Depeche ModeSounds of the Universe
[Mute/EMI]
# of spins (out of 5):
Depeche Mode is not a band who's know for pushing their own boundaries. They have an effecting sound that has worked for three decades now. And its obvious that this late in the game Dave Gahan and company aren't going to mix it up now. For those who aren't enamored by the band's retro-new-wave appeal - this album won't interest you. But for those who can't get enough of it, will be thrilled.
Sounds of the Universe sounds vaguely like every Depeche Mode that has come before it, which is why several of these new songs have a timeless, familiar quality to them, even on the first listen. A prime example is "Wrong" - a buzzing synthezizer laden track that echoes the band's pinchant for brooding pop-hooks.
"In Chains" and "Hole to Fee" show the band's playful side, as they seem to ironically play on their reputation as Mope Moguls. Both songs cut with emotional urgency eventhough they still seem over the top, even for Depeche Mode. "In Sympathy" is an aching analysis of someone dealing with the loss of a loved one. Gahan's lyrics brilliantly reflect the raw emotion that comes with saying an unexpected goodbye. While at the same time vividly recounting the speechlessness of friends who try in vain to help the narrator cope: "You're bright, you're strong/You know your right from wrong/At least to some degree/You're wise, you're tough/You've heard their lies enough/You smile in sympathy".
Sounds of the Universe won't convert Depeche Mode any new fans, but it certainly won't offend any of their old fans.
Previous Albums:
Speak & Spell
A Broken Frame
Construction Time Again
Some Great Reward
Black Celebration
Music for the Masses
Violator
Songs of Faith and Devotion
Ultra
Exciter
Playing the Angel
Sounds of the Universe
[Mute/EMI]
# of spins (out of 5):
Depeche Mode is not a band who's know for pushing their own boundaries. They have an effecting sound that has worked for three decades now. And its obvious that this late in the game Dave Gahan and company aren't going to mix it up now. For those who aren't enamored by the band's retro-new-wave appeal - this album won't interest you. But for those who can't get enough of it, will be thrilled.
Sounds of the Universe sounds vaguely like every Depeche Mode that has come before it, which is why several of these new songs have a timeless, familiar quality to them, even on the first listen. A prime example is "Wrong" - a buzzing synthezizer laden track that echoes the band's pinchant for brooding pop-hooks.
"In Chains" and "Hole to Fee" show the band's playful side, as they seem to ironically play on their reputation as Mope Moguls. Both songs cut with emotional urgency eventhough they still seem over the top, even for Depeche Mode. "In Sympathy" is an aching analysis of someone dealing with the loss of a loved one. Gahan's lyrics brilliantly reflect the raw emotion that comes with saying an unexpected goodbye. While at the same time vividly recounting the speechlessness of friends who try in vain to help the narrator cope: "You're bright, you're strong/You know your right from wrong/At least to some degree/You're wise, you're tough/You've heard their lies enough/You smile in sympathy".
Sounds of the Universe won't convert Depeche Mode any new fans, but it certainly won't offend any of their old fans.
Previous Albums:
Speak & Spell
A Broken Frame
Construction Time Again
Some Great Reward
Black Celebration
Music for the Masses
Violator
Songs of Faith and Devotion
Ultra
Exciter
Playing the Angel
Sounds of the Universe
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