion, that you could cry? SOFAD will do it for you.



This is not the sequel to Violator, if that's what you were expecting. This is a unique stand alone DM album with a mind of its own. (But so worthy and in need of recognition.) It will take a good getting used to before you fall in love with this album. It took me a good month, and a good understanding of the lyrics before I was truly enlightened. Once you've understood though, you will find yourself completely sucked into this emotional realm of darkness, love, and faith.



With the exception of Condemnation, I love all the songs on this album. Each one takes on its own personality. Dave Gahan's voice is in the expected loud and luscious, but is absolutely the most intriguing, phenominal, and gorgeous that we've ever heard. He becomes a Michael Hutchence (INXS) on I Feel You. Mercy In You, one of my most favourite DM songs, just totally rocks. Higher Love takes me into another dimension. Martin Gore also has a couple of his own numbers. Now is it just me, or does One Caress have that Erasure 2 Ring Circus sound to it? You gotta love it though.



An experimental album for DM, but this is their absolute ultimate best. My most favourite indeed. Why this did not take off? I still have no idea?



People just don't get it...